Connect-UV Founder Nic Brown on Arizona Horizon

Ted Simons of Arizona Horizon, took time this week to talk to Nic Brown about his company Connect-UV. Nic was inspired by seeing charging stations at Nordstrom years ago. He thought then that there is a market for solutions that charged and sanitized at the same time. After his donation to Notre Dame Prep, PBS wanted to talk to Nic about his idea and his company.

You can watch the full Arizona Horizon interview here.

Nic Brown is a junior at Notre Dame Prep. He noticed how iPhones, tablets and other personal devices were magnets for dirt and germs. Nic thought there had to be a way to keep personal devices clean but without harmful chemicals. His solution was to use UV-C light, a powerful microbe killer. We spoke with Nic about his “Connect UV” concept.

After learning about how to sanitize using ultra-violet light, Brown’s thoughts went to how the concept could help in combatting COVID-19.

Although sanitizing with UV-C light has been around for years, Brown’s concept helps with personal items. The company, Connect UV, offers two products with UV-C light. One is a sanitizing wireless charger that can sanitize your phone in less than 15 minutes. The other product is catered more to other personal devices like a mask or wallet. According to Brown, he suggests using the device at least every day.

Brown thought of the idea about three years ago. When the pandemic began, the idea was brought to life after realizing everyone was now more conscious of the germs around them.

“We used the pandemic as leverage and that’s how we’ve grown so big today,” Brown said.

Teen entrepreneur’s business busts germs

Nic Brown is only 17 and already owns two businesses.

Even before he turned 17 on Feb. 24, Notre Dame Prep junior Nic Brown could add “entrepreneur” to his early resume.

He already had a car-detailing business and from that has come up with a company that fights germs.

His company, Connect UV sells products that rely on powerful microbe-killing UV-C light.

UV-C light is naturally occurring shortwave light created by the sun, that is filtered by the atmosphere before it can reach the earth. According to the FDA, this powerful light destroys the DNA in microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, rendering the agents unable to reproduce or infect.

“I first discovered UV-C light when I was researching cleaning methods for my car detailing company,” Nic said. “When COVID hit, I realized that I was in a position to help solve the problem of harmful germs on day-to-day items. And Connect UV was born.”

The whole idea behind Connect UV is for people to connect, clean and charge.

“While mobile devices are stored in Connect UV sterilizing charging carts, my hope is that people will connect with each other instead of staring at the phones, and their phones will get sanitized and charged at the same time,” he said.

Nic donated three industrial UV sanitizing carts and 12 desktop units to Notre Dame Prep on his birthday.

“What a great testimony to the faith of our school, that Nic would give back to Notre Dame Prep on his birthday,” said Lisa Johnston, NDP finance director.

“We also encourage our students to be innovative thinkers and leaders. We are very proud of Nic’s entrepreneurial spirit and our ability to share his hard work with others,” she added.

Notre Dame Prep has taken many safety measures to remain open for in-person learning since Sept. 8.

“Nic’s generous gift provides us with another means for reducing the spread of viruses,” Johnston said, noting his devices sanitize other items such as keys, masks and glasses.

When Nic entered Notre Dame Prep as a freshman, he was enrolled in the school’s Gonzaga Program for students with academic promise but need a little help acclimating to its rigorous college preparatory curriculum.

“I was really struggling at first, but the Gonzaga Program and my teachers helped me get caught up and I’m so grateful for that,” he said.

Now Nic has matriculated into honors and AP classes and has excelled in entrepreneur class and personal finance.

“Without the Gonzaga Program, I would not be where I am today,” he added.

“I’ve always been inspired by great entrepreneurs,” he said. “I’m always thinking of the next thing.”

Connect UV sells products ranging from sanitizing lamps and boxes for home use, to large charging lockers and carts for school and business use. The company’s mission is to allow people to charge, clean and connect safely and easily.