Ohio State student entrepreneurs Ian and Nikolas Harris recently traveled to Sydney, Australia, to present their startup, SPAERO Systems, at the 76th International Astronautical Congress. The event, held in a large conference hall near Darling Harbor, brought together researchers, inventors, and industry leaders from around the world, giving the brothers a global platform to showcase their innovation and explore new opportunities for their venture.
“Overall, it was a pretty incredible trip,” said Ian Harris, a first-year PhD student in nuclear engineering. “We went there mainly to network with folks in the wound care industry as well as the food industry because we were trying to build connections to expand the different industries that our device can reach. I was also presenting my undergraduate thesis that I finished this past spring.”
Ian’s thesis explored using ambient air ion thrusters to kill bacteria and fungi floating in the air, a concept that inspired the creation of SPAERO Systems’ handheld device, SWAN (Sterilizing Wand for Antimicrobial Neutralization). The device uses battery-powered cold plasma technology to sanitize wounds, surfaces, and even food, offering applications both on Earth and in space, where microbial contamination can pose serious health risks in confined environments.
For Nikolas Harris, a culinary entrepreneurship major focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation, the congress offered unparalleled networking opportunities.
“It was incredible. I was able to network on SPAERO’s side of things and connect with all the individuals we had originally met last year at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan. Some incredible entrepreneurs like Flavia Fayet Moore and even creators from OSU that we had never met before. It was a really unique experience and truly once in a lifetime.”
The brothers said the congress allowed them to connect with a wide range of professionals who could provide insights into both the healthcare and food industries, helping them think strategically about the next steps for their venture.
“It was not a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it was the kind of experience where we got to take away so much,” Nikolas added.
The Australia trip builds on the Harris brothers’ previous international experience presenting at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy. “Our very first time presenting internationally was last fall in Milan,” Ian said. “That was our first experience with international travel, which was phenomenal. We’re very thankful for the experience to travel down under and just see that culture.”
The brothers first gained attention with SPAERO Systems through Ohio State’s Best of Student Startups (BOSS) competition, which showcases innovative ventures and helps students bring ideas to life.
They also reflected on the pace at which their venture is growing. “We’re really trying to move as quickly as we can because we see the value in the product and we want to get it out there so it can start helping people as quickly as possible,” Ian said.
SPAERO Systems has its roots in Ohio State’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, with guidance and mentorship from the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. Cheryl Turnbull, director of the Keenan Center, said, “The Harris brothers are a great example of Ohio State students using research and innovation to tackle real challenges. Their work with SPAERO Systems demonstrates how our students can take ideas from the classroom to the global stage.”