“A3 Surfaces has designed a process that incorporates and seals an antimicrobial agent in aluminium. We were topical before COVID-19, we are even more today.” - Dr. Guy Leblanc, Vice-President and Medical Advisor - A3 Surfaces
A3 Surfaces, a start-up based in Saguenay, Quebec, developed a ground-breaking technology that can transform aluminium products into antimicrobial surfaces capable of eliminating the risks of bacterial and viral disease transmission in a matter of seconds to a few minutes. Applying this technology in hospitals, public transports and other public areas could help prevent the next pandemic.
Alcircle: What’s your initial thought about the impact of COVID-19 on the global aluminium value chain?
Dr Guy Leblanc: We believe the impact, in the long run, will be negligible in regard of the COVID-19. The impact on aluminium business will mainly be related to the change of paradigm in transportation (Autonomous EV) and in a more durable building with more efficient HVAC and insulation. The game-changer will be in technology that will make the prime aluminium a cleaner material to produce.
Alcircle: How much has this pandemic impacted your business?
Dr Guy Leblanc: A3S start-up technology will be propelled in the major league with high demand in a multibillion-dollar business.
Alcircle: How different do you think the world would be in a post-COVID scenario?
Dr Guy Leblanc: World will adapt. In the seventies, I used to fly like taking a corner bus. I stopped many planes on the tarmac to get on board after a run through the gates. After terrorism attacks, security and scanning process was implemented in the airport. Today in spite of lengthy check constraint, flights have been increased tenfold.
With the current COVID-19 pandemic, we can see that the technology developed by A3 Surfaces could make a difference in the event of an epidemic or pandemic.
Its reach extends beyond the hospital setting. It could also help to curb the spread in cruise ships as well as busy public places and services: such as public transportation, schools, elderly centres, food processing plants, businesses, and many others. We see the post-COVID-19 period as an opportunity for the development of our company. As after every crisis, the world will adapt and we intend to be part of the solutions that will be put forward.
In parallel, A3 Surfaces is working with the Chicoutimi Hospital to further demonstrate the technology’s efficiency in a hospital setting. A hospital room has been fully outfitted with A3 Surfaces material and the company just received approval from Health Canada to conduct a pilot project. This project will help us to develop our market.
On the research front, experts from the Université de Sherbrooke’s Department of Microbiology and Infectiology are working on a research proposal to test the antimicrobial effects of anodized aluminium on SARS-COV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Since the vaccine for COVID-19 has not been developed, if we can prove the efficiency of our products against this virus, our technology will be among the best tools to curb the spread, should new waves of epidemics occur.
Alcircle: Is COVID-19 making you reconsider your expansion or investment plans in the years ahead?
Dr Guy Leblanc: The opposite. It is a unique opportunity to expand quickly on a 10%/y growing market.
Alcircle: Do you foresee any changes in the way you reach out to your customers now?
Dr Guy Leblanc: Yes. Obviously the videoconferencing got a jump start with software (Jump, Webex,etc.) way more efficient than they used to be. Body language is missing which is a major issue in establishing trust with partners and customers. I believe the Gaming industry will come with a holographic videoconferencing that will make up for human contact in business. The travel business will have to adapt. It will be a major change in the travel industry.
We are already accustomed to dealing with our customers at a distance. Travel restrictions that may be in force for some time are therefore unlikely to incur any significant changes for A3 Surfaces.
However, we believe that the perception of our product will change. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of keeping public places clean and, most importantly, the importance of disinfection. More than ever, our antimicrobial aluminium is part of the solution in the fight against epidemics and pandemics. This speech will certainly be more present in our discourse with our customers.
Alcircle: Have you developed/implemented any mitigation plans and strategies to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on operations?
Dr Guy Leblanc: The teamwork has become a major issue. You got to install trust at all level. Supervision is out, high-level autonomy is in. Written communication is back and we have to be more specific and more precise, chose wording that transmits the right emotional situation. The winners will be the master of communication with people you do not meet!
Alcircle: Could you please brief us your post COVID19 business strategies, if any?
Dr Guy Leblanc: A3S business is in self-sanitizing surfaces such as fixtures, furniture, wall etc. Base on targeted sectors, A3S has salespersons on the road. The main job is to identify decision-makers in a complex labyrinth of the procurement system of potential customers. Now they are planning/organizing videoconferencing and dealing with paperwork such as NDA and commercial MOU and making sales over the phone and internet. The web will grow tenfold.
