Cleankeys is about to revolutionize the way medical professionals work. The flat, one-wipe-clean keyboard, designed and manufactured in Edmonton, is set to become the new global standard in keyboard infection control. Of all common surfaces, keyboards are one of the most germ-infested - filthier even than public toilet seats according to many studies. In hospitals, keyboards are known to spread infection more than any other surface. Considering more than 100 000 North Americans die from hospital-acquired infections every year, Cleankeys could save lives.

Clinical trials prove that a single wipe with a disinfecting cloth on Cleankeys’ smooth surface kills 99% of all bacteria. The same test on standard plastic and rubber keyboards eliminates less than 5%.

Global infection control experts are giving Cleankeys rave reviews. “Cleankeys ticks all my boxes for infection control,” says Ron Moody, Health and Safety Manager, National Health Service, UK. “Nothing can be caught or trapped in the keyboard. And with the built-in mouse, it’s the perfect solution.”

“Viruses like H1N1 and other infectious diseases are spread most commonly through people’s hands and shared computer keyboards - but Cleankeys helps stop that spread,” says Randy Marsden, CEO of Cleankeys Inc. “Most keyboards aren’t used by just one person. Think clinics, schools, food services - any place people share computers. You can share this keyboard without sharing your germs.”

Marsden has pioneered specialized computing technologies for people with disabilities for more than two decades. Muhammad Ali and Christopher Reeve are two of the millions who have benefitted from Marsden’s products including the OnScreen keyboard in Microsoft Windows. Reeve was full of praise, “The assistive technology provided is amazing in its ability to erase the boundaries of disability.” Marsden is co-founder of Swype, the cutting-edge text-input software used in Samsung smart phones.

Cleankeys’ international success is a testament to Alberta’s commitment to economic diversification. The company was founded in 1988 with funding from the National Research Council’s IRAP program and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.

Cleankeys Inc.