Interview with Sprayify: The Latvian Startup Transforming Surface Protection with Next-Gen Antimicrobial Coatings

Sprayify, a rapidly emerging innovator from Latvia, is redefining how we think about surface protection through long-lasting, next-generation antimicrobial coatings. 

In our discussion with the team, they shed light on the technological gaps their solutions address, the research driving their latest advancements, and the sustainability principles guiding their development process.

Sprayify’s co-founder Rihards Ruska also offered insightful perspectives on the opportunities they see in Japan and how their participation in Innovation Leaders Summit Tokyo 2025 aligns with Sprayify’s broader global strategy.

Sprayify Team - Rihards Ruska, Roberts Kampe and Toms Elvijs Šusts

To begin, could you introduce Sprayify and share what makes your technology stand out in the industry?

Rihards: Absolutely. Sprayify develops next-generation antimicrobial coatings designed to provide long-lasting, continuous protection. In real-world conditions, our solutions have shown effectiveness for up to six months, significantly outperforming traditional disinfectants. Instead of offering a few minutes of effect, our spray-on coatings create a protective layer that actively inhibits microbial growth over extended periods. We currently offer two solutions: Dezosil, an antimicrobial coating effective against bacteria and viruses, and Fungosil, an antifungal coating specifically designed to prevent mold growth. Our team combines expertise in chemistry, physics, and economics to deliver solutions that are both highly effective and easy to apply across a wide range of surfaces.

Sprayify Product - Fungosil

And how does this technology improve both efficiency and sustainability in antimicrobial applications?

Rihards: Our coatings address a key gap in current disinfection methods. Traditional disinfectants work on many surfaces but lack long-term protection. On the other hand, UV lamps offer longer-lasting performance but pose health risks and are ineffective on areas not directly exposed.Our technology bridges these shortcomings by providing safer, long-lasting protection that enhances both efficiency and sustainability in daily hygiene practices.

Sustainability seems to be a strong focus for Sprayify. How do you incorporate eco-conscious practices into your technology and business strategy?

Rihards: For us, sustainability is considered at every stage – from formulation to application. We base our approach on two main pillars:

• Efficiency – We design formulations that achieve maximum results with minimal product use.

• Safety – We select ingredients that protect both users and the environment.

This ensures our products remain effective, responsible, and aligned with long-term environmental goals.

How does Sprayify stay ahead in such a fast-moving technological landscape?

Rihards: We consistently monitor global developments and conduct ongoing market research. But beyond following trends, we actively invest in our own R&D. For instance, we recently partnered with the Institute of Solid State Physics at the University of Latvia under the national BioPhoT initiative. Together, we are developing luminescent antimicrobial coatings that allow users to visually monitor when a coating needs replacement – ensuring continuous protection and better hygiene management.

You work with a wide range of industries. How do you adapt your technology to the needs of sectors like healthcare, food safety, or manufacturing?

Rihards: We collaborate closely with industrial partners to understand their challenges and tailor our solutions to their needs. Many of our current products and research initiatives were shaped through these interactions.We also explore related fields to broaden our expertise. For example, our antifungal solution for car mats was developed after working with a local car rental company facing recurring mold issues.

What emerging technology trends excite you most, and how are these reflected in Sprayify’s products?

Rihards: We are particularly excited about the growing autonomy of smart coatings. They reduce the need for manual maintenance and cut long-term costs. Our self-disinfecting coatings are a great example.We’re also exploring self-cleaning and self-healing coatings to enhance antimicrobial performance and durability.Right now, our main research focus is on condition-monitoring coatings that can signal when they need to be replaced, adding a new layer of intelligence and reliability.

Looking ahead, what is Sprayify’s long-term vision?

Rihards: Our goal is to lead the surface protection industry by creating environments where surfaces are not just clean but actively self-protecting. We believe in proactive hygiene solutions and remain committed to advancing antimicrobial chemistry to offer products that are effective, easy to use, and long-lasting.

What draws Sprayify to the Japanese market, and what opportunities do you hope to explore here?

Rihards: Japan is known for its high standards of quality and precision – values that also shape our products. This makes us very optimistic about entering the Japanese market.By participating in ILS, we hope to better understand the specific needs of Japanese consumers and industries and adapt our solutions accordingly. We also look forward to learning from Japan’s highly innovative chemical sector, which could inspire future developments.

Are there any Japanese industries or trends that align particularly well with Sprayify’s products?

Rihards: Absolutely. Japan’s humid climate creates ongoing challenges with mold and microbial growth, both in households and industrial settings. These are exactly the problems our coatings are designed to address.We’re actively seeking partnerships with importers, distributors, and research institutions – and we’re open to further collaborations across a variety of sectors.

Sprayify Product - Dezosil

How are you preparing to meet Japan’s regulatory standards and customer expectations?

Rihards: Having already navigated the complexity of the EU regulatory framework, we feel confident about entering Japan. Our initial review shows that the process is less complicated and the market is not over-regulated. We also recognize the importance of industry certifications such as SIAA (KOHKIN), which greatly support consumer trust. With proven effectiveness and strong customer feedback, we plan to combine certification with transparent performance results to build confidence among Japanese users.

Which industries benefit most from Sprayify’s solutions, and what applications will you highlight at ILS 2025?

Rihards: Any sector where microbial contamination causes issues can benefit from our technology. Key areas include food production and healthcare, where hygiene is critical. We also see growing interest among households, especially for bathroom applications to prevent mold and maintain a healthier environment.

Could you share a success story that illustrates your technology’s real-world impact?

Rihards: We’ve received many encouraging stories from clients. One user shared how their bathroom floor mat stayed clean far longer after applying our coating. Another customer thanked us for eliminating recurring mold from bathroom tiles. A B2B partner also highlighted how our fast deliveries and product effectiveness helped their clients address mold in construction-affected basements.These stories remind us that our success is directly tied to the success of our users and partners.

How can attendees connect with Sprayify during ILS and learn more about your innovations?

Rihards: Visitors can find us at the Latvia stand throughout the event. Our team will be available to showcase our latest antimicrobial coatings, offer demonstrations, and discuss partnership opportunities.For those unable to attend, full product information is available on our website, and I can always be reached at rihards@sprayify.me.

Finally, how important is the Innovation Leaders Summit for Sprayify’s visibility and growth in Asia and beyond?

Rihards: ILS plays a key role in strengthening our visibility and accelerating our expansion into Asia. It gives us the opportunity to present our technology to an international audience, meet potential partners and investors, and deepen our understanding of regional needs.Early conversations and increased visibility are essential as we move into the Asian market, and we look forward to forming new collaborations and contributing to cleaner, safer environments worldwide.