Eco-friendly purification of water – UV light is already being used to kill water-borne germs but the light sources used for this purpose are still predominantly mercury vapor lamps. UV LEDs have so far proved unattractive for reasons of cost. The aim of the UNIQUE project funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Media, Energy and Technology is therefore to develop high-power UV LEDs for industrial use. The project, which is being coordinated by Osram Opto Semiconductors, involves five Bavarian companies and research institutions.