Queensland Urban Utilities is the first Australian organisation to be invited to join WaterStart, a US agency which brings together global leaders in the implementation of water innovation.
Based at the Desert Research Institute in Las Vegas, WaterStart connects water and wastewater providers with technology companies around the world to bring about innovative solutions to industry challenges and opportunities.
Queensland Urban Utilities Innovation Research and Development Manager, Col Chapman, said becoming a member of WaterStart was an exciting milestone.
“Since launching our Innovation Program in 2013, we’ve made a concerted effort to embed innovation across our business,” Mr Chapman said.
“At the moment, our Innovation Program is delivering 63 initiatives, of which six key projects are targeting anticipated benefits of up to $4 million in efficiencies, savings and offsets for our business.
“Working with WaterStart will allow us to tap into research and technology around the world and give us an opportunity to share insights from our Innovation Program with international partners.”
WaterStart Executive Director, Nathan Allen, said the organisation was excited to work with Queensland Urban Utilities to enter the Australian market.
“Water and wastewater utilities around the world face common challenges and WaterStart enables companies to come together to innovate and share their findings with the Industry,” Mr Allen said.
“Queensland Urban Utilities has a reputation for commitment to innovation, so we’re looking forward to sharing their research and development initiatives with the WaterStart Community.”
Mr Allen said the agreement was also good news for Australia’s start-up community.
“This agreement could provide opportunities for technology companies solving challenges in the Australian water and wastewater industry to be introduced to the market in the United
States.”
WaterStart was set up in 2013 to provide channels for water innovation by leveraging Nevada’s water expertise, capability and leadership in the academic, public and the private sector. It operates in a region of proven first adopters that are sitting at the nexus of technology, research and economic development.
