W-Lab hosted its second Technology Showcase this month, focusing on the ‘Nature’ Frame which addressed the goal, “How might we find cost-effective alternative water supplies, manage stormwater and limit our extraction of freshwater from the natural environment?”

Pat Donovan, CEO at Water Corporation, kicked off the Power Hour, highlighting the ways in which Water Corporation has explored alternative water sources. Attendees then heard from six selected technologies that offer cost-effective and viable means to address W-Lab member goals. 

Over 100 W-Lab members participated in the three day Showcase Event which included provocateur addresses, technical presentations, networking sessions, engaging table discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions. The success of the event was captured by some early reflections, including:

“Wow, really slick, interactive and very impressive!”

“We have some great takeaways from the tech presented at W-Lab that I can advise to others in the business. It gives water utilities a vision of what direction the industry is taking and how the technology assists us in the delivery of safe reliable drinking water. It helps water utilities filter through the many technologies out there that is a huge help on our journey together as a collaborative water industry.”

“The 2nd Technology Showcase put forward six really captivating technologies. Not every technology is right for every water utility, but once again there was one stand-out that really piqued our interest and got a few people talking. We’re now going to investigate how to use one of the Showcase technologies to either validate, or work in conjunction with, one of our in-house innovations.”

Based on the focus areas identified by the members in 2020, a global call to market was sent out, resulting in over 70 technologies being identified and funneled through a rigorous due diligence process which shortlisted 14 suitable technologies. Next, a panel consisting of W-Lab members reviewed the shortlist to arrive at six solutions that best fit our local water industry’s needs.

Core Innovation Focus:

  1. NX Filtration (“Explore the potential and benefits of recycled water”)
  2. FIDO AI (“Leak management”)

Adjacent Innovation Focus:

  1. 3RWater (“Maximize the potential of stormwater”)
  2. Clarity Aquatic (“Optimize the use of traditional water sources by developing new sources”)

Transformational Innovation Focus:

  1. Hydrovolta (“Decentralized desalination”)
  2. Desalitech (“Purified recycled water for drinking”)

The next phase of the program will move from theory to practice as the W-Lab team consults participants and Panel members to provide scope for collaborative trials and identify which of these technologies will progress towards the development of business cases.

If you would like to find out more about W-Lab or its membership, please contact Victoria Allen

26 Mar 2021

Victoria Allen

Victoria Allen

Executive Assistant