New collaboration aims to solve global water challenges

By combining biology and pump technology, the global companies Novozymes and Grundfos have entered into an open innovation collaboration with the hope of making a tangible contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.

The partnership takes place on the online universe launched by Novozymes in September 2017 called HelloScience.io, where entrepreneurs, startups and others can connect with industry.

“This is a great opportunity. Partnering with Grundfos opens new possibilities for Novozymes, the HelloScience platform and its users. Until now, we have been able to connect the startups and academics, who are part of this network, with our knowledge about enzymes and microorganisms, and allowing them to use samples in their work, but now we can also connect them with Grundfos’ expertise in water treatment”, says Claus Crone Fuglsang, Senior Vice President, Research & Technology at Novozymes.

The two companies announced their collaboration yesterday. Four specific challenges will be posted online, allowing all in the HelloScience community to pitch their ideas on how to secure clean water for more people – and receive sparring, input and assistance from both Novozymes and Grundfos. The two companies seek solutions to remove polluting chemicals from water and improve cleaning of wastewater. That includes better filtering, less sludge, and recovery of phosphate, a precious nutrient, from wastewater.

“This is an excellent chance to see what we can do in combination with Novozymes. Adding biotechnology to what we can do in for instance digital dosing might very well open brand-new possibilities for e.g. water treatment. And while we strengthen our connection with Novozymes, we also get an opportunity to review fresh takes on the water challenges from all over the world. We need new partnerships to solve these great challenges, and this is another step down that road”, says Lars Enevoldsen, Group Vice President, Technology & Innovation at Grundfos.

You can browse HelloScience and take a closer look at the challenges here: https://helloscience.io/

Sources: State of Green, Novozymes and Grundfos