An innovation collaboration between pump technology firm Grundfos and Novozymes, an expert in enzymes and microorganisms, aims to come up solutions to the problem of water scarcity.
The partnership takes place on HelloScience.io, a site (an “online universe” says the announcement) launched by Novozymes in September 2017 which seemingly facilitates entrepreneurs, startups and others to 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.
A December press release from Novozymes announced the collaboration. It said four specific challenges would 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/
