Innovate UK

Veolia is a global leader in resource management, specializing in water, waste, and energy solutions. The company operates across various sectors, including industrial, commercial, and municipal markets, providing services such as waste management, industrial cleaning, and energy recovery. With a workforce of approximately 179,000 employees, Veolia is dedicated to contributing to the sustainable development of communities and industries worldwide. Its comprehensive approach includes developing access to essential resources, preserving existing resources, and renewing them. Veolia serves millions of people, ensuring access to drinking water and sanitation, while also engaging in recycling and remediation services across diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and construction. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and maintains a significant presence on five continents.

Puraffinity was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in London. The company specialises in the design of advanced materials, and has developed a bio-based novel adsorbent capable of removing highly challenging pollutants from contaminated water and wastewater. The technology utilises advanced supramolecular chemistry methods to functionalise bio-based materials designed to bind target chemicals. The company is at the forefront of developing solutions for overcoming imminent water quality challenges, whilst sustainable and positive environmental impact lies at the heart of the company’s ethos.

Skipping Rocks Lab is a London-based startup that develops natural and biodegradable packaging for liquids made from seaweed extract. It has developed Ooho!, an edible water bottle alternative to plastic bottles. Skipping Rocks Lab was co-founded by graduates from Imperial College and Royal College of Art and is currently incubated in the Climate KIC accelerator.

Cascade Water Products Ltd specializes in micro-greywater recycling systems designed to reduce water consumption for businesses. The company's innovative technology enables clients to achieve greater water efficiency by recycling domestic greywater, thus helping them save on water and energy bills while also lowering their carbon footprint. Cascade's systems are characterized by their low energy requirements, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation and maintenance, making them an attractive option for enterprises looking to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency.

HyDIME is an Innovate UK funded project that uses an environmentally friendly form of hydrogen as a fuel for a commercial ferry operating between Shapinsay and Kirkwall in Orkney. The project aims to make waves in the marine industry by proving the safe integration and use of hydrogen on vessels. One of HyDIME’s goals is the design and physical integration of a hydrogen injection system on a commercial passenger and vehicle ferry which will be the first of its kind worldwide. The project uses cleanly produced hydrogen from renewable energy. Excess energy generated from Orkney’s abundance of wind and tidal power is being used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis, resulting in carbon-free, ’green’ hydrogen. The HyDIME project provides a stepping stone to accelerate and de-risk future hydrogen marine projects and will contribute towards growing the hydrogen economy in the UK.

G2O is a UK-based graphene innovation and application company whose patented technology is aimed at tackling the world’s water shortage.