Manchester-based water treatment company Arvia Technology has won the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) North West Innovation Award.
The University of Manchester spin-out offers a low carbon, chemical and waste free process for the onsite treatment and recycling of industrial waste water.
The technology captures pollutants using Nyex, Arvia’s patented material and then destroys them by applying a low-power electric current.
Arvia says this combined function is an innovation first and also 90 per cent cheaper than conventional techniques.
Chair of the judging panel, Unilver’s Malcolm Sarstedt said: “We were very impressed with the number and consistent high standard of entries – demonstrating that the north west of England is still a hot bed of innovation.
“Sustainability is now a key driver for change, and Arvia has not only achieved effective, sustainable water treatment, but also significant cost benefits compared to competing technologies. This is an excellent example of the sort of innovation that industry is looking to apply.”
Arvia’s chief executive Martin Keighley said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win this award, particularly as entrants were drawn from all industries. For Arvia to be recognised in the face of such stiff competition is a great achievement.”
Keighley recently attended the launch of the Government’s new National Innovation Investment Fund at the London Stock Exchange.
Arvia, whose customers include water utility and ground water remediation companies, was one of only four companies invited to attend and offer their vision for the future of high-tech venture capital investment in the UK to an audience which included science minister Lord Drayson and business secretary Lord Mandelson.
Source: Crains Manchester Business
www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk
