January 2022 - Pitch day
This was the chance to pitch to our senior leadership to win a place on the programme.
Meet our Innovation Lab 4 finalists
Autonomous vehicles that collect and analyse water samples, an app to manage valve operations and a bacterial water scanner are just some of the pioneering technologies to be selected for further development through United Utilities’ latest Innovation Lab. This is the fourth lab for United utilities, in conjunction with L Marks, Innovation specialists.
This Innovation Lab saw companies from across the world, submit their ideas for the categories of Digital Network Business, Energy Efficiency, Net Zero and Natural solutions, and Wildcard. We had over 100 ideas submitted and 30 were selected to virtually pitch their ideas.
The winning technologies will now be developed during the next 12 weeks, giving the developers unrivalled access to our expertise, processes, data and resources to help co-develop and enhance their products. The companies will then present their final products at a demonstration day. After that, we’ll agree the best relationship for the long term.
Altitude Thinking
Altitude Thinking from Grangemouth has developed a series of autonomous, remotely operated vehicles to collect water quality samples and data.
Automutatio
Automutatio from Hailsham has developed data management tools to drive improvements in safety performance.
ClearWater Sensors
ClearWater Sensors from Southampton for their portable battery-powered submersible chemical sensors which can be used for long-term and real-time water chemistry monitoring.
Previsico
Previsico, from Loughborough has developed a warning system for surface water and ordinary water course floods using live hydrodynamic modelling software to generate flood forecasts using cutting edge forecasting technology.
Smartvalve
Smartvalve from Lincoln has developed an app to manage and monitor manual valve operations. By ensuring all valve operations are carried out efficiently it reduces the creation of transient pressure which means fewer bursts, leaks and water discolouration events.
VBact
VBact from Israel has developed a bacterial water scanner which provides real-time continuous automated bio monitoring for water quality and safety applications.
Innovation Lab 4 process and timeline
April 2022 - Programme start
The 12-week intensive collaboration starts here, supported by external mentors.
June 2022 - Midpoint review
Check in on how our finalists are getting on and an opportunity to share progress.
July 2022 - Demo day
Where finalists showed how working together has developed their ideas over the past 12 weeks.