Liverpool Science Park News & Press

A UNIVERSITY of Manchester spin-out which has developed a chemical-free way of recycling domestic grey water has won an £100,000 prize to help develop it's technology.

Arvia Technology secured the cash after winning the Competition for Disruptive Solutions - a competition run by the Technology Strategy Board.

Arvia was one of 12 finalists picked to pitch to a board of judges at the Innovate10 event in London earlier this week. The company, which is based at Liverpool Science Park, has developed a patented material called Nyex® which removes organic pollutants from water.

The pollutants are then destroyed using low-power regeneration, leaving no waste for disposal. The treatment and regeneration process takes place on-site and the company said it is up to 90% more cost-effective than conventional techniques.

"It is a thrill and an honour to win what is a unique and fiercely-contested competition," said Arvia Technology's CEO Martin Keighley. "The big challenge for Arvia, as it for any business developing disruptive environmental technology, is breaking into the mainstream.

"Only through mass adoption can we make a difference on a large scale, particularly when it comes to grey-water, as we're potentially talking about billions of homes and businesses worldwide. This award and the funding that goes with it is another important step in achieving this."

Iain Gray, chief executive of the technology strategy board, said: "This is the first time that we have run a competition in this way, with early stage video pitches and the final stage being decided by a live panel of judges and members of the audience and we are very pleased with the outcome."