ECCI start-up in the MSDUK Innovation Challenge final
ECCI start-up Waterwhelm has been shortlisted in the MSDUK Innovation Challenge - the initiative that connects UK Ethnic Minority-owned businesses to corporate supply chains.
Currently taking part in ECCI's Climate-KIC Accelerator, Waterwhelm’s patent-pending solution is a unique, self-powered process for wastewater treatment and desalination - turning wastewater into freshwater while generating renewable energy and fertiliser - and ideal for use in small and remote communities. Founding Director Alireza Abbassi Monjezi was previously a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Edinburgh.
In June the company won £15,000 in the Young EDGE Award, the award for entrepreneurs under the age of 30 in Scottish EDGE - the competition that provides grants to accelerate growth in Scotland’s start-ups.
Alireza Abbassi Monjezi, Founder of Waterwhelm said:
“I’m delighted to be in the final of the MSDUK Innovation Challenge in the company of accomplished innovators and business leaders.
Many thanks to ECCI and my other backers for all their support.”
MSDUK brings together innovative and high-growth Ethnic Minority-owned businesses with global corporations committed to creating an inclusive and diverse supply chain.
MSDUK Founder and CEO, Mayank Shah, said, “MSDUK’s aim is to bring together innovative and high growth Ethnic Minority-owned businesses with global corporations who are committed towards creating an inclusive and diverse supply chain and the Innovation Challenge is just one way we do this.
“The theme for the third year of our Innovation Challenge is ‘Better Ideas for a Better World’ and entrants had the opportunity of entering any of four categories which were Industry 4.0, Healthcare & Wellbeing, Social Innovation, and Sustainable Futures.”
The final of the Innovation Challenge 2019 will take place at the MSDUK 2019 Conference & Awards in London on Tuesday 17 September 2019.
The 13 finalists will present their innovative products and ideas to potential investors, buyers and industry experts with a chance of winning a £5,000, £100,000 worth of corporate mentoring and £40,000 worth of business school scholarships at Ivy League Tuck School of Business.