Yokogawa Corporation of America and Rice University’s Water Technologies Entrepreneurship and Research (WaTER) Institute have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing modular autonomous water treatment and reuse processes. The collaboration brings together Yokogawa's expertise in system control and automation with the WaTER Institute's innovations in modular treatment solutions, setting the stage for more widespread adoption of autonomous water technologies.
Driving Sustainable Water Solutions
The partnership aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal to “ensure available and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” A core initiative of the collaboration is the development of a consortium comprising organizations and institutions committed to implementing safe, secure, and sustainable water technologies. This consortium will focus on economic assessment, community outreach, market research, laboratory analysis, industry approvals, manufacturing, and commercialization.
Steve Hayden, Industry Director of Yokogawa Corporation of America, highlighted the benefits of the collaboration: “Partnering with Rice will provide us with access to real-time operational data for analysis. The open, transparent market insights and technology validation will enable us to expeditiously bring the benefits of the technology to the industry. In addition, partnering in workforce development will provide Rice students with placement opportunities in a range of organizations.”
Focus on Education and Innovation
The agreement also emphasizes educational opportunities for Rice students. According to Eric Willman, Executive Director of the WaTER Institute, “This partnership is mutually beneficial, providing Rice students with opportunities to engage in educational and research initiatives driven by real-world needs. This practical experience will enhance their knowledge and skills, equipping them with the ability to shape a better future through entrepreneurship, research, and advocacy.”
The collaboration will also explore workforce development opportunities, enabling students to gain hands-on experience and placement in organizations within the water technology sector.
Building a Framework for Success
Guided by the vision of fostering diverse collaboration, the partnership will establish a framework for the consortium, identifying guiding principles and priority tasks for its first year. Key objectives include determining funding sources, selecting a leadership team, and securing executive sponsorship.
