Ground-breaking water cleansing technology developed by Australian Government scientists has been successfully commercialised and sold to the private sector.
The Australian Government today announced the sale of the intellectual property for “BioGill” technology to Australian clean-tech company, BioGill Environmental Pty Ltd, a manufacturing company based in Sydney.
Invented by scientists at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the technology was the winning entry in the ABC’s 2006 The New Inventors program.
The system has numerous industrial and environmental applications, including the treatment of grey water, sewage and wastewater from aquaculture, and food and beverage processing.
The technology is also considered to have great potential for cleaning water on ships, offshore platforms and remote islands where protecting sensitive environments is essential.
BioGill works by gravity feeding wastewater and grey water over above-ground Nano-Ceramic Membranes, which provide oxygen-rich conditions for bacteria and fungi to multiply, resulting in accelerated treatment and using considerably less energy than conventional wastewater treatment systems.
Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, said the sale is a great example of how the Australian Government fosters ingenuity then works to get good inventions out into the commercial marketplace, where they belong.
“Selling the intellectual property allows this company to continue to grow and attract substantial overseas interest and investment.
“This technology is a success story and is now the centrepiece of BioGill Environmental.
“Congratulations to the ANSTO scientists whose innovative research is already being used by industry around the world.”
ANSTO’s General Manager Business Development and Commercialisation, Doug Cubbin said he looked forward to seeing the technology’s expansion in the marketplace.
“This is an excellent example of the diverse research we do here at ANSTO, and how that research can be applied to deliver both environmental and business gains,” Mr Cubbin said.
“Through the existing arrangements, BioGills have already been successfully used to treat effluents from breweries, wineries and food manufacturing plants.
“Passing on the intellectual property will give the company security for further investment and expansion.”
ANSTO licensed the technology to BioGill Environmental in 2009 and has now agreed to the sale on mutually agreeable terms. Details of the sale remain commercial in confidence.
Published: 22/03/2012