Reclaimed water technology wins Enterprize 2008

The Bilexys team with their innovative and cost-effective wastewater treatment technology last night scored $100,000 in commercialisation funding at UQ Business School's Enterprize competition. With the technology already in operation at the Fosters' Yatala Brewery, the Bilexys team is confident their concept - which three years ago was a 50ml laboratory experiment - can be scaled up successfully. Team member Dr Paul Barrett said the Fosters pilot plant had been in operation for over a year. He said, "The technology can also be applied to other industries including bio-diesel, organic chemicals, petrochemicals, brewing and beverages, distilling, sugar, and pulp and paper industries." Head of UQ Business School Professor Tim Brailsford said Enterprize Pitch Day was the culmination of months of hard work for the finalists. He said, "After submitting a concept plan initially, the finalists then have to develop a full business plan, pitch to the judges, and then pitch to an invited audience including much of South East Queensland's venture capital and early-stage investment community. Brailsford said Pitch Day was often a nerve-wracking experience for the finalists. He said, "Pitching your idea to a packed house can be a bit daunting - that's why we provide free pitch coaching to all finalists." "Our coach Barry O'Sullivan has been working with the Enterprize teams for several years now and it's always pretty clear which teams have worked with Barry." "It's all part of our goal to bring new knowledge to the world by supporting the commercialisation of some of Australia's most exciting new ideas." Enterprize is now in its eighth year.