Thursday Business Showcase : OxyMem

By @SimonCocking

Describe the company – the elevator pitch …

OxyMem @oxymem simply solves OPEX intensive wastewater treatment. This global challenge typically accounts for about 3% of the planets electricity production. Conventional biological processes have been key to Wastewater treatment for the last 100 years involving treatment by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen. This process results in energy losses of 70%+ because of the reliance on a bubble to deliver the oxygen.

How are you different?

OxyMem does not rely on a bubble; instead OxyMem uses hollow fibre gas permeable membranes to support a fixed film ecosystem for the biology allowing for direct delivery of oxygen to the micro-organisms. AS a result OxyMem can very high oxygen transfer rates resulting in a 75% saving on energy costs.

For aerobic biological treatment OxyMem’s MABR is the most CAPEX and OPEX efficient oxygen delivery system in the market combing biological treatment for carbon and nitrogen removal which brings the effluent to required discharge standards, all incorporated into a compact structure.

Why will the company / product do well?

Cost and Technology leadership – We offer the best performance for the lowest cost!

Where are you based? (& How is the broadband?), How long will you stay there?

We opened a 25,000sq ft manufacturing facility and offices in Athlone, Co. Westmeath (and we have good access to good quality high speed fibre broadband). It is our aim to continue to expand our production capability on site and are in the process of going from 2 lines last year to 5 lines (24×5). In 2016 we plan on having 25 lines in place and are already working on plans for international manufacturing to support developing marketings.

When was the company launched?

OxyMem spun out from UCD as a start-up in late 2013 and we secured the factory in January 2014.

 

What have been your biggest wins to date?

Definitely an early partnership with Suez Environmental through they high growth water business – Aqualogy which are present in over 56 countries we have secured our first order from them in October last year.  We were also very fortunate to secure our beachhead client, Severn Trent Water, before we even spun out of UCD. WE have delivered 3 systems to them over the last 2.5 years and we continue to be very grateful for their early stage support.

What type of people (market segment) are you trying to attract to your product?

The need for increased biological wastewater treatment drives demand for aeration systems in many verticals. Increasing population and rapid urbanisation necessitate the improvement and expansion of the wastewater treatment in municipal areas but Industrial Food & Beverage is probably our sweet spot and where we can make the most rapid impact. The global market for our product is worth over $30 Billion a year.

Tell us about your team?

OxyMem now has over 40 employees, a number which continues to grow today. The positions are made up of a mix of general operatives, PHD’s, Engineers, Commercial, and Financial people and of course Research. I am happy to say that the OxyMem family is a World Class Team!

What are you long term plans for your product / company?

We want to scale our production to allow us to become the mainstream solution of choice for Biological Aeration.

What are your favourite tech gadgets?

My Nespresso and iphone

What tech gadgets do you wish you could use to help you?

I wish I didn’t have to type, Siri just doesn’t cut it!

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If you would like to have your company featured in the Thursday edition of the Irish Tech News Business Showcase, get in contact with me on Simon@IrishTechNews.net