With KICKSTART, Hof University of Applied Sciences has launched a funding program that starts at a very early stage of a potential start-up – with the development of ideas and prototypes. The KICKSTART teams have six months to develop their idea into an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or prototype.
Introducing: Test system for cassette filter systems for cleaning wastewater in relief structures – FilTex
The mission
Our mission is to sustainably protect the water quality of our water bodies. After heavy rainfall events, untreated wastewater from the discharge structures of sewage treatment plants and sewer systems often ends up in the environment. Although existing systems filter out coarse particles, they allow fine particles, drug residues and biological pollutants to pass through. We solve this problem by developing an innovative, modular cassette filter system. This adaptable additional stage for existing systems uses special filter textiles to reliably remove even the finest pollutants from wastewater. In order to validate the effectiveness under real conditions, we are constructing a cost-effective test system on a laboratory scale. This enables us to precisely test and optimize the retention capacity of the system with artificially generated, defined wastewater. Our aim is to offer local authorities and municipal utilities an effective and retrofittable solution to meet future, stricter water pollution control requirements and significantly reduce the discharge of pollutants into the natural environment.
How did you come up with this idea?
The trigger was the known weak point in the system: during heavy rainfall, sewage treatment plants are overloaded and pollutants flow unfiltered into the natural environment. As existing filter systems reach their limits here, we wanted to find a pragmatic solution. Our idea was therefore to combine the development of an effective additional filter directly with a realistic test option. This gave rise to the plan for a flexible, modular cassette filter system that we could improve and validate in a cost-effective test stand.
Studying or working alone is already very time-consuming and exhausting. Nevertheless, you are still working on developing your own start-up idea at the same time. Where do you get the motivation from?
Time is definitely a challenge. But the motivation comes from the fact that we don’t just talk about a problem, we actively tackle it. It’s the idea that we can directly contribute to making our rivers and lakes cleaner with our work. While everyday life is often challenging, this project is our way of creating something tangible and sustainable. This prospect motivates us every day.
The Kickstart program is designed to support the further development of ideas that are at a very early stage. You have up to 7,500 euros in financial support available for this. How do you use the funding specifically?
The funding of 7,500 euros will enable us to build a prototype from the concept on a smaller scale, test and optimize the hydraulic requirements and prove its effectiveness. The funds will be used as follows:
A large proportion will go towards equipping the test system, i.e. 3D printed and milled parts for the structure as well as the control system (Raspberry Pi, motors).
Another part is used for the intelligent sensors and electronics to measure the filter performance precisely and live.
The rest is needed to carry out the tests by producing a defined wastewater from materials such as drug residues and microplastics in order to scientifically validate the function.
At the end of the six months, do you already know what the future holds for you? What are your long-term goals? Are you aiming to set up a company?
Once we have successfully completed prototype development, we will take the next decisive step and actively approach potential cooperation partners. We are focusing primarily on municipal utilities and manufacturers of spillway structures. At the same time, we are continuing the technological development of our system. We are planning to test additional textiles in order to eliminate pollutants even more effectively. We will also test different filter shapes and combinations in our system in order to continuously optimize the cleaning performance. Our overarching, long-term goal is to develop the filter system to market maturity. We are aiming for it to become established as standard equipment in discharge structures.
What have you learned from the project so far? What would you like to pass on to other start-ups?
Our key learning from the development of our test system for cassette filter systems is that a good concept alone is not enough – the practical implementation is what really counts and is often underestimated. We quickly realized that building our prototype from 3D printed and milled parts and integrating the sensors to monitor the artificial wastewater was far more time-consuming than originally planned. We would therefore like to advise other people interested in setting up a company not to get lost in theory for too long. It is crucial to boldly take the step towards practical implementation, build a prototype at an early stage and concentrate on the essentials: solving a real problem for a clear target group. Because only a functioning prototype proves to potential partners such as municipal utilities and manufacturers that your idea – in our case the more effective purification of wastewater to comply with future environmental regulations – is not only innovative but also feasible.
