The Ontario Water Consortium’s Water Industry Growth (WIG) Program has left a lasting impact on Ontario’s water innovation sector, driving technological advancements and global competitiveness.
The WIG Program supported 17 company-led projects focused on technology advancement, many involving academic, municipal, and other sector partners. The success of the WIG program reflects a collaborative commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within Southern Ontario’s water sector. The program also provided support for the next generation of upgrades at OWC’s Guelph & London Wastewater Demonstration Facilities and facilitated skills development training sessions in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous Cultural Competency.
Through strategic funding, fostering key partnerships, and accelerating R&D, the program has empowered local businesses to grow, innovate, and compete globally. WIG-supported projects have made remarkable strides in technology development, market expansion, and environmental sustainability, showcasing the critical role of strategic collaboration in solving water challenges. The continued success of these companies underscores the power of targeted investments and partnerships in fostering innovation.
Advancements in AI and Forecasting: Aquanty
Aquanty exemplifies how OWC’s funding can catalyze innovation. The company’s new product, Hydrosphere AI, has undergone significant development through the support of the WIG Program. Over the past year, Aquanty has secured collaboration agreements with two conservation authorities to field-test Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)-based forecasts in watersheds. These efforts include a Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP)-funded project comparing AI-driven forecasts with traditional physical models. Senior Climate Scientist Andre Erler emphasizes that OWC’s support was pivotal in the product’s early stages, laying the foundation for future RFP bids, advancing technological expertise, and demonstrating the viability of Hydrosphere AI to prospective clients.
Fueling Continued R&D and New Partnerships: USP Technologies
USP Technologies’ work on refining their innovative “physical twin” model for sewer networks, aimed at optimizing wastewater treatment processes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, has been significantly enhanced through WIG Program support. The funding has strengthened testing processes and laid the groundwork for future innovations. Director of Research & Innovation, Domenico Santoro, highlights WIG support as instrumental in fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, including municipalities and engineering firms. These collaborations have positioned USP for long-term growth, with ongoing support from NSERC driving further innovation and potential market expansion.
Expanding Global Reach: Bishop Water
Bishop Water’s WIG-supported project on greenhouse gas emissions and nitrous oxide mitigation in wastewater treatment has led to significant global opportunities. The research findings helped secure a presentation with a major UK utility, supported by Export Development Canada (EDC). CEO Kevin Bossy notes that these results are also being used in a submission to a Fortune 500 company. Bishop Water has presented at international conferences, including the Water Environment Federation’s Innovations in Process Engineering, and submitted an abstract for the 2025 WEAO Conference. These efforts are strengthening the company’s position in the global water industry, driving innovation in sustainable wastewater treatment.
Advancing Remote Monitoring: ExactBlue Technologies
ExactBlue Technologies prepared for and successfully showcased a major product launch at WEFTEC 2024. The company has refined its microbiological testing platform with support from the WIG Program, gaining significant interest from Latin American markets. ExactBlue is also expanding into the U.S. agricultural sector, where new FDA regulations have increased demand for water quality testing. The company’s growth has been further supported by CanExport and BioEnterprise, enabling the development of new system features for enhanced remote water quality monitoring. Chief Operating Officer George Botos credits OWC’s support with providing the foundation for market readiness and successful regional expansion.
Pioneering Advances in Algae Detection Technology: Forsee Instruments
Forsee Instruments has made significant progress in advancing algae detection technology through its Algae Analyzer. The company’s continuous R&D efforts have led to improvements in performance, positioning Forsee for future breakthroughs in water quality monitoring. The WIG Program and OWC have played a crucial role in accelerating these advancements, providing financial backing and strategic guidance that have opened doors to new investment opportunities. Forsee’s enhanced capabilities strengthen its competitive position in the growing market for water quality monitoring technologies.
Revolutionizing Water Quality Testing with Cutting-Edge Spectrometer Technology: IDEXX Water
IDEXX Water has developed an optimized spectrometer for their Tecta product line, improving the detection of E. coli and coliform bacteria in drinking water. Engineering Manager Eric Marcotte attributes much of this success to OWC’s funding through the WIG Program, which provided the technical flexibility and resources needed to complete R&D and launch the upgraded instruments. Since their release in February 2024, these new instruments have already generated over a million dollars in sales, reinforcing IDEXX Water’s position as a leader in the water quality testing sector.
Advancing Technology and Expanding Global Partnerships: ElectroKinetic Solutions
ElectroKinetic Solutions (EKS) is in the final stages of its technology development, supported by a $250,000 grant from the Mining Innovation Commercialisation Accelerator (MICA). Senior Manager John Vandersleen credits WIG for facilitating industry interest and establishing key partnerships, especially in South America. EKS’s participation in BHP’s Expande challenge highlights its growing international presence. With the company preparing for the 2024 Creative Destruction Lab cohort, EKS is poised for future seed capital and expanding global reach, setting the stage for commercial success.
Validating Innovative Filtration Technology for New Markets: Thetis Environmental
Thetis Environmental is advancing its filtration technology for high-solids environments. CEO John Tomescu notes that WIG’s support has been crucial in introducing the company to potential partners and securing additional funding. Although field validation is still pending, Thetis is well on track to showcase its technology’s potential. The WIG Program has helped set the stage for further partnerships and commercial expansion, ensuring that the company is positioned for success in new markets.
A Lasting Legacy of Innovation and Global Impact
The WIG Program has proven to be more than just a funding initiative; it is a catalyst for the global success and continued innovation of Ontario technology companies. By fostering partnerships, accelerating R&D, and expanding market access, WIG has enabled its partners to make meaningful strides in water sustainability solutions worldwide. From AI-driven forecasting and wastewater treatment technologies to advanced water quality monitoring and filtration systems, the WIG Program continues to shape the future of water management. Its success stories demonstrate OWC’s leadership in addressing global water challenges and driving economic growth through innovation.