New capacity development support for Aqualunar UK innovators announced
April 5, 2024
The Aqualunar Challenge is seeking innovative water purification technologies designed to work on the Moon. Up to 10 shortlisted finalists will receive a £30,000 grant and gain access to valuable support from industry leaders. In addition to the intensive and tailored support provided by delivery partners Exotopic and Isle, Frazer Nash Consultancy and Weir will now provide capacity building support, expertise and guidance to help innovators develop their lunar water purification technologies.
Applications to the Aqualunar Challenge close at 3pm BST on Monday 8th April.
Frazer-Nash’s support to Aqualunar Challenge teams
Frazer-Nash will offer additional non-financial support to the Aqualunar Challenge winning teams at the end of the challenge between April and May 2025 and Weir will offer additional non-financial support to Aqualunar finalist teams.
Frazer-Nash, a KBR Company, is a leading systems, engineering and technology company. They provide business and technical expertise to clients, supporting them to realise their vision for using space in a safe, secure and sustainable way.
Frazer-Nash will provide a unique pitching opportunity that would see the winning teams presenting to a panel of experts from the KBR Science & Space (S&S) Division and Venture and Acquisitions. KBR’s S&S division is a world-leading spaceflight support organisation with over 60 years of experience. They operate globally, providing solutions for NASA, federal civilian agencies, the U.S. Department of Defense, and commercial customers. Their team of experts is passionate about space exploration, health innovation, engineering, technological breakthroughs, and scientific research.
This is expected to be a multi-hour hybrid event in which teams can present their team and technology, engage with technical and commercial experts from Frazer-Nash, receive feedback and be considered for further support or investment from Frazer-Nash or KBR.
Weir’s support to Aqualunar Challenge teams
Weir’s technologies help customers in mining and similar industries operate with the highest productivity and lowest environmental impact. They are a global family of c.12,000 people working across more than 50 countries and their technologies are the beating heart of critical processes in mines. They have made it their purpose to ensure the sustainable and efficient supply of the vital natural resources essential for a better world today, and for the future.
Weir operates within, and supports customers in, a number of water stressed regions of the world. Using water wisely in these regions is a key priority. They have aligned their technology to contribute to the site sustainability objectives of their customers, partnering with local communities and engaging with environmental interest groups. Together they are enabling the sustainable and efficient delivery of the natural resources essential to create a better future for our world.
Weir will offer advice and support relating to the terrestrial applications of lunar water filtration technology, particularly in the natural resources sector. They will be on hand to advise finalist teams on product development, R&D evolution, engineering expertise, business planning and manufacturing for the natural resources sector.
