In this episode of The Meter, host Andrew Dugan sits down with Ulrich Hansen, a commercial leader at Apex 10, to discuss the digital transformation of the global water and utility sector. They explore how the company evolved from a "skunkworks" project within a Nordic engineering firm into a standalone SaaS platform that helps utilities move from simply collecting data to making actionable decisions.Key Discussion Points- The Data Onslaught: Why utilities around the world are drowning in data but struggling to use it for operational insights and strategic planning.- The Nordic Advantage: How heavy regulation in Denmark and neighboring countries forced early innovation, allowing Apex 10 to "leapfrog" utilities in other regions into modern digital practices.- Scaling Globally: The strategic choice to target the U.S. and German markets, including the decision to set up shop in the water industry hub of Milwaukee.- Building Community: The importance of user conferences and peer networking in driving software adoption and product development.- The Future of Utilities: How digitization is helping solve the "talent cliff" by attracting a younger, tech-savvy workforce to the utility sector.Featured in This EpisodeAPX10: A global SaaS platform specialized in helping water, wastewater, and storm water utilities prioritize maintenance and optimize reinvestment.The IXI Product: A new solution specifically designed to identify and tackle In-flow and Infiltration challenges in aging infrastructure.Connect With UsWebsite: waterwrites.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-meter-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueSubscribe: Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to stay updated on the innovations keeping our basic necessities running.#TheMeterPodcast #Utilities #WaterSector #DigitalTransformation #DataAnalytics #Apex10 #TheMeterPodcast #Sustainability #AssetManagement #Infrastructure #SmartWater

Andrew Dugan interviews Chris Woodruff, co-founder and COO of Aquaga, a company focused on developing innovative solutions for PFAS treatment. Chris shares the journey of Aquaga from its inception shortly after their graduation from the University of Washington to navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the importance of early traction through pilot projects and the role of various accelerators in shaping the company’s strategy and growth. Chris also highlights the significance of their HALT system, which has shown promising results in destroying PFAS contaminants, and the company’s plans for scaling up their technology to meet increasing demand in various industries.

Aquagga website: https://www.aquagga.com/

This conversation explores the journey of Fontus Blue founder Chris Miller, from his early experiences with water quality as an environmental engineering professor to founding a water tech company. It delves into the challenges faced in launching a tech-driven water treatment company, the integration of AI in utility decision-making processes, and the impact of COVID-19 on business growth.

The discussion also covers Miller's transition from entrepreneur to employee after selling Fontus Blue to Usalco and his future aspirations.

Chris Miller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismillerphdpe/

Fontus Blue website (now Usalco): https://www.usalco.com/technology/decision-blue

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Akron in Product Development

02:05 Lessons from the Akron Pilot

04:06 The Evolution of Fontus Blue

10:49 Balancing Academia and Entrepreneurship

15:38 Overcoming Initial Sales Challenges

19:18 Navigating Financial Hurdles

21:36 Seizing Opportunities During COVID-19

23:32 Health Challenges and Leadership Growth

26:35 Transitioning to USALCO

33:11 Future Aspirations and Legacy

The conversation delves into the journey of BlueInGreen, from its inception to its commercialization and eventual sale. It explores the challenges of innovating for the utilities industry, the complexities of venture capital and intellectual property, the transition from concept to commercialization, and the lessons learned from new ventures and business experiences.

Summary

This conversation explores the journey of Martin Gross and his company GWT, focusing on the innovative use of algae in wastewater treatment. Martin shares insights into his academic background, the challenges of scaling up technology, and the importance of partnerships in the industry. He discusses the unique business model of buying back algae from customers and the potential for future applications in agriculture and other markets. The conversation also touches on personal insights regarding work-life balance and aspirations for the future.

Johnny Pujol shares his journey from an economics graduate to the founder of SimpleLab, a company focused on providing accessible water testing and diagnostics. He discusses his experiences in India, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the evolution of SimpleLab from a water testing company to a broader diagnostics provider.

Pujol emphasizes the importance of pragmatism, independence, and the need for reliable testing solutions in today's world, aiming to make diagnostics as convenient as ordering food through an app.

Adam Tank shares his journey of founding Transcend, a company focused on automating engineering processes in water and wastewater design engineering. He discusses the challenges and successes of his entrepreneurial ventures, including winning a pitch competition at GE, the development of innovative technologies, and the importance of partnerships in driving growth. Adam also reflects on the impact of AI on engineering, the global reach of Transcend's software, and the balance between personal life and entrepreneurship.

Gregg Semler shares his extensive journey as an entrepreneur in the clean energy and water utility sectors. He discusses his transition from medical devices to clean energy, the challenges faced in the water industry, and the founding of InPipe Energy. Semler emphasizes the importance of customer relationships, innovation, and the intersection of water and energy in driving sustainable solutions. He reflects on the personal toll of entrepreneurship and the excitement of building impactful technologies.

InPipe's website: https://inpipeenergy.com/

Gregg's LinkedIn: Gregg Semler | LinkedIn

Orianna Bretschger shares her journey from academia to founding Aquacycl, a company focused on innovative wastewater treatment solutions. She discusses her early career, the pivotal moments that led to the creation of Aquacycl, and the challenges of transitioning from research to entrepreneurship.

Aquacycl's website: https://aquacycl.com/

Orianna's LinkedIn: Orianna Bretschger | LinkedIn

Joseph Blackman shares his journey from being a college football player to finding his place in the public works industry. He discusses the importance of sales skills in everyday life, the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial ventures, and the impact of networking through podcasting.

Joseph emphasizes the value of building relationships, learning from failures, and creating valuable content to establish authority in his field. He also shares his vision for Vitendo, a training solutions company aimed at enhancing knowledge in the public works sector.

Follow Joseph on LinkedIn: Joseph Blackman | LinkedIn

Vitendo Training Solutions' website: https://www.vitendo.us/