NI Water has launched an innovation portal on its website that allows potential suppliers to present their ideas, services or products directly to the company.
Among the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the portal is designed to provide suppliers with easy access to NI Water with a central point of contact.
The water company is looking for original ideas, services, processes or equipment that are market ready (or very close to it) that will offer either incremental or step changes in how it can improve its service delivery.
The water company recently held an innovation event where companies pitched their ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to work with the company.
Paul Harper, Director of Asset Management at NI Water commented:
“Every aspect of life in Northern Ireland depends on the services NI Water provides. By supplying clean, fresh water and safely managing wastewater, we safeguard people’s health, underpin economic growth and protect the environment.
“Innovation is key to driving efficiency and improving service and our customers and stakeholders both demand and expect it. Our innovation strategy is designed to support this vision and we take the position of an early adopter, seeking to embed unique ideas into our business.
Companies can submit their ideas to NI Water via the portal - the submissions will be considered and evaluated by the innovation team who will explore the possibilities presented if they are to be taken further. The ideas must demonstrate a benefit for NI Water. Opportunities can be submitted at any time and will be reviewed on a regular basis.
The utility is not looking for applications that are only at the conceptual or early development stage or products that are already supplied by another organisation via the portal.
As part of the initial submission companies are asked to specify which of NI Water’s eight customer promises their idea relates to, together with specific areas including Networks, Energy, ICT, Fleet, Chemicals, Analytical , M & E where possible.
Click here to visit the portal