2D Water CEO, Dr Nicholas Low, is one of 45 young innovators selected to participate in the 2018 Young Social Pioneers program. The program is organized by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), and is positioned as their cornerstone initiative supporting young people who are leading responses to the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time.
Young Social Pioneers is a doorway to a powerful community of changemakers and experts that will back and elevate young innovators as they address issues they care about. The program additionally offers participants further support in the form of funding and placement opportunities in collaboration with a wide variety of partners and investors.
Dr Low received his PhD from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Monash University in 2015 and has been CEO of 2D Water since 2017. The Young Social Pioneers program will give him an opportunity to connect with the other young entrepreneurs and leaders at a week-long intensive workshop in the environment stream, a recognition of his and 2D Water’s work in developing a revolutionary technology that will help deliver clean water to the world.
Along with Professor Huanting Wang and other research colleagues in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr Low has worked on developing a chlorine-resistant membrane, a technology that helps to desalinate seawater at a lower cost than other methods. 2D Water is currently working on commercialising the membrane, which has the potential to be more efficient and robust than any other membrane product currently available in the market.
“We’re revolutionising desalination with this membrane,” said Dr Low. “We’re passionate about solving the problem of water scarcity, as there’s currently 1.2 billion people in the world without access to clean drinking water. If we successfully bring the membrane to market, we’ll make clean water accessible to more people around the world, at a reduced cost in a more environmentally sustainable way.”
Dean of Engineering Professor Elizabeth Croft said, “Engineers develop the creative technical solutions we need to solve the world’s greatest challenges, including water scarcity. The technology developed by Nicholas and his supervisor have the potential to make a profound difference in the availability of potable water in many places where clean drinking water is often unavailable. We’re proud to see a Monash engineer chosen to take part in the Young Social Pioneers program, and are confident in his ability to continue to solve important technical problems for the benefit of humanity.”
The Young Social Pioneers program will help Dr Low and his fellow participants further develop the networks, support and mentors required to develop a successful and sustainable business. “I’m really looking forward to connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs who are committed to making a difference,” he said. “It will be great to share ideas and experiences, as we work to compete against established technologies through our newer, more innovative products, processes and business models.”
Sources: monash.edu fya.org.au