Turkish startup Biopipe patented nature-inspired wastewater treatment system that treats wastewater biologically without any chemicals – water is treated inside pipes by using good bacteria.
At a time when the term innovation has come to be closely linked with business propositions of technology startups, the Turkish entrepreneurs behind startup Biopipe want to set an example that there is scope to innovate and make an impact in non-tech sectors too.
Biopipe, a patented, and one-of-its-kind wastewater treatment system, is “inspired by nature,” and treats wastewater biologically without any chemicals.
Biopipe’s product uses a natural treatment mechanism, wherein water is treated inside pipes by using “good” bacteria.
As a result, Biopipe does away with the need for infrastructure such as treatment plants, water tankers etc. and boasts of being a 100% natural, waste-free and odor-free solution.
Co-founders Enver Misirli and Enes Kutluca admit to have always had a vision for environment protection, and water, being the “most important element for sustenance,” was a key focus area.
With Misirli driving the commercial aspects of the venture, and Kutluca applying his environmental engineering background to invent the solution, the duo is an example of how a team with complementary skills can drive business growth.
Explaining how Biopipe can redefine a sector that has been largely conventional, Misirli says, “Existing water treatment technologies are treating water, yes, but producing waste, which in turn needs to be treated, and harms the environment.” He further notes the environment dilemma associated with the process, given the quantities of energy required to run water treatment plants.
“The third point is the cost involved. Governments build huge infrastructure to collect waste, and clean treated water separately- all this costs a lot,” he explains. He adds that Biopipe can be implemented in various scales- from houses, to hotels, labor camps, and even cities. “It works even in a one cubic meter space, as it does in our Turkey office,” says Misirli.
Accordingly, while majority of Biopipe’s business is B2B in nature, they are also working to create awareness of their product among households.
Spending over three years in research and development, a period when they bootstrapped and were supported by grants from The Scientific And Technological Research Council Of Turkey (TUBITAK), Biopipe’s first prototype was born in Kutluca’s garage, and was tested in his house.
Launched in 2013, Biopipe claims to have completed over 40 projects since then, across Dubai, Oman, Turkey, Qatar, and other markets. Realizing that the best way to “secure yourself from competition is by execution and growing globally,” Biopipe focused on strategic partnerships early on, leading to a joint venture and licensing agreement with Metito, a UAE-based water management solutions company.
Source: Entrepreneur
