Six questions for Hans Wouters

In this column, we interview entrepreneurs who, in some way, have a strong connection to the many facets of the Water Technology Innovation Chain at the WaterCampus. In any case, their participation in the innovation ecosystem paid off handsomely for them. In this edition, we speak to Hans Wouters, CEO of Brightwork.

what is your innovation?

We help our international clients find solutions for drinking water and process water preparation and wastewater treatment by using our knowledge, expertise and a number of specific products. We aim to contribute to a better world in general and our clients’ goals in particular. Our latest innovation focuses on the removal of micropollutants and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphate) from wastewater through continuous biological activated carbon filtration when did you start?

Brightwork has been in the water industry for fifteen years and has developed several new technologies. Our focus has always been on practical and economically viable processes to ensure success in the market. Our latest development was successfully introduced into the Micropollutants Innovation Programme (by Stowa and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) in 2021 and is now being tested at WWTP Emmen [in the northeast of the Netherlands, ed.]. The study has broad support, including the active involvement of six water boards!

how did you come up with it?

By paying close attention to the needs in the market on the one hand and combining proven techniques and processes on the other. Those techniques and processes are often used for other applications. Our national and international partners’ role is an inspiration in that regard. Great thoughts and ideas emerge from substantive and open discussions.

pioneering and innovating also means overcoming setbacks. what was an important setback you have had to overcome in the past few years?

For every successful innovation there is often one or more failed or less successful development. A few years ago, for example, we had to cancel a product after already producing the first batch. We had put a lot of time and money into it but got into a disagreement with one of our partners. A loss of trust in such a process can kill a development process.

what have you gained from the watercampus in recent years?

The WaterCampus has helped us in many areas, including the Water Alliance’s export drive, the Water Application Center’s research facilities, and the testing opportunities at the demo sites— these are all components that help us innovate.

where are you now, both as an innovator and as an entrepreneur?

We have focused extensively on the best way to market our knowledge, expertise and products, especially in recent years. The more successful we are at marketing our innovations, the more leeway we have to undertake new initiatives. We have committed to strategic national and international partnerships in which both parties benefit from the collaboration. That works! We reap the benefits of that in the projects we acquire. Mutual trust is the most important thing, even if it takes a little longer than expected or if the going is a bit rough in your first project together.

you can watch a video about brightwork right here.