Yorkshire based AquaSensor is making waves in the water sector with its affordable, real-time, secure water quality monitoring technology. Since partnering with Innovate UK in early 2024, the company has secured seed investment and a Research Technology Organisation grant; advanced to the finals of a major accelerator; begun commercial trials, expanded its team, and achieved further commercial success and growth.
Founded in October 2023, AquaSensor is tackling one of the water industry’s most pressing challenges – how to accurately and affordably monitor water quality in real time. Its technology delivers forensically secure data that can withstand scrutiny in both operational and regulatory contexts, helping utilities improve environmental outcomes and meet compliance requirements.
Mike Faulks, Director of AquaSensor, says: “Our sensors turn complex water quality data into clear, actionable insights at a fraction of traditional costs. By making high-quality monitoring more accessible, we help water companies and regulators respond faster, protect the environment and stay ahead of compliance requirements.”
Funding and validation boost commercial readiness
After being introduced to Innovate UK Business Growth by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority in February 2024, AquaSensor began working with Innovation and Growth Specialist, Alex Pilkington. Alex brought in a water sector expert within the Innovate UK Business Growth network, and together the team co-developed an action plan focusing on commercial strategy, funding and finance and intellectual property (IP).
The plan set out a clear development roadmap, starting with targeted actions to strengthen the company’s market position. Innovate UK Business Growth’s Research and Technology Organisation (RTO)/Catapult grant, which funded a collaboration with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, provided vital academic and product validation, opening the door to potential future joint research and development opportunities with academic partners.
This strong foundation led to AquaSensor becoming a finalist in the Spring Accelerator 2024 – a water sector initiative designed to fast-track innovative solutions into operational use. The company’s selection resulted in a paid commercial trial with Wessex Water, with discussions already underway for follow-on work. The trial focuses on multiple sensors to measure whole river temperature and dissolved oxygen, providing valuable real-world data to support the company’s growth.
Mike explains: “The RTO grant was a turning point for us. It gave us independent validation from a respected research body, which boosted our credibility and opened conversations with new partners. With Innovate UK Business Growth’s guidance we are now focused on the commercial development of the company, which has led to significant traction.”
Investability support drives funding success
With a validated technology and stronger commercial model, AquaSensor secured £55,000 in early-stage funding from a local angel investor group. To prepare for further investment, the company participated in Innovate UK Invest-Ability Intensive Training – an initiative designed to help innovative businesses perfect their investment strategy and investor communications.
Mike adds: “The progress we made through the Invest-Ability Intensive Training initiative has been outstanding. The development of our deck and pitch has been phenomenal. We are now at the start of our next fundraising round and have already seen significant investor interest.”
The company has also been invited to take part in the Nature Tech showcase in London later this year – a high-profile opportunity to connect with investors and partners in the environmental technology sector.
Building traction in UK and international markets
Alongside investor engagement, AquaSensor is developing relationships with major UK water companies, including Yorkshire Water, Severn Trent and Northumbrian Water. It has also attracted attention from overseas, with initial discussions taking place with the Cleveland Water Alliance in the US and a potential invitation to join the Lake Erie project.
To support this growth, AquaSensor has strengthened its team by appointing a finance director and a social media manager and is working closely with a UK manufacturing partner to prepare for scaled production.
Mike concludes: “We’re building the right capabilities internally and externally to deliver at scale. That includes securing the right partners, refining our manufacturing processes and ensuring we can meet demand as new contracts come in.”
Delivering economic and environmental benefits
By focusing on local suppliers and a sustainable supply chain, AquaSensor is creating value for regional and national economies while delivering environmental benefits through improved water quality monitoring. The company’s innovation has the potential to help utilities meet regulatory requirements, reduce environmental harm and build public trust.
Since working with Innovate UK Business Growth, AquaSensor has strengthened its commercial model, advanced its technology to industry-validated standards and translated this into live opportunities with major water companies. Its expanded team is now equipped to pursue larger contracts, attract further investment and expand into new markets.
With strong foundations in place and a growing network of industry and research partners, the company is well placed to continue its growth in the UK and overseas.
The progress we made through the Invest-Ability Intensive Training initiative has been outstanding. The development of our deck and pitch has been phenomenal. We are now at the start of our next fundraising round and have already seen significant investor interest.
– Mike Faulks, Director of AquaSensor