- 2 April 2024
- Posted by: Ben Garrett
- Categories: Event News, Feature, General News, Innovation Connect Grant
Introducing Alex, a NABERS-accredited waste consultant who has founded an innovative solution to tackle the challenge of waste disposal. The solution? A bulk bin weighing system designed to track the waste sustainability metrics of the industrial and commercial sectors.
Driven by a passion for fostering a more sustainable future and circular economy, Alex and his team at Waste Check Technologies are leading the charge. Their mission is clear: to provide efficient and affordable solutions to reduce the cost of waste and improve disposal behaviours.
“I often see tenants disposing of waste incorrectly or waste companies charging for bins that are less than half full and I wanted to find a solution to help change disposal behaviours, improve environmental outcomes and make waste pricing more equitable” explains Alex.
In true Canberra style, Waste Check Technologies very first clients were Questacon who installed the innovation at their Parkes Education Facility in 2022.
However, it was this initial installation that prompted the team to seek assistance from CBRIN. While the bin weighing system was able to handle the waste contractors, an issue came to the surface.
“The battery performance was lacking and we reached out to CBRIN in July 2023 for advice and potential solution providers”.
After the initial conversation with the CBRIN team, Alex wasted no time.
“We were then accepted into the CBRIN Idea to Impact and Griffin Accelerator Programs and through these programs we were able to find multiple solutions to our battery issue”.
But the teams efforts didn’t end there. In October 2023 they secured an Innovation Connect Grant on behalf of the ACT Government to assist with software development that gave them the capability to expedite the process.
Facilitated by the Canberra Innovation Network, the Grant provides matched funding between $10,000 and $30,000 to help develop and grow innovative ideas in support of the thriving start-up in the ACT.
Empowering businesses such as Waste Check Technologies to transform their visions into reality.
Since receiving the ICON Grant, Waste Check Technologies has now seen drastic improvements in business development.
“We are moving very quickly into production with a local manufacturer Secure Bits, who have also invested/partnered with us to help scale our game changing automated IOT bulk bin waste weighing solution” shares Alex.
Currently, Alex is looking for 100 sites in the ACT to install the Waste Check Technology bin weighing system initially, before it is launched nationally in 2025 and internationally in 2026.
So, if you believe Waste Check Technologies could benefit your business, be sure you connect with Alex!
For Alex, receiving an ICON Grant was a step in the right direction for him and his business.
“The ICON Grant is a great opportunity to test your idea to multiple industry stakeholders through the selection process and provide suitable funding to kickstart your innovation in the right direction.”
Applications for ICON close 16 April 2024. Book an intro meeting or reach out to us to find out more and turn your dreams into a reality today!