Wells Fargo has granted $100,000 to Milwaukee-based The Water Council through its Clean Technology and Innovation program, which targets innovative clean energy technologies.
The grant will be used to form the Water Research Pilot Project, an initiative to advance new water technologies from the lab in Milwaukee to demonstration sites for real-world use. Through the Pilot Project, small- and medium-sized businesses will have access to the resources needed to scale up and achieve full commercialization, The Water Council said.
“Wells Fargo recognizes that the health of our environment is critical to fostering more sustainable communities today and for years to come,” said Ashley Grosh, head of Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs Clean Technology program. “We’re pleased to announce The Water Council as a recipient of Wells Fargo’s environmental grant program to help provide long-term solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges.”
Companies that are scalable, cost-effective and have the potential to make social and environmental impacts will be chosen for the Pilot Project, The Water Council said. Stonehouse Water Technologies has been selected as the first participant. The company is developing a compact water filtration system called Water POD, which aims to provide clean drinking water in underserved and distressed areas that struggle with access to healthy water.
“The program follows The Water Council’s new Leadership Strategic Vision,” said Dean Amhaus, president and chief executive officer of The Water Council. “One of the key strategies of the Vision is to lead and showcase how The Water Council’s members can address integrated water solutions through innovation, application and demonstration.”
The Water Council, a nonprofit, was formed in 2009 to link global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and the country’s brightest water professionals in creating a world water hub for freshwater research, economic development and education.
