COVID-19: UK company is looking for joint venture agreements for hands free water dispenser

A UK company established in December 2017 with a highly cross-disciplinary team comprising experts in business and technology development, engineering, manufacturing and commerce has innovative solutions in water treatment, conservation and related energy/sustainability benefits. The company planned to develop a suite of products and solutions based on innovative and sustainable water treatment technologies, drinking water appliances, and energy efficiency apparatuses prior to the pandemic. Its aim is to promote a new generation of water dispensers for safe usage in public areas during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. A new technology has been developed to reduce the potential of microbial transmission at water dispensers using their innovative solution. To do this, a 'hands-free smart water dispenser' has been developed which reduces user contact with water dispensers and ensures the sanitation of the appliance. This innovation aims to contribute to business recovery and the establishment of new and modified 'normal' habits and ways of working as people return to the workplace. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, daily routines require a change to prevent increases in Covid-19 cases, and to minimise the chances of the health sector getting overwhelmed. However, the public is also frustrated due to deviations they have faced from what was the 'norm'. Through the implementations of familiar but safer ways of working, this UK company's hands-free water dispenser can contribute to the revival of the population's routines. The UK company has a patent pending for this hands-free water dispenser. The current pandemic has highlighted the importance of the design of suitable public appliances such as water dispensers that will prevent microbial transmission. This issue is however not exclusive to the current pandemic as it is possible to pass on a broad range of virus at office and public water stations. Drinking water supply in public places is an essential issue to be considered. The UK company seeks a joint venture agreement as part of its strategy to speed up the commercialization and production phase of this product. The potential partner should be a company, who are already producing (conventional) similar products and/or they have production facilities and experience in this field. An ideal partner can also be a company active in either side of supply chain of similar products such as main raw materials or parts. A potential Eureka application to help manufacturing costs is also considered with joint venture partner.