Breakthrough in water treatment: Aston’s Membrane Institute secures £13.2m investment

A groundbreaking water treatment initiative at Aston University has received a significant boost. The Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) has secured £13.2 million in funding, with £6.1 million provided by the UK government and £7.1 million from private investors, including Science Card and Bruntwood SciTech. 

The investment centers on the MEMetic project, which draws inspiration from nature to tackle the challenge of efficient water purification. Under the leadership of Professor Alan Goddard and Dr. Matt Derry, the team is developing innovative plastic membranes that mimic the functionality of living cells to filter water. 

Consider current water filtration systems: they resemble a marathon with multiple checkpoints, each filtering out different contaminants. Nature, however, does it more efficiently. Living cells have proteins that act as selective gatekeepers, allowing only specific molecules to pass through. MEMetic leverages this concept, creating membranes capable of targeting and removing substances like antibiotics and heavy metals in a single step. 

What sets this technology apart is not just its filtering capabilities. These membranes can also concentrate valuable materials such as phosphate and lithium, enabling the recovery of resources that would otherwise be lost. Additionally, they hold the potential to revolutionize seawater desalination by reducing energy consumption. 

The funding comes from the Research Ventures Catalyst program, which supports bold ideas with the potential to transform industries. However, this is more than just financial support – it’s a seven-year commitment to establishing Birmingham as the UK’s hub for membrane research. 

Each partner contributes unique strengths. Bruntwood SciTech offers premier lab space and connects the project to their network of over 1,100 tech companies across the UK. Science Card, a banking service that reinvests profits into research, provides both funding and technical support. Meanwhile, Midlands Mindforge, backed by eight research-intensive universities, including Aston, will offer guidance and expertise. 

This is not AIME’s first success. The team recently secured a €3 million grant from the European Innovation Council for their BIOMEM project, demonstrating a strong track record. 

“This endeavor goes beyond creating new technology,” explained Professor Goddard and Dr. Derry. “MEMetic represents years of planning and a vision to bring about real change. With this long-term funding, we can transition our research from laboratory experiments to industrial-scale solutions that could improve water quality worldwide.” 

Science Card’s CEO, Dr. Daniel Baeriswyl, expressed enthusiasm: “This project extends beyond water purification. It’s about developing technology that could help the NHS reduce waste and advance battery recycling. When our customers use their Science Card accounts, they are not just banking – they are investing in innovations that will shape a better future for everyone.”