Jes Munk Hansen, president of Grundfos North America, and Henrik Skov Laursen, head of Grundfos’ Silicon Valley Innovation Office, joinined some of the leaders in the wastewater industry to speak at the Innovation Showcase during WEFTEC 2012, the Water Environment Federation’s 85th Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference. Both spoke at the Innovation Showcase’s Investors Forum on 2 October 16.00.
Hansen will gave a broad look into the nexus between water and energy and why it should be a strategic focus for corporations. This subject is especially pertinent in WEFTEC 2012’s host city, New Orleans, which has the potential to attract water industry business that could drive growth in the region and aid in post-Katrina development. Laursen, meanwhile, will help gear startups toward sustainable partnerships with larger corporations. Using Grundfos as a case, explained how corporations value partnership and the mechanics of that engagement.
Hansen and Laursen described the accelerator process between a large company and a new startup, examining the importance of a strategic fit. They also explained how large corporations scout for new technologies and what they look for in a sustainable partnership.
The session intended to foster the important communication between the key players in venture capital, including investors, inventors, companies, consulting engineers and end users. The audience learned the basics to demystifying the investment capital process and get advanced tips from the investors themselves.
Grundfos North America will also be participating in the exhibition from 29 September to 3 October, featuring many of its technologies including the SE, the FL and the new S-tube impeller, a channel impeller that offers great hydraulic efficiency without compromising free passage. WEFTEC attendees can find Grundfos in booth 3027.
