Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TOGB20250424024
- Term of Validity
- 24 April 2025 - 24 April 2026
- Company's Country
- United Kingdom
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Investment agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- UK company offers patented trenchless pipelining tech for water utilities and contractors. System minimises disruption, reduces costs, and speeds up installation. Designed for regulatory compliance and efficient asset renewal. Seeks international partners for commercial collaboration with technical support to adapt and scale the solution. Open to investment to expand range and global reach.
- Full Description
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A UK-based SME has developed an innovative trenchless pipelining system designed to address the urgent global challenge of renewing ageing drinking water infrastructure. The patented “pipe-in-a-pipe” solution allows for the structural rehabilitation of pressurised water mains without the need for disruptive excavation, preserving the internal diameter of the host pipe while significantly reducing installation time, cost, and environmental impact. The technology is regulatory approved in both the UK and USA and has been successfully piloted by major water utilities, including Severn Trent Water.
This pre-commercial solution is now at a critical stage where further R&D is required to refine and adapt the technology for full-scale international deployment. The company is seeking international cooperation under a Technology Offer with Technical Assistance, specifically targeting technology partners who can contribute to the next phase of development, customisation, and commercialisation for global markets.
The SME is open to exploring research cooperation agreements and co-development opportunities under national or international innovation funding frameworks (e.g., Horizon Europe, Eureka, Innovate UK bilateral programmes), provided that strict safeguards are in place to protect the company’s intellectual property. Any collaboration would require clear contractual terms ensuring that all background IP remains solely owned by the UK SME and that any new developments related to its core technology do not compromise or dilute its IP position.
The business is also open to investment from strategic partners aligned with their commercial goals.
A UK-based SME has developed an innovative trenchless pipelining system designed to address the urgent global challenge of renewing ageing drinking water infrastructure. The patented “pipe-in-a-pipe” solution allows for the structural rehabilitation of pressurised water mains without the need for disruptive excavation, preserving the internal diameter of the host pipe while significantly reducing installation time, cost, and environmental impact. The technology is regulatory approved in both the UK and USA and has been successfully piloted by major water utilities, including Severn Trent Water.
This pre-commercial solution is now at a critical stage where further R&D is required to refine and adapt the technology for full-scale international deployment. The company is seeking international cooperation under a Technology Offer with Technical Assistance, specifically targeting technology partners who can contribute to the next phase of development, customisation, and commercialisation for global markets.
The SME is open to exploring research cooperation agreements and co-development opportunities under national or international innovation funding frameworks (e.g., Horizon Europe, Eureka, Innovate UK bilateral programmes), provided that strict safeguards are in place to protect the company’s intellectual property. Any collaboration would require clear contractual terms ensuring that all background IP remains solely owned by the UK SME and that any new developments related to its core technology do not compromise or dilute its IP position.
The business is also open to investment from strategic partners aligned with their commercial goals.
The proposed cooperation agreement offers mutual technical benefits: partners will gain early access to a disruptive, field-tested solution and the opportunity to co-develop market-ready versions tailored to their territories or client base. The UK SME will provide technical assistance, including engineering documentation, training, and support during joint trials or demonstrations, to ensure successful integration and product refinement.
The company’s long-term aim is to establish a global network of partners capable of manufacturing, deploying, and supporting the technology across a range of geographies. - Advantages and Innovations
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• Trenchless Technology: The system provides a trenchless solution that avoids costly excavation, reducing disruption and cost. 10x faster compared to traditional methods.
• Flexible and Efficient: The technology will support a range of pipe sizes (100mm – 300mm in diameter) and offers a single-shot lining length of up to 120 meters, with improvements in installation speed.
• Commercially Ready: The system is designed to meet regulatory standards and will be contractor-ready, providing a seamless solution for utility contractors.
• Reduced Downtime: The solution is designed for quick installation, minimising downtime for utility companies and contractors, which results in faster project turnaround times.
• Cost Savings: Reduces pipe replacement costs by up to 50%.
• Regulatory Approvals: Approved for use in UK and US drinking water systems.
• Sustainability: Extends the lifespan of existing infrastructure, reducing waste.
• Scalability: Addresses global infrastructure challenges with a $20bn revenue potential by renewing 10% of target pipes. - Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
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The UK business is seeking partners with expertise in the following areas:
• Material Innovation: Expertise in the development of advanced thermoplastic materials for pipe lining, particularly for water infrastructure applications.
• Trenchless Technology: Knowledge in trenchless renewal methods and equipment development.
• System Integration: Partners able to contribute to the overall system integration, ensuring the compatibility and seamless interaction of different equipment and materials used in the technology.
• Regulatory Standards: Expertise in meeting water industry regulatory standards, particularly for trenchless rehabilitation technologies across different international markets.
• Commercialisation: Partners with experience in scaling up products for global markets, particularly in regions where water utilities are seeking solutions for aging infrastructure and leakage prevention. - Stage of Development
- Under development
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- IPR status
- IPR granted
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
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The UK SME is seeking a strategic partner or consortium that can:
• Contribute technical expertise to refine and expand the product offering.
• Support the development of advanced materials, equipment, and installation techniques to improve overall system performance.
• Assist with navigating regulatory standards in target international markets and help the company meet the necessary compliance requirements for global deployment.
• Collaborate on testing and validation of new system capabilities, such as expanding the pipe diameter range and improving the lining speed.
• Provide access to new geographic markets and relevant industry contacts, particularly within the water infrastructure and utility sectors.
• Facilitate or participate in pilot installations, particularly through water utilities or contractors, to support broader market adoption.
Funding and collaboration models:
Where appropriate, the UK business is open to pursuing joint R&D and demonstration projects funded through national or international innovation programmes (e.g., Horizon Europe, Eureka, or bilateral Innovate UK schemes), provided that the collaboration framework supports the protection of background IP. The company welcomes discussions with potential partners on how best to structure such cooperation to ensure mutual benefit and long-term commercial success.
Key cooperation objectives include:
• Material innovation – Advancing high-performance thermoplastics for pressurised water systems, suitable for trenchless installation.
• System integration – Ensuring compatibility across liners, equipment, curing, and connection methods for ease and reliability.
• Product scalability – Developing variants for different pipe diameters, materials, and environments.
• Installation efficiency – Increasing lining speed and length to boost commercial viability and reduce costs.
• Regulatory compliance – Adapting products to meet standards in new markets with partner support on certification.
• Commercial strategy – Exploring licensing, equipment sales, and distribution with partners active in water utilities and infrastructure.
Conclusion:
This is a valuable opportunity for partners looking to co-develop and scale cutting-edge trenchless technology for the water sector. The UK SME is focused on working with organisations that share its commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and practical implementation in global markets. - Type and Size of Partner
- SME <=10
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Investment agreement
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 10004004 - Drinking Water
- Market keywords
- 09008002 - Water, sewerage, chemical and solid waste treatment plants
- 09007004 - Engineering and consulting services related to construction
- Targeted countries
- All countries