Biofiltro, a project led by Matías Sjogren, member of Fundación Chile’s Entrepreneurship Platform, placed first in the 2011 Cleantech Open, a competition among clean technology companies that is considered to be the most important event of its kind in the world. The start-up offers an environmentally viable solution for wastewater treatment in a clean, efficient, low cost and eco-friendly way.
The final stage of the competition, which was held in San Francisco, November 15 and 16, included the participation of projects from five countries: Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom, France and Chile. Biofiltro won as a worldwide leader in innovation and business spirit.
“This contest validates the project’s contribution in the social and environmental areas. The technology we use is much simpler than all the other finalists, but, nevertheless, we won. This reinforces the fact that sustainability is found today in simple things and that solutions have to be sought in nature itself”, explained Matías Sjogren.
The professional was thankful for Fundación Chile’s help. “I have received professional, strategic and branding support. But they have also given me more personal support. They really believe in the project and that has given me the peace and strength to keep working”.
The winning company designs, installs and operates dynamic aerobic biofiltration plants in Chile and abroad. It has also allowed treatment plants to be an alternative for industry and for homes, particularly in low income areas because of its low level of investment and low operating costs.
Biofiltro has installed treatment plants using its innovative technology to treat wastewaters from different sources as well as treatment plants for unstable sludge from traditional systems. Its products include project evaluation; environmental consulting such as environmental impact studies, sanitary resolution and carbon footprint measurements; and training for the correct operation and maintenance of the plants.
One of the start-up’s features is its low operating costs, bringing costs down by 35%. The product does not generate sludge and its only waste is worm humus, that can be used as an organic fertilizer in farming.
The Biofiltro project won first place in May of this year in the Green Start-Up contest, organized by Development University and Fundación Chile, in a competition among 85 start-ups.
