The Challenge

Traditional approaches to water monitoring rely upon regular manual inspections and reactive management strategies. Aquatrust saw an opportunity to strengthen its service offering by developing an IoT-enabled solution which could monitor water systems remotely. This approach would support a more sustainable business model, reducing the need for costly in-person visits, and positioning Aquatrust to tender for work on a national scale.

However, the business faced several challenges in realising this ambition. While the company had strong operational expertise, there was limited experience of IoT systems and there was a need to build technical capability to support product development and digital service innovation.

The KTP aimed to address these challenges by developing a working solution, increasing technical capability within the business and establishing the foundations for future innovation activities.

The Approach

Christina Thompson-Mountford, a recent Leeds Beckett Robotics and Automation graduate, was appointed as an Embedded Systems Developer (KTP Associate) in Autumn 2023.

Work began with a review of existing solutions and then progressed to explore backend systems, data management processes, and integration with wider digital platforms, helping to build a more comprehensive understanding of end-to-end IoT solutions.

The Impact

The KTP has had a significant impact across the business.

From a technical perspective, the project has successfully delivered a functional IoT monitoring solution and has embedded new skills and knowledge in the business. The project has significantly increased Aquatrust's understanding of sensing technologies and provided a strong platform for future innovation and wider digital transformation activities. As a direct result of the knowledge and direction gained through the project, the company secured a second KTP focusing on Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, further extending its innovation journey.

Additionally, Aquatrust have identified new opportunities to develop their service offering and secure new income streams. By using the remote sensors and integrated software they will be able to report and analyse results proactively, mitigating risk for clients. Opportunities have also been identified to upskill employees into more technical and consultancy-focused roles aligned with this approach.

Externally, the technologies developed also have the potential to improve public health protection more widely, reduce water waste, lower carbon emissions and accelerate digital transformation across the sector.

The associate's development reflects the wider success of the project. Throughout the KTP, Christina has developed significant technical, professional, and leadership skills, alongside increased confidence in stakeholder engagement and management-level discussions. In recognition of her contribution, Christina has been offered a permanent role as Research and Development Manager within Aquatrust and has started a PhD at Leeds Beckett University.

Overall, the KTP has strengthened Aquatrust's technical capability, increased its capacity for innovation, and positioned the company for sustained growth and future commercial success.