Climate Innovation Demonstrator
Industry–academia collaboration for climate action:
The University of Leeds, through Nexus and the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, has launched a new demonstrator pilot programme with Nufarm to identify and test technologies for reducing toxic, high‑salinity chemical effluent at industrial scale. Delivered in partnership with corporate innovation specialist L Marks and supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through UK Government funding, the programme leverages the University's research infrastructure and industrial expertise to evaluate technologies across three critical areas.
This pilot is testing and validating a new delivery model for industrial‑academic collaboration, with a framework designed for replication across other sectors and industrial challenges. Through the Climate Innovation Demonstrator, the Priestley Centre is working with industry partners across West Yorkshire to tackle complex, real‑world climate challenges.
Climate change presents interconnected challenges that no single organisation can solve alone. The Priestley Centre is addressing this through innovative, collaborative initiatives that bring together industry, academia and public partners to accelerate the development and deployment of practical climate solutions.
How the Demonstrator Works
The project began with a joint workshop, bringing together Nufarm engineers and managers with University of Leeds researchers to identify priority challenges. While a range of opportunities were explored, wastewater treatment emerged as the most urgent area with the greatest potential climate and environmental benefits.
Following this, the team carried out a global technology scouting exercise, identifying more than 40 potential solution providers. Eight companies were shortlisted for further assessment, with four selected to take part in an intensive two‑day sprint on 23–24 March 2026 at Nexus, Leeds.
Sprint Event: March 2026
Over two highly energised and collaborative days, Nufarm worked directly with four cutting‑edge innovators, Power & Water, DESOTEC, Water Tecnik Ltd, and Arvia Technology, to assess technical feasibility, integration needs, implementation timelines and commercial models.
Participants worked side by side with Nufarm engineers and University of Leeds experts from the Priestley Centre and the School of Chemical & Process Engineering to shape a clear roadmap toward an on‑site pilot of the most promising solutions.
The sprint marked the culmination of five months of technology scouting and evaluation undertaken by teams from the Priestley Centre, Nexus Leeds and L Marks, with support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Rooms were filled with energy, creativity and constructive collaboration throughout the two days. The next step will be for Nufarm to determine which solution, or combination of solutions, will move forward to tackle this critical wastewater challenge.
Anticipated Outcomes and Regional Impact
The Demonstrator will result in one or more solutions being selected for implementation at Nufarm. Beyond operational improvements, anticipated benefits include:
- reduced emissions from wastewater transport
- lower chemical use
- potential energy recovery
- reduced traffic in sensitive areas
- improved environmental performance across the region
By connecting regional industry challenges with global innovation and academic expertise, the Demonstrator shows how place‑based collaboration can deliver tangible climate, environmental and social benefits for West Yorkshire.
Get Involved
Are you developing innovative climate solutions?
Or does your organisation have a challenge you're looking to solve?
Contact the Priestley Centre at [email protected].