Oxford Flow, the developer of innovative flow control technologies, has signed its first deal in the Gulf region
The Oxford University spin-out will be trialling its diaphragm-free Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) in the water network in the Emirate of Sharjah.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in London in the presence of the Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammed al Qasimi, between Oxford Flow and the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA). The deal will be signed in Sharjah by His Excellency Dr Rashid Alleem, chairman of SEWA.
In addition to the trial of the company?s IP Series, the company will be working with SEWA?s gas distribution business on a Pressure Reducing Station of the Future project, which will explore how improved technologies can help drive efficiencies in the sector.
Designed by Oxford University?s Professor Tom Povey, Oxford Flow?s valves use a unique patented piston-based operating system. The result is a valve that is lighter, more durable and more accurate than its competitors, according to the company. The business is already working with a number of utilities businesses across the UK and Europe including Anglia, Veolia, Northumbria Water and FCC Aqualia. This is the first deal it has signed in the Middle East market.
Simon Hombersley, Oxford Flow CEO commented, ?This is an exciting collaboration that develops links between Oxford and the Gulf region, and part of our wider strategy for commercial roll out in water, gas, and oil and gas markets. Dr Rashid Alleem?s focus on innovation has transformed SEWA, and we look forward to working with the SEWA team to develop the infrastructure networks of the future.?
Dr Rashid Alleem added, ?We welcome this partnership and look forward to working with Oxford Flow to implement this pilot and explore further opportunities. This MOU is in line with the SEWA strategy to embed leading technologies into our operations."
Oxford Flow is the first investment by Oxford Sciences Innovation (OSI), the investment company commercialising world-leading technologies from Oxford University. OSI has also signed an agreement with American University of Sharjah Enterprises (AUSE), and announced a collaboration to develop and commercialise innovations in the Gulf region. The Oxford Flow deal is the first commercial collaboration from the new relationship.
