By Stephanie Robey
THE BUSINESS
Jane said, “Our tacit, implicit knowledge has helped us stand apart from competitors in the market as we develop shoreline maintenance equipment, weed management equipment, aquatic trash equipment, and more.” The current growing awareness of macro-plastics in bodies of water is driving the popularity of Aquarius Systems’ debris removal products.
The products of Aquarius Systems can preserve healthy life in water bodies rather than using chemicals that kill everything to control harmful growth. Jane said, “Other benefits that result from using our equipment include improved navigation on, and recreation in, the lakes and rivers. We help control invasive species, especially in warm climates or areas where water is scarce.”
THE ASSISTANCE
Rob Baranowski with the Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) reached out to Jane to assist Aquarius Systems with federal funding opportunities. “We were so happy to work with Rob. We were not aware of all the help CTC could provide and we didn’t think we would be eligible for any assistance programs,” Jane said.
The first grant they received was used for the development of a gathering device for marine debris. Jane continued, “Rob reviewed and scored our Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Advance application. We were delighted his assistance resulted in us bringing a new product to market.” The team was recently awarded the SBIR Phase II to produce and test the device.
Jane said, “We are thrilled to be working with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District (MMSD) to test our product. It will give us a chance to teach our customers about getting permits, site preparation, and everything else involved in implementing the technology.”
THE PRODUCTS
The new development joins the product line of Aquarius Systems that already includes items such as loading excavators, which are mounted on barges, and the Swamp Devil, a floating 260-horsepower engine that can remove aquatic vegetation and trees up to five inches in diameter. They also manufacture canal cleaning boats, popular in Miami, which can pass under low bridges and scrape the bottom of canals to manage flood control. Two popular pieces of their equipment are the “Lynyrd Skymmr” trash hunter owned by MMSD in Milwaukee and the “Litter Skimmer” owned by the City of Tampa.
Aquarius Systems exports internationally, too. Their first exporting customer was in Iceland in 1970. They connected with a European team that had winter products that partnered well with Aquatic Systems’ summer-focused products.
THE PASSION
Jane’s passion for her job and environmental responsibility are evident. She said, “We make unusual products that are needed. It is great to be among such a talented group of people helping to bring solutions to society.” Aquarius Systems works with the Harbor District in Milwaukee, the North American Lake Management Society, Wisconsin Association of Lakes, Marina Del Ray in Los Angeles, and others.
Jane recently spoke on a panel at the SBIR Road Tour in Madison, WI. She shared details of her experience with SBIR programs and the CTC to help others become familiar with the federal agencies and programs available to entrepreneurs.
The future of Aquarius Systems is exciting indeed. They see a true need in rivers, where the direction of water switches with the tides and the current is coming from more than one direction. They hope to develop a tidal solution product to help solve aquatic debris management. Thanks to all at Aquarius Systems for working to keep our water systems safe and healthy!