At Cura Terrae we bridge the gap between academia and industry
We collaborate with academia, providing an advisory role in product development, working in the field testing of sensing technologies at all Technology Readiness Levels, and in hardware and software development. We offer expertise in AI, blockage detection and real-time control.
We support industry when there is a need for action that will address a gap in the market, working closely with internal teams to support them and bridge the knowledge gap. We offer short-duration projects delivered by a team of experts. Our team is uniquely placed to contribute intelligent algorithms (algorithms that use data to modify their own behaviour) to your project. Our keen awareness of operational practice in industry and broad yet detailed knowledge of instrument behaviour and data features will see your project advance through to business-as-usual implementation. Our track record of collaboration with industry and academia brought our dedicated team the Most Innovative New Technology of the Year Award in 2018 and 2020.
- Uniquely placed to contribute intelligent algorithms
- Broad and detailed knowledge of instrument behaviour and data features
- AI applications to decision analytics
- Excellent awareness of operational practice
- Excellent track record of collaboration
What is our Innovation Service?
Innovation in industry can develop both new and existing products or services that improve efficiency, productivity, or quality.
To meet your specific market needs, our innovation services translate ground-breaking scientific and academic research into products or services to solve society’s most pressing problems. This means that we work closely with universities, academic researchers, and industry leaders to identify solutions to problems and bring them to market. Our knowledge and networks allow us to translate “disruptive” innovation in research into products and services that push boundaries.
Whether assisting successful funding proposals or progressing of technology readiness levels with our innovation expertise, we work to provide solutions for complex industry needs.
Our innovation projects
See examples of our projects and partners
CENTAUR® Project
An intelligent, autonomous system for urban flood risk and CSO spill reduction. Project partners: University of Sheffield, Veolia Eau, University of Coimbra (Portugal), Aguas de Coimbra, Eawag, Steinhardt
IRONMAN® Project
Intelligent, autonomous control of iron dosing for effective phosphate removal. Project partners: Northumbrian Water Ltd
SMART Sewer® Project
Detecting network hydraulic anomalies, such as developing blockages, before they cause flooding or pollution events. Project partners: Innovate UK
REWAISE
A European Union’s Horizon 2020 research-funded project, which aims to reduce water consumption, and achieve a zero-carbon water cycle through a smart water ecosystem. Project partners: Water Supply companies, Universities
IWAN (Intelligent Wastewater Networks)
Extends the life of wastewater assets to they continue to serve and protect people and the environment. Project partners: University of Coimbra (Portugal), Aguas de Coimbra, University of Sheffield, Eurostars, Innovate UK
MANTIS™
A low-cost, easy-to-install remote online monitoring system to immediately alert pump operators to inefficient and broken water pumps. Project partners: Leeds Beckett University, VisualWind Ltd, Innovate UK
MultiMEMS
A novel micro-technology platform for nutrient sensing in natural waters. Project partners: University of Sheffield, Practical Control Ltd
BerryPredictor
Improving harvest forecasts, yield predictions and crop productivity by monitoring and optimising zonal phytoclimates in covered strawberry production. Project partners: Innovate UK, Berry Gardens Growers Ltd, Crop Desk Technologies Ltd, Saga Robotics Ltd, Weatherquest Ltd, NIAB, University of Reading and University of Lincoln
Nutrient Decision Support System
Optimising yield from soft fruit crops using a virtual sensor to estimate nutrient content of the growing substrate. Project partners: Innovate UK
What we can do for your product or solution
Examples of our work
We carried out this process with our flagship CENTAUR® technology that was developed over 8 years through grant-funded innovation projects, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, the University of Coimbra and Aquas Coimbra and Veolia.
From optimising the yield from soft fruit crops, to configuring a prototype autonomous system that monitors and act on phytoclimates and local and oncoming weather conditions, our innovation team can support highly complex client market needs.
We push a solution through Technology Readiness Levels to prove the effectiveness of the system in its operational environment. We cover the full cycle, from the proof of concept to implementation of the product or solution, through to functioning as “business as usual”. CENTAUR® is a system that can be used for urban flood risk reduction and CSO spill reduction, and other wastewater network challenges. No matter the challenge, we will see that your solution materialises into a functional system. More examples include SMART Sewer (AI blockage detection) and IRONMAN® (AI real-time dosing for phosphate removal).
Currently, phosphate removal is carried out via the addition of ferric additive. This is often based on an assumed phosphate load/concentration, often based on worst-case conditions. This can result in over-dosing or under-dosing. IRONMAN™ optimises ferric dosing under tightening consents.
Innovation news & insights
What are Intelligent Wastewater Networks? How do they contribute to the REWAISE project?
12th June 2024
How can smart wastewater technology like CENTAUR® help tackle CSO spills, and support a carbon-free water future? We explore the role of Intelligent Wastewater Networks like CENTAUR®.
How is MANTIS™ making an impact to hand-operated groundwater pumps?
18th August 2021
MANTIS™ is a low-cost sensor that monitors hand-operated groundwater pumps in developing regions, helping ensure clean water access by detecting faults, inefficiencies, or non-use in real time.
MANTIS is featured in the “UN 75: Sustainable Engineering in Action” book
26th November 2020
Innovation project MANTIS, pioneered by EMS and Leeds Beckett University, has been featured in a book to celebrate 75 years of the United Nations.
IRONMAN™ awarded ‘Most Innovative use of an Existing Technology’ at the Water Industry Awards 2020
7th August 2020
EMS is proud to have been awarded the ‘Most Innovative use of Existing Technology’ for IRONMAN™ at this year’s Water Industry Awards.
EMS’ Marco Eulogi submits PhD thesis on benefits of the CENTAUR® system
19th April 2022
EMS’ Marco Eulogi recently submitted his PhD thesis, in which he demonstrated the benefits of the CENTAUR® system through simulations.
EMS and the University of Sheffield are working to future-proof our rail infrastructure
25th November 2022
EMS is collaborating with the University of Sheffield on a ground-breaking project to protect railway infrastructure from flooding.
Women in STEM
The Cura Terrae group are proud to support women in STEM study and women in STEM-related careers. Our Head of Innovation, Dr Sonja Ostojin, led CENTAUR to win the Most Innovative New Technology of the Year Award along with the team, at the Water Industry Awards 2018. In 2020, IRONMAN™ won the same award.
Sonja is a proven project manager with key expertise in data-driven software and she completed her PhD on developing artificial intelligence control of pump stations in sewer networks. She has developed a novel approach for optimal control based on Fuzzy Logic, Genetic Algorithms and Artificial Neural Networks. You can read her publications here.
Sonja also completed a Knowledge Transfer Project with Anglian Water, developing cost-effective and efficient solutions for pumping station control systems. She is supported by our tightly knit team of experts, including Group CEO Pete Skipworth. You can see examples of the team’s work here and access Pete’s publications here.
Contact our experts
Get in touch to discuss our innovation work and explore potential collaborations.
