​​Pollet Water Group supports innovation in water treatment through iGEM

​At Pollet Water Group, we believe in supporting innovative ideas that contribute to sustainable water solutions. As a pioneer in water treatment, we proudly collaborate with young talents participating in iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine), a global competition focused on synthetic biology. iGEM challenges students to design and develop solutions for critical environmental issues, such as water pollution and resource scarcity.

2022 collaboration: Bio-Brussels – functional water softening

In 2022, Pollet Water Group supported undergraduate students from Vrije Universiteit Brussels on their project ‘Biologically inspired functionalisation of endospore appendages for water softening.’ The Bio-Brussels team engineered peptides— inspired by biocalcification processes in organisms like corals and mollusks— into a protein scaffold derived from Bacillus endospore appendages. Their approach successfully reduced free calcium ion concentrations, independent of temperature and protein levels, suggesting a nucleation-based mechanism. To enhance safety, the appendages were also produced using Lactococcus lactis. The team’s work earned a well-deserved Gold Medal.

​2024 collaboration: NeoMineX – sustainable metal recovery from wastewater

In 2024, Pollet Water Group supported the KU Leuven overgrad team on their project ‘NeoMineX: Engineered bacterial strains and biofibers for cation extraction from wastewater.’ Addressing metal scarcity and water pollution, the team developed a sustainable method to bioaccumulate copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) ions from wastewater, enabling viable metal recovery and recycling. Key achievements included the characterization of 28 metal-binding peptides and the creation of functional protein fibers for non-GMO applications. NeoMineX earned a Gold Medal, the Award for Best Measurement, and the Inclusivity Award.

​A commitment to a sustainable future

​At Pollet Water Group, we support initiatives that explore new approaches to water treatment. By partnering with iGEM teams on projects like Bio-Brussels and NeoMineX, we contribute to practical, science-driven solutions for water quality and resource management challenges.

Together, we keep making water count.