It's a simple solution to a widespread problem: stormwater sediment.
The new startup
Upstream Technologies is delivering the "SAFL Baffle"--a perforated stainless steel barrier that, once installed inside a manhole, traps debris like leaves and gravel while allowing water to flow through.
Developed at the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) of the
University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering, the baffle is a more cost-effective measure because of its simplicity.
"The current devices that are on the market have a lot of features that are generally not needed," says A.J. Schwidder, CEO of Upstream Technologies and an MBA student at the U of M.
Schwidder connected with co-inventor and civil engineering professor John Gulliver last summer at the university's Office of Technology Commercialization and soon after began to look into applications and markets for the new technology.
"The market looked big enough to justify starting a new company," says Schwidder.
Now in its third week since a Feb. 1 launch, Upstream has 20 orders for the $3,500 baffle--including four in Minneapolis and others in Prior Lake, Bloomington, and Blaine.
Schwidder, who has a background and degrees in civil engineering, believes cities are interested in long-term implementation. One is considering putting it into their 5-year sewer maintenance plan, he said, while another will use it to as part of their stormwater infiltration process.
Given the heavy winter, Schwidder expects installation to begin in April. In the meantime, Upstream is raising capital and taking in other orders. The company will focus on selling in the Upper Midwest, says Schwidder (particularly Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa), with plans for nationwide expansion in 2012.
At this time, manufacturing is subcontracted to
Custom Fab Solutions. Both companies are based in Chanhassen.
Source: A.J. Schwidder, Upstream Technologies
Writer: Jeremy Stratton