Co-Founders Tom Bessell (L), Dr Andrea Gonzalez (M) and John Phipps (R) at ALBON's new lab space at the University of Sydney Knowledge Hub, March 2026
Sydney Knowledge Hub Lab Space & Prototype Development
Securing lab space at the Sydney Knowledge Hub is a major step forward for ALBON. It gives us a dedicated base to carry out more controlled testing and build on what we learned from our earlier field work at Wiley Park.
Over the next few months, we will be testing two improved photobioreactor designs at benchtop scale, before scaling the strongest version into IBC-scale prototypes. Both designs have come directly from the iterations and insights generated through earlier field testing.
This stage will help us strengthen the design, generate stronger technical data, and prepare for the next step - scaling into a larger industrial setup for our paid pilot at a commercial dairy operation later this year.
Top News
- Lab space secured
- Student Project Prize - NSW, Australian Water Awards
- MIT Climate & Energy Prize Finalists
Invest with Purpose
We are currently speaking with angel investors, agri-food operators, and strategic partners who are interested in practical, capital-efficient wastewater solutions.
If you would like to learn more, access our data room, arrange a site visit, or discuss a potential pilot opportunity, contact us at info@albon.com.au
Get in touchALBON Named Best Student Project at the NSW Australian Water Awards Gala
Winning the Student Water Prize at the NSW Australian Water Awards was a huge moment for ALBON and a strong reflection of the progress the team has been making. It was especially encouraging to be recognised alongside such a strong group of technical projects, PhD researchers and higher degree candidates.
For us, the award reinforced that the problem we are working on matters, and that there is growing support for practical, lower-cost wastewater solutions like the one ALBON is building. It has also helped strengthen our credibility as we continue refining the technology, building industry relationships, and preparing for commercial pilots.
Tom receiving the Student Water Prize at NSW Australian Water Awards Gala
Wiley Park Wrap-up
Our Wiley Park pilot wrapped up earlier than planned following a site break-in and theft of equipment, but it still delivered an encouraging outcome. Most importantly, City of Canterbury Bankstown observed reduced algae blooms in the pond during the pilot period, giving us positive early feedback as we now shift focus to our upcoming paid dairy deployment.
Dubbo Showcase
Our March Dubbo showcase gave us valuable insight into how wastewater challenges play out on the ground. From touring Little Big Dairy to connecting with Fletcher International Group at Big Tech Big Ideas, the visit helped us stay closely aligned with real industry needs as we continue refining the system.
Tom & John in Dubbo for AgTech Showcase
Outstanding Intern Spotlight
Will Wulff, Intern of the Month
A big congratulations to Will Wulff, our first Intern of the Month for March 2026, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to PLC system design and validation, system development, prototyping, and early-stage photobioreactor concept development.
MIT Climate & Energy Prize Finalist
It was a great achievement for ALBON to progress to the finals of the MIT Climate & Energy Prize after advancing through the Singapore Asia Semifinals. Reaching the finals is a strong reflection of how far the team has come since the Munich Semifinals last year, and of the progress we have continued to make across both the technology and the business.
The competition also gave ALBON valuable exposure to a global audience of investors, founders, researchers, and industry leaders, while helping validate the relevance of our solution on one of the world's leading climate innovation platforms. For us, it was an encouraging sign of growing international recognition and momentum.
Co-Founders Tom and John at MIT Climate & Energy Prize Semifinals, Singapore, Feb 2026
evokeAG Melbourne
We joined Startup Alley at evokeAG 2026 in Melbourne, one of Australia's leading agri-food innovation events.
It was a great opportunity to put ALBON's technology in front of the people closest to the problem, and the response was encouraging. The conversations reinforced strong demand for agri-food wastewater treatment solutions that are both more effective and more affordable.
Tom (L) and John (R) at evokeAG, Melbourne
Recent Prize Wins
$7,250 - Alianz x Social Shifters MoveNow Global Social Innovation Challenge
Behind The Scenes
Work with ALBON
We're working closely with agri-food operators, research partners, and investors as we move toward early commercial deployments. If you're interested in collaborating, discussing a pilot site, or learning more, please get in touch.
info@albon.com.au
Thank you for following our progress. This quarter has been a strong one across the board - from the lab to the field to the competition stage - and it's been shaped by the support of the people around us.
If you or someone in your network is connected to agriculture, wastewater, research, commercial pilots, or climate-tech investment, we would love to connect.
- 💬Book a chat with our team here
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- 📩Share this newsletter with anyone who'd like to support clean water innovation
Kind regards,
Tom, John, Andrea & the ALBON team