March 18th, 2013 marked the third annual Water Challenge Day, a collaboration between The Idea Village and the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) that aims to identify and support entrepreneurial solutions that apply innovative approaches to how we live with water. The theme of the day is inspiration, innovation, and leadership.
After a day of speakers and panels from those in the water industry, “sharing their vision for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Louisiana,” the day concluded with four entrepreneurs pitching at The Water Challenge: Brady and Alexandra Skaggs, ABS Technologies; Bari Blanks, EMS Green; Webster Pierce, Pierce Industries; and Miriam Belblidia and Jennifer Roberts, Louisiana Water Works.
Both Dr. Sarah K. Mack of Tierra Resources and David Culpepper of NanoFex were there to support the next generation of challengers.
Webster Pierce, Pierce Industries. Image from nola.com.
Webster Pierce of Pierce Industries won the $50,000 in seed funding at the 2013 Water Challenge for his patented coastal protection and restoration system.
“As you know, Louisiana has a serious problem with coastal restoration,” said Pierce. “I have a vision where we can stop coastal erosion and we can protect it as well.”
Pierce is currently testing his wave suppressant sediment collection system, the Wave Robber, in the field and the lab. It is lightweight, buoyant, reusable, recyclable, and allows for an ecological exchange.
For more information about Pierce Industries and the Water Challenge, visit IdeaVillage.org.
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