Company: Australian Innovative Systems Pty Ltd (AIS) Company, Brisbane, Australia
Company Description: Australia Innovative Systems (AIS) is a manufacturing company specializing in the disinfection of water via electrolysis and committed to improving water quality via cost effective, eco-friendly innovation. Leading by Elena and Kerry Gosse AIS currently employs more than 63 staff throughout its three manufacturing facilities in South East Queensland and exports to more than 50 countries
Nomination Category: Company/Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Most Innovative Company of the Year – More Than 10 Employees

Nomination Title: Australian Innovative Systems

Describe for the judges the innovations and accomplishments of the nominated organization since the beginning of July last year (up to 525 words):

Australian Innovative Systems (AIS) is a worthy candidate for ‘Most Innovative Company of the Year’. From humble beginnings the company now boasts a history of 20 years of innovation and 60+ staff to make it a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, manufacture and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators and water disinfection technology through electrolysis. AIS exports to over 55 countries.

AIS’s extensive range of chlorine generators can sanitise water of almost any composition, from sea water to ground, town or even waste water and for use in a range of industries including leisure, aquaculture, agriculture, horticulture, utility water, industrial waste, chemical production, mining and the marine industry.

A proudly Australian owned and operated company, AIS conducts all research, development and manufacturing from its Brisbane (Australia) headquarters and three production facilities. This whole-of-product life cycle ensures maximum innovation potential, optimal quality control and outstanding client service and support.

AIS’ innovation does not just extend to its technology. AIS CEO, Elena Gosse takes an innovative approach to attracting and retaining staff with a proactive cultural, gender and disability diversity policy. AIS employs people from 14 different countries including people with disabilities and boasts a female staff component of 40%+ (in a traditionally male dominated industry).

From a technology perspective, over the past 12 months AIS has:

• Designed and manufactured a new ‘MineralChlor’ ™ product
-MineralChlor™ is a ‘spa-like’ alternative to traditional salt water pools and uses a blend of minerals instead of, or as well as, traditional salt. The level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in conventional saltwater pools to achieve disinfection by electrolysis is generally 5,000 parts per million (ppm) and in mineral water pools, 3,500 ppm. AIS disinfects water at levels of just 2,500 ppm creating a low saline swimming environment.

• Designed and manufactured new custom-made technology for sewerage treatment (refer additional document – Taylex™ Case Study):
-AIS purpose-designed and manufactured a range of AIS chlorine production cells for use in sewage treatment plants. Historically electrolysis for sewage treatment was not considered possible due to the requirement of mineral/salt TDS levels of 5,000ppm upwards. AIS’ system operates at TDS levels of approximately 2,500 ppm and is processing 2,000 – 5,000 litres of sewage p/day at the Taylex plant.

•Made improvements to existing products including:
-Manufacturing an improved electrolytic cell for better chlorinator de-scaling function.
-Improving the coating on AIS Genuine Anodes ™ to increase product lifespan. AIS is the only water disinfection company in Australia to manufacture its own self-cleaning anodes.
-Making traditionally ‘additional’ features ‘standard’ in commercial units – eg: acid washing pumps - to improve maintenance and servicing.

• Secured many high profile projects:
-AIS has supplied three water disinfection units to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games venue and secured international leisure and resort projects in Australia, Europe, Indonesia, The Philippines and the Middle East,

• Continued to raise industry awareness/education: AIS CEO Elena Gosse is passionate about creating industry awareness regarding the dangers and environmental consequences of disinfecting water with copious quantities of hazardous chemicals. Elena was guest speaker at a range of industry events including the 2014 World Aquatic Health Conference.

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Provide a brief biography of the person or persons who lead the nominated company (up to 125 words):

Elena Gosse is a trail-blazing businesswoman, 50% owner and CEO of one of Australia’s most innovative companies, Australian Innovative Systems (AIS).

The 100% Australian owned and operated business has prospered under Elena’s leadership to become a multi-award winning, multi-million dollar business which is recognised as a leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators and water disinfection technology. AIS exports to over 55 countries.

From an initial staff of three and a $100,000 p.a turnover operation, Elena has transformed AIS into a $8m p.a turnover operation with 60+ employees.

AIS’ workforce celebrates diversity and boasts over 40% female staff and employees from 14 countries.

Elena also runs a female mentorship program which has assisted more than100 women since its inception.

Choose one (even if both apply):

At least 50% of the shares in this company are owned by women.