James Meyer (OK 2005) is making a significant mark internationally as Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Onunda, a company at the forefront of transforming wastewater into valuable resources.

Most recently, Onunda received an award in one of four categories at WEX Global in Spain, marking the second consecutive year the company has been recognised at this leading global forum. The achievement highlights the growing impact of Onunda’s innovative technology and its potential to reshape the wastewater industry.

James, a chemical engineer with over a decade of experience across wastewater treatment, biotechnology, and waste-to-energy, began his journey in the sector in 2016 when he co-designed a novel trickle-bed bioreactor pilot plant in South Africa. After gaining professional status through the Engineering Council of South Africa, he moved to the UK in 2019 and became a chartered engineer in 2023.

In a recent discussion, James reflected on how his diverse career, working alongside engineers, scientists, and academics, helped shape his problem-solving approach and passion for innovation. Now, as CTO, he leads the development of Onunda’s cutting-edge technology, working closely with his team to refine processes for safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

At the heart of Onunda’s work is a simple but powerful idea: turning waste into worth. The company’s technology removes harmful pollutants from wastewater while recovering valuable nutrients that can be reused, supporting agriculture and protecting natural ecosystems. Notably, the process is energetically self-sufficient and can be integrated into existing infrastructure, making it both practical and environmentally impactful.

James (OK 2005) credits his motivation to a genuine belief in the technology’s potential to improve communities, human health, and the natural environment. He also emphasises the importance of learning from mistakes, viewing them as essential tools for growth and innovation.

Looking ahead, James envisions Onunda’s technology being adopted globally, with the potential to become an industry standard in sustainable waste treatment and resource recovery.