Bianca Bailey, a University of Illinois graduate and Illinois Farm Bureau member, is making waves in the agricultural technology sector with her innovative company, Agriwater. Her journey began with a fascination for agriculture and engineering, leading her to develop mobile water systems that transform livestock waste into clean water and valuable byproducts.
Bailey’s research during her doctorate at the University of Illinois led her to discover electro coagulation, an old technique of applying electricity to liquid. Intrigued, she experimented with electrifying animal manure to clean water. After numerous trials and adjustments, she achieved a breakthrough. “I opened the lab door and I looked at the experiment, and the water was cleaned. The solids and the filth were kind of a layer on the bottom of the water, and then the clean water was sitting on top,” Bailey recounted. This success marked the beginning of Agriwater.
Agriwater’s technology offers several benefits for livestock farmers. By removing solids from manure, the system enhances the irrigation process, reducing the risk of clogged lines. It also helps farmers comply with environmental regulations by minimizing the leaching of toxic manure into rivers. For drought-prone regions like California and Arizona, Agriwater provides a sustainable solution by producing clean water on-site, reducing the need for expensive water piping. Additionally, the technology cuts water bills and fertilizer costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Bailey’s vision is to have Agriwater systems on every livestock farm, turning waste into profit. Her company has already raised nearly half a million dollars, expanded its team, and won multiple awards, including the 2023 Climate Tech Inclusion Award. Agriwater is now preparing for full-scale manufacturing and raising a pre-seed funding round to scale its impact.
Bailey’s participation in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Ag Innovation Challenge presents an opportunity to secure $100,000 in startup funds, propelling her company to new heights. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance and innovation in addressing critical challenges in agriculture. With Agriwater, Bailey is not only transforming livestock waste management but also contributing to a more sustainable and profitable future for farmers.