A University of Cincinnati Venture Lab-backed startup has been honored in Fast Company's 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards, the Cincinnati Business Courier reported.
Clean Earth Rovers is developing autonomous rovers that clear debris, which CEO Michael Arens likened to "Roombas for coastal waterways." The startup has deployed its rovers near San Francisco and in South Florida to clear plastic, hurricane debris, oil spills, dead fish, seaweed and more from coastal waterways.
Clean Earth Rovers earned an honorable mention in the water category of the Fast Company honors, which included nine projects designed to increase access to clean water, fight drought, protect oceans or otherwise help solve water-related issues.
The rovers are built in the Makerspace in UC's 1819 Innovation Hub, which also is home to the Venture Lab.