We are a team of motivated environmental and purposed-based individuals spread across Australia. The founders of the company have a love for the ocean and they both have a lifetime of commercial and recreational maritime experience.
Core Team
Marc Kuhl
Founder/Director
Marc has extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of marine operations with a longstanding history working in both the commercial industry and private sector. He has formerly held the ranks of Captain with both Master Class 4 and Chief Engineer MED II – qualifications.
Robert Manning
Managing Director
Robert joined the SORR Team after passionately advocating for Tuggerah Lakes And Estuaries Stormwater Water Trial as a community science project lead. Identifying underlying environmental issues impacting the waterways where he lives, he undertook an intensive ChangeMakers program with the Central Coast Council and was awarded a grant to implement a trial of a solution to improve the water entering Tuggerah Lake.
After a stellar career in Telecommunications and Digital Technology and Marketing, he brings a range of skills and experience to the team along with his passion for the environment.
Prof. Dr. Richard Banati
Head of Research & Development
Richard is a senior scientist (Distinguished Researcher Fellow) at Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and full professorship at the University of Sydney, where he’s the Foundation Chair of Medical Radiation Sciences. He is internationally recognised for his work on the biological mechanisms of disease, injury and environmental exposure on the brain’s innate immune system. His research interests include the up-take of microplastics by marine life, their environmental impact and the traceability of associated toxins in the oceans. He is pro bono Chair & Medical Director of Mothers Milk Bank Charity, Australia's first community-based milk bank since 2009. Here, too, his focus is on improving emergency and disaster readiness.
David Guthrie
Research & Development
Dave is responsible for developing the Sucoil Sponge and executing new products along with planning, organising, controlling and coordinating research and development activities within SORR. He has lived and worked all his life along the water’s edge of Sydney Harbour and has in-depth experience as a marine industrial sand-blaster and painter, working on historic Cockatoo Island.
Chris Kiprovski
Communications & Creative Director
Chris is an award-winning Creative Director based in Australia with over 15 years of experience in the branding and advertising sectors. He works with a multitude of brands to better our world for the future. He is also a natural connector and is relationship-focussed in his approach to life, people, and business. Chris has a strong love for the ocean and has seen first-hand the damage pollution has caused over the years.
Awards
SORR is a Global Finalist of XTC 2022. Xtreme Tech Challenge is a non-profit organization behind the world’s biggest startup competition that aims to help startups change the world for the better. In our quest, we are supported by leading corporations, VCs, foundations, policymakers, universities and tech conferences.
SORR was an Australian national finalist of ClimateLaunchpad which is the world’s largest green business ideas competition.
Working with
Birkenhead Point Marina, Sydney Harbour
Central Coast Council, NSW
Cockatoo Island Marine, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Collaborating with
ARQ GROUP
AWS (Amazon Web Services)
Newcastle University
Memberships
SORR is a member of the Climate Salad
SORR is a member of the Queensland AI Hub.
SORR is a member of the Marina Industries Association.
Currently Sponsoring
SORR is currently a sponsor of Ocean in Motions.