Category: Blog

The Hindu Business Line

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How Water-Tech Startups Make Every Drop Count

From pulling drinking water straight out of thin air to robots cleaning sewers, Indian startups are reshaping how we use, conserve, and recycle water.

Solinas: Robots for Clean Cities

Chennai-based Solinas builds AI-powered solutions like the Endobot pipeline crawler and Homosep robot to eliminate manual scavenging. Its tools help municipalities detect leaks, reduce water loss, and manage sewers safely and efficiently.

Akvo: Drinking Water from Air

Akvo decentralises clean water supply by producing it at the point of consumption—no tankers, groundwater, or heavy infrastructure. Founder Navkaran Singh Bagga explains:

“The idea was to solve a critical problem, build scalable technology, and deliver value. Water-tech checked all those boxes.”
Akvo’s AWGs use condensation, IoT monitoring, and multi-stage filtration. Modular rooftop units allow customers to scale water production sustainably.

Uravu Labs: Renewable Water

Uravu Labs turns atmospheric moisture into mineral-rich water using liquid salts and renewable heat (solar, biomass, industrial waste heat). Already supplying the hospitality sector, Uravu has conserved 2 lakh litres of groundwater and reduced single-use plastic dependence. Its water cost has dropped from ₹5 per litre to ₹1.5, with a target of 50 paise per litre by 2026.

The Hindu Business Line

Indra Water: Smarter Wastewater Treatment

Mumbai-based Indra Water focuses on industrial wastewater pre-treatment. Its patented ElectroX system removes up to 90% of pollutants, stabilises pH, and reduces sludge. With clients across industries from textiles to steel, Indra is pushing for water reuse at scale.

Funding and Growth

The water-tech segment in India raised $174 million (2018–2025), peaking at $56.2 million last year.

  • Solinas has raised $4M (backed by Zerodha’s Rainmatter).

  • Akvo is preparing a $3M raise for R&D and expansion.

  • Indra secured $4M Series A funding from Emerald Ventures and others.

  • Uravu recently raised $1.2M to scale capacity and lower costs.

Why It Matters

India loses nearly 600 MLD (megalitres per day) of water in tier-1 cities due to leaks, illegal connections, and contamination—worth ₹163 crore daily. With climate pressures rising, water-tech startups are filling critical gaps in supply, conservation, and recycling.

These innovators are proving that every drop counts—not just for today, but for a sustainable future.

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Bizz Buzz

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Deep-Tech and Sustainability: India’s Next Big Leap

By Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder, AKVO

India’s technology landscape is entering a transformative phase where deep-tech meets sustainability. The coming decade demands solutions for water, energy, food, and urban infrastructure—areas where innovation can create both human impact and global competitiveness.

Real-World Challenges, Real Opportunities

Deep-tech holds the strongest potential in sectors that directly affect human existence—water security, renewable power, food sustainability, and urban infrastructure. India can leapfrog legacy systems by investing in atmospheric water technology, bio-based materials, and circular economic frameworks.

Policy as a Growth Enabler

Government initiatives like Make in India provide fertile ground for climate-tech and water-tech startups. Beyond subsidies, India needs pilot programs, fast-track approvals, and performance-linked incentives to accelerate adoption. Strong policy support will shape India into a global leader in climate-tech innovation.

Smart Sustainability with AI, IoT & Blockchain

AI enables predictive efficiency, IoT enhances monitoring and uptime, while blockchain ensures accountability in large-scale projects. Together, these technologies form “smart sustainability”—decentralized, trackable, and scalable systems. At AKVO, IoT dashboards already support our AWGs, with AI integration on the horizon.

Hardware as the Missing Link

India excels in software but lags in hardware development and supply chains. The biggest opportunity lies in uniting India’s software strength with local hardware ecosystems—from semiconductors to renewable devices—creating affordable, scalable solutions for global markets.

Advice to Young Entrepreneurs

Don’t build technology for its own sake—solve genuine problems. The next generation of unicorns will be impact unicorns, addressing water, waste, food, and energy challenges. Embed sustainability in your DNA, and scale globally from day one.

The Defining Decade

India’s tech future lies at the intersection of scale, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Scale without sustainability will collapse, and sustainability without growth will remain niche. True leadership comes from combining both.

Role of Deep-Tech Startups

Deep-tech ventures like AKVO signal India’s shift from outsourcing to innovation leadership. By blending IoT, AI, and renewable integration to extract water from air, we tackle global scarcity challenges. Startups are building the intellectual property and climate-tech hardware that will cement India’s position as a technological powerhouse.

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Scaling Sustainability: Partnerships and Policy Pathways to Make AWG Technology Accessible

By Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder, AKVO

Water is life, yet safe drinking water remains one of the world’s greatest challenges. With urbanization, climate change, and overuse of natural resources, traditional water sources are under unprecedented stress. Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) offers a sustainable solution by harvesting clean drinking water directly from the air—but scaling it requires more than technology alone.

Why AWG Matters Now

By 2030, global freshwater demand is projected to outpace supply by 40%. AWG can provide reliable, decentralized water without straining existing ecosystems, making it vital for both urban and remote communities. But for AWG to move beyond niche adoption, it must become part of mainstream water management strategies.

Partnerships as the Pivot

No single entity can close the global water gap. Governments, businesses, non-profits, and research institutions must work together:

  • Governments can integrate AWG into public water supply frameworks and disaster preparedness.

  • Businesses can meet sustainability goals while strengthening community resilience.

  • Non-profits can ensure last-mile delivery and community adoption.

  • Academia can advance efficiency and provide data for policymaking.

Policy Pathways

Supportive policies can transform AWG from an innovation to a national water security tool. This includes:

  • Subsidies and tax credits similar to those for renewable energy.

  • Standards and certifications to build trust.

  • Financing mechanisms like green bonds.

  • Integration into national disaster plans and renewable energy policies.

Beyond Infrastructure

Accessibility means more than installing machines. Models like pay-per-use or microfinancing, along with community training and awareness campaigns, ensure long-term impact and trust in AWG solutions.

The Way Forward

Scaling AWG is not just a technological challenge—it’s a socio-political one. By aligning partnerships, policy, and people, AWG can become a cornerstone of global water security, helping to democratize clean water as a right for all.

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The Future of Water Sustainability and How Akvo is Pioneering Change

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Water is the foundation of life, yet over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. As climate change intensifies and water resources become increasingly scarce, the need for innovative, sustainable solutions has never been greater. The future of water sustainability lies in harnessing new technologies, reducing dependency on depleting sources, and ensuring equitable access. One such revolutionary innovation leading the way is atmospheric water generation (AWG)—the ability to extract pure, drinkable water from the air.

The Water Crisis: A Growing Global Concern

With rising global temperatures, droughts, groundwater depletion, and pollution are accelerating the water crisis. Traditional sources such as rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers are under immense stress due to urbanization and over-extraction. The UN predicts that by 2025, half of the world’s population will live in water-stressed areas. The question is no longer whether we should act—but how quickly we can adopt solutions that can safeguard future generations.

Innovation as the Key to Sustainable Water Access

While desalination and water recycling have played a role in addressing shortages, they come with high energy costs and environmental concerns. Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) present a sustainable, decentralized alternative by pulling moisture from the air and converting it into safe, potable water—without exploiting existing water sources. This breakthrough technology is not just a concept; it’s a reality reshaping water accessibility worldwide.

Akvo’s Role in Shaping the Future of Water Sustainability

At the forefront of this transformation is Akvo Atmospheric Water Generators, a brand dedicated to delivering clean water from the air, anytime and anywhere. Akvo’s technology is designed for households, businesses, and communities that need a reliable, sustainable, and independent water source. Here’s how Akvo is pioneering change:

1. Sustainable & Self-Sufficient Water Generation

Unlike conventional water sources that rely on pipelines or reservoirs, Akvo’s plug-and-play systems extract water directly from the humidity in the air, making it ideal for drought-prone and remote areas. This significantly reduces the pressure on overburdened freshwater supplies.

2. Energy-Efficient & Eco-Friendly Technology

Akvo’s AWGs are designed to minimize energy consumption, using advanced filtration and purification processes to produce high-quality drinking water without the carbon footprint of bottled water production or transportation.

3. Disaster Relief & Emergency Water Solutions

In times of natural disasters, Akvo’s technology offers a lifeline for communities without access to safe drinking water. Portable AWG units can be deployed in disaster-stricken areas, providing immediate relief without the logistical challenges of transporting bottled water.

4. Corporate & Residential Sustainability

From hotels and offices to eco-conscious homes, businesses and individuals are adopting Akvo’s solutions to reduce water wastage and reliance on municipal water supply. This shift contributes to a more resilient, sustainable future where water security is not dependent on shrinking natural reserves.

The Road Ahead: A Water-Secure Future

As we look ahead, water sustainability will require multi-faceted solutions, including policy reforms, conservation efforts, and technological innovation. Atmospheric Water Generation is poised to become a key component of this sustainable future, ensuring that clean water is accessible, affordable, and environmentally responsible.

Akvo is not just providing a product; it is pioneering a movement towards water independence. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Akvo is proving that the future of water sustainability is not about scarcity—it’s about innovation and accessibility.

The question is: Are we ready to embrace this future?

Online Media Cafe

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“2024 has been a pivotal year for the water sector, reflecting both the escalating urgency of water security and the remarkable resilience of innovative solutions in addressing this global challenge. Across the industry, we have witnessed considerable momentum in designing and deploying technologies that harness atmospheric moisture, reduce reliance on diminishing groundwater reserves, and minimize environmental footprints. Governments and private stakeholders alike have begun acknowledging that ensuring a sustainable water supply is not a luxury but an absolute necessity for thriving communities and economies.

In the year ahead, I anticipate a surge in cross-sector collaborations that will drive greater awareness about alternative water sources and the critical need for holistic water management. By 2025, I believe we will see advancements in atmospheric water generation technology that make systems more compact, cost-effective, and energy-efficient. This evolution will not only bolster water-scarce regions but also help industries adopt innovative water stewardship practices. Additionally, stronger policy frameworks and incentives at both national and global levels are likely to fuel wider adoption, leading to a more concerted approach in protecting our planet’s most precious resource.

At Akvo, we remain committed to our mission of delivering high-quality and sustainable water solutions. Our goal is to continuously refine our technology, forming meaningful partnerships to expand our reach and create a lasting impact. As we close out a year marked by challenges and achievements, I’m confident that 2025 will usher in even more transformative breakthroughs, ultimately bringing us closer to a future where every individual and community has reliable access to clean water.”

Navkaran Singh Bagga, Founder & CEO, Akvo

Source link: Online Media Cafe

Abu Dabhi – Sustainable agriculture with atmospheric water generation

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Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Usage: Unfiltered water generation for agricultural use
Setup Type: AWG (Atmospheric Water Generator)

Background

In the arid environment of Abu Dhabi, where water scarcity is a constant challenge, the Ministry of Presidential Aairs sought a sustainable solution for agricultural water needs. Traditional methods were either too expensive or environmentally unsustainable. A forward thinking approach was required to support local agriculture without straining limited water resources.

Solution

Akvo introduced a specially designed single-phase AWG system that could generate 300 liters of water per day. This innovative solution harnessed ambient humidity to produce water, bypassing the need for energy-intensive desalination or expensive water imports. The unfiltered water was ideal for agricultural applications, providing a fresh source of hydration for plants and landscapes around government facilities.

Impact

– Resource Optimisation: Enabled the Ministry to utilise a renewable source of water, significantly reducing the ecological footprint associated with traditional water sourcing methods.
– Operational Eiciency: The single-phase system was easy to install and required minimal maintenance, making it a practical solution for sustained agricultural support.
– Strategic Resilience: By adopting atmospheric water generation, the Ministry enhanced its water security strategy, ensuring a reliable supply even under adverse climatic condition.

Philippines – Emergency water supply: A lifeline for the ports authority

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Location: Philippines
Usage: Emergency water supply for the Philippines Port Authority
Setup Type: Standalone, Trailerized Solutions

Background

The Philippines, frequently battered by typhoons and natural disasters, needed a robust water supply system for its ports to ensure continuity of operations and safeguard public health during emergencies. The Philippines Port Authority sought a solution that was both mobile and capable of providing immediate relief in times of crisis.

Solution

Akvo developed and deployed 25 trailerized AWG solutions, each equipped with a 300 LPD system and backup generators. These mobile units were designed for rapid deployment and could be positioned across various ports as needed. The self-contained systems ensured that clean water was available even in the most challenging conditions, with minimal setup time.

Impact

– Emergency Preparedness: The Port Authority gained the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies, providing essential water supplies during disasters.
– Operational Continuity: Ensured the availability of potable water at key strategic points, maintaining port operations and public safety during critical times.
– Versatility and Mobility: The trailerized systems could be moved to any location, offering flexibility in response to varying emergency scenarios.

Chennai – Empowering a corporate giant with on-site water generation

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Location: Chennai
Usage: Drinking water supply for a large corporate headquarters
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

A major corporate headquartered in Chennai, employing over 5,000 people, required a reliable, high volume water solution that could keep pace with its growing needs. The traditional reliance on municipal water supplies posed a risk of shortages and disruptions, making it imperative to find a self-sufficient alternative.

Solution

Akvo installed 60 Water Blocks on the rooftop, each generating 500 litres of water per day. This modular setup, producing a total of 30,000 litres daily, was connected to multiple distribution points across the headquarters, ensuring a steady low of fresh water for all employees, visitors, and operational needs.

Impact

– Self-Suficiency: The company gained complete control over its water supply, eliminating dependence on external sources and mitigating the risk of water scarcity.
– Enhanced Sustainability: By generating water on-site, the corporate reduced its environmental footprint, supporting its broader sustainability goals.
– Team Well-Being: A consistent supply of high-quality drinking water & enhancing workplace health.

Gujarat – Redefining industrial water solutions for employee welfare

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Location: Gujarat
Usage: Drinking water for factory employees
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

The largest glass bottle manufacturer in Gujarat, employing thousands, faced a persistent challenge: ensuring the availability of safe drinking water in a region where groundwater resources were both scarce and compromised. A reliable, decentralised solution was essential to safeguard employee health and productivity.

Solution

Akvo deployed multiple 500 LPD AWGs across the factory premises, strategically installing them on rooftops and connecting them to various distribution points throughout the facility. This setup ensured that every employee had easy access to fresh drinking water, regardless of their location within the factory.

Impact

– Employee Health and Safety: The provision of clean drinking water reduced health risks and absenteeism, contributing to a more productive workforce.
– Operational Eficiency: The decentralised system eliminated the logistical complexities of transporting water, ensuring consistent availability at a lower operational cost.
– Sustainability Leadership: By adopting a renewable water generation model, the company positioned itself as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.

Bengaluru – Revolutionising corporate water supply with WOW (Water on Want)

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Location: Bengaluru
Usage: Corporate water supply through a pay per-litre model
Setup Type: Distributed Water Supply with Rooftop AWGs

Background

A leading corporate in Bengaluru, catering to thousands of employees, faced the dual challenge of ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality drinking water while managing costs and environmental impact. The conventional approach of procuring bottled water was not only expensive but also contributed to significant plastic waste, contradicting the company’s sustainability goals.

Solution

Akvo implemented its WoW (Water on Want) model, installing rooftop AWGs capable of producing 3000 liters per day. This innovative pay-per-litre BOOT (Build Own Operate-Transfer) setup allowed the corporate to access fresh water on demand, eliminating the need for bottled water. Multiple dispensers were strategically placed across the campus to ensure easy access for all employees.

Impact

– Sustainable Transformation: Reduced the use of single-use plastics by over 80%, aligning the company with its environmental commitments.
– Cost Efficiency: Achieved significant cost savings on water procurement and logistics, reinvesting the savings into employee welfare programs.
– Enhanced Employee Experience: Improved access to fresh, chilled water, contributing to employee satisfaction and productivity.