WIO News

Turning Air Into Water: Akvo’s Sustainable Answer to the Global Water Crisis

Access to clean drinking water remains a critical global issue — over 2.2 billion people lack it, according to the World Health Organization. As the world marked World Water Day on March 22, innovators like Navkaran Singh Bagga, founder and CEO of Akvo, are offering bold new solutions. His company is tackling the water crisis by literally turning air into safe, potable water.

Through Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology, Akvo’s machines extract humidity from the air, condense it into water, and purify it to drinking standards. “AWG is cutting-edge technology that captures water from the air we breathe,” says Bagga. “Once the moisture is condensed, it’s filtered and sterilised, ensuring the water is clean, safe, and chemical-free.”

He likens the process to the condensation seen on a cold glass on a humid day — only industrialized and highly controlled. The water passes through carbon and sediment filters, UV treatment, and sometimes reverse osmosis to meet stringent quality standards.

Akvo’s innovation not only reduces dependence on groundwater and plastic-packaged water but also offers a sustainable, decentralized water solution for homes, businesses, and regions facing severe water scarcity.

As the climate crisis worsens, such renewable technologies are not just impressive –  they’re essential.

For the full article please visit here.

Telegraph India

How Akvo is Making Water Sustainable and Accessible

In an era where water scarcity is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most pressing environmental concerns, Kolkata-based Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems is offering a transformative solution. At the forefront of this innovation is Akvo’s new initiative — Water-on-Want (WoW) — which is reshaping the way businesses think about water access, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.

Rethinking the Water Supply Chain

Akvo’s WoW model is built on a simple yet powerful idea: access to clean drinking water shouldn’t require heavy capital investment. Traditionally, businesses have relied on expensive infrastructure or unsustainable bottled water solutions. Akvo’s solution changes that by turning water into a service — not a product.

“WoW was born from a simple question: Why must access to clean water be capital-intensive? Water becomes a service, not a product — transforming it from a logistical headache into a strategic sustainability win,” said Navkaran Singh Bagga, Founder and CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems.

Under an OPEX-based Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) model, Akvo installs its atmospheric water generators (AWGs) on-site at client locations. The company maintains ownership and operation of the units, while clients are billed only for the volume of water they consume. This approach eliminates upfront costs, simplifies maintenance, and provides predictable, consumption-based pricing.

Adaptable Technology for a Diverse Climate

Currently deployed in water-stressed regions across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, Akvo’s AWG units are engineered to function efficiently across a wide range of climatic conditions — from Chennai’s coastal humidity to Pune’s drier air.

“Our machines condense moisture from the air, filter and mineralise it, and deliver safe drinking water on demand. Thanks to IoT-enabled performance tracking, we ensure consistent output regardless of external climate conditions,” explained Navkaran Singh Bagga.

This adaptability allows Akvo to serve areas where municipal supply is unreliable and groundwater is rapidly depleting.

The Numbers Behind Sustainability

The environmental impact of Akvo’s model is significant. During an 18-month pilot, clients reported up to a 95% reduction in plastic water jar usage, which translates to eliminating over 200,000 litres of transported water per month. A Bengaluru IT park cut carbon emissions by 4.5 tonnes annually, while a Mumbai hotel reduced water procurement costs by 22% and earned green building credits.

“Each 500-litre-per-day unit can save nearly 365,000 plastic bottles annually. That’s the kind of impact that scales when businesses adopt water as a sustainable service rather than a commodity,” said Navkaran Singh Bagga.

A Win-Win for Business and the Planet

Akvo’s AWG units are compact — requiring just one square metre of space — and operate at just 0.26 kWh per litre under optimal conditions. With pricing as low as ₹1.25 per litre, the systems are already serving sectors like IT parks, hotels, and manufacturing hubs.

“By producing water locally, we eliminate transportation emissions, avoid municipal tariffs, and help businesses meet ESG targets without increasing costs,” added Navkaran Singh Bagga.

Akvo has now expanded into 15 countries, including Qatar and Dubai, generating over 100 million litres of clean water globally. The company is now focusing on fully solar-powered AWGs and mobile container units to serve remote locations and disaster zones.

Bridging Innovation and Accessibility

Despite the advanced technology, Akvo’s mission is rooted in making sustainability accessible. “WoW isn’t just an ESG move — it’s a practical hedge against water volatility. Sustainability is no longer a choice — it’s a license to operate. If you can save money, reduce plastic waste, and secure your water supply—all without capex — why wouldn’t you?” said Navkaran Singh Bagga.

For Akvo, the goal goes beyond business. It’s about changing how we think about water — not just as a resource, but as a sustainable service.

“We don’t want sustainability to be a buzzword or a checkbox. It should be as simple as turning on a tap — and knowing you’re doing right by the planet,” concluded Navkaran Singh Bagga.

To read the full article, please visit here.

Times Tech

On National Technology Day 2025, Akvo CEO Navkaran Singh Bagga Champions Water Innovation

In a special feature by TimesTech, Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO and founder of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems, showcased how the company’s pioneering air-to-water technology is transforming global access to clean water. On the occasion of National Technology Day 2025, Bagga outlined Akvo’s mission to deliver decentralized, climate-resilient water solutions through innovations like modular Water Block units, IoT integration, and AI-powered efficiency.

“Our vision is simple yet ambitious,” Navkaran Singh Bagga said. “We want every community—from remote villages to megacities—to access clean drinking water directly from air, without depending on overburdened natural sources.”

With more than 100 million litres of water generated to date, Akvo’s smart systems are addressing critical water challenges across geographies—from coastal cities to arid interiors—while eliminating reliance on plastic bottles and tanker transport.

Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey from steel manufacturing to clean-tech, Bagga shared a message for young innovators:

“Dream big, but stay rooted in local realities. The best innovations come from deep empathy for the communities you serve. Focus on creating scalable, sustainable solutions, and don’t be afraid to challenge conventional thinking. Building technology is only half the journey—delivering impact is where true innovation shines. And remember, resilience matters as much as brilliance.”

Looking ahead, Bagga emphasized the role of AI and IoT in making Akvo’s systems more predictive, autonomous, and accessible to underserved populations — further advancing the company’s mission of sustainable, democratized water access.

To read the full article, please visit here.

Dev Discourse

Harnessing Rain Energy and Atmosphere: The Future of Water Sustainability

As climate change threatens freshwater availability, experts are advancing innovative solutions like rain energy harvesting and atmospheric water generation.

Dr. Visakh Vaikuntanathan of Shiv Nadar University is developing ‘all-weather’ cells that harness energy from raindrops and sunlight, integrating seamlessly with rooftops and drainage systems.

Simultaneously, Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems, leads the way in generating clean drinking water from air humidity. With operations in 15 countries, Akvo’s Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative, now live in multiple Indian states, offers sustainable, no-CAPEX water access through a BOOT model.

As Himalayan glaciers shrink, technology is also vital in monitoring melt patterns to manage future water flow. On World Water Day, these pioneering efforts shine as hope for water resilience in India.

The CSR Universe

Water-on-Want: Akvo Launches Sustainable Water Solution for Corporates

Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt Ltd has officially launched its Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative, a breakthrough in sustainable water access for businesses in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

The program operates under an OPEX-based Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model, allowing companies to access Akvo’s cutting-edge Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) without upfront capital investment (CAPEX). Businesses pay only for the water they use, with Akvo handling equipment ownership, installation, maintenance, and operation.

After an 18-month pilot, WoW is now a fully optimized solution offering minimum daily off-take starting at 500 LPD. The model removes financial and operational barriers while promoting eco-conscious corporate water practices.

“WoW is not just technology—it’s a business model that allows companies of all sizes to adopt sustainable water practices without financial strain,” said Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder of Akvo.

By eliminating CAPEX and introducing a pay-as-you-go structure, WoW merges sustainability with cost-efficiency—benefiting both companies and the planet.

Techgraph

This is a major problem worldwide; it affects billions of people in homes, villages, and towns. Population increases, climate change and limited water resources make the situation worse and thus require innovative approaches.

In the current world, technology is still rising as the key driver and is changing the way that water is harvested, treated, and transported to communities across the world.

This has been one of the most important developments in the last few years with the development of atmospheric water generation technology. These systems pull the moisture from the air and produce clean drinking water that can be taken to areas with limited infrastructure. Air water generators can work in almost all kinds of climate conditions and provide water solutions to people in arid areas and areas that have been affected by disasters. This technology is further improved by the developments in the design of solar-powered and energy-saving systems, which make this technology a better option than conventional water sources.

In addition to management, new technologies are available that are creating a change in the way that water is gathered and stored by the communities. The application of IoT sensors, data analysis, and cloud computing enable the real-time monitoring of water quality, distribution systems, and consumption trends. Local authorities and utilities can save time and cost on repairs and prevent losses and pollution by identifying leaks, tolerances, or overuse of water. This degree of data granularity also assists policymakers in making better decisions on water control and management and the utilization of resources.

Other filtration and purification technologies also enhance the community’s water resilience. Graphene-based filters and other new-age materials can filter out pollutants and microbes and provide safe drinking water even in highly industrialized waters. Along with these technologies, portable purification devices also help people during personal requirements and during calamities, thus protecting the health of people in vulnerable populations.

This is because water tech solutions are not applied in isolation. New technologies cannot work effectively on their own; they need to be integrated into wider strategies that include education, infrastructure development, and community participation for the sustainability of the interventions. One of the other ways is training the local people on how to use and maintain the new technology so that they own it. Private public partnerships and social enterprises also have a significant role to play. These partnerships help economically disadvantaged communities access clean water by investing in reusable and scalable systems, subsidizing distribution costs, and providing microfinance solutions.

In conclusion, the integration of innovation, policy, and the power of community is the way forward to closing the water divide. From atmospheric water generation to the latest filtration systems and IoT-based monitoring, each new technology is helping to create stronger, more independent communities. If all the stakeholders and donors remain committed to their efforts, we may one day be able to provide safe water to people no matter where they are in the world.

With the help of technology and people’s cooperation, water can be transformed to be the source of improvement, health, and the future we desire for everyone, anywhere.

Written by
Navkaran Singh Bagga,
CEO & Founder, AKVO

Times Now News

Transforming Air into Water: How Akvo is Solving the Water Crisis

Access to clean drinking water remains a major challenge in many parts of the world. In Hardua Mangarh, a village in Madhya Pradesh, residents struggled daily for safe water. Women and children walked miles to collect water, often from contaminated sources. The dry months made water even scarcer.

This changed when Akvo, led by Navkaran Singh Bagga, introduced Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology. Instead of relying on wells, rivers, or government tankers, the villagers now generate their own drinking water—directly from the air.

Who is Navkaran Singh Bagga?

At 38, Navkaran Singh Bagga, based in Kolkata, transitioned from family businesses in steel, hospitality, and trade to water technology. Around 2016-17, he identified water scarcity as a critical global issue. Discovering Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs), he saw an opportunity to create water from air, independent of existing sources, and developed solutions for industrial and community use.

How Does It Work?

The AWG system mimics nature’s condensation cycle. It pulls in air, filters dust and contaminants, then cools it to dew point, turning vapor into liquid. The water undergoes multi-stage filtration, including UV sterilization, before being made available for consumption.

Overcoming Challenges

Many were skeptical of drawing water from air. Additionally, the technology needed optimization for drier climates. Bagga’s team worked on improving efficiency, affordability, and integrating AWGs with solar power for off-grid solutions, aiming to make air-to-water technology mainstream.

A Sustainable Future

“Climate change is making traditional water sources unreliable,” says Bagga. “But air is everywhere—if we tap into it efficiently, we can create water where it’s needed.”

Akvo is driving towards a future where clean water is accessible without depleting natural resources. By merging innovation with sustainability, AWG technology has the potential to revolutionize water accessibility worldwide.

To read the full article, click here.

Hindustan Times

The global water crisis, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and population growth, requires immediate and innovative action. Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder of AKVO, highlights how technology is reshaping water management for a sustainable future. Digital tools like IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and AI-driven analytics enable real-time monitoring and predictive insights, allowing water managers to address issues before they escalate. Circular water economies and advanced wastewater treatment further contribute by transforming waste into reusable water, reducing reliance on dwindling freshwater sources.

Equally groundbreaking is Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG), which harnesses moisture from the air to produce safe drinking water, even in arid regions. Precision agriculture and smart irrigation optimize water use in farming, addressing a sector responsible for 70% of global water withdrawals. Achieving global water resilience, however, requires more than technology; collaborative ecosystems, supportive policies, and community empowerment are critical. By leveraging innovation, fostering partnerships, and ensuring equitable access, we can transition from crisis to sustainability.

Read the full article here.

Abu Dabhi – Sustainable agriculture with atmospheric water generation

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.

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

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.