Top 50 Desalination Technology

OceanWell develops modular subsea reverse osmosis systems that utilize natural ocean pressure to produce fresh water efficiently, reducing energy consumption by 40% compared to traditional desalination methods. The technology addresses global water scarcity while preserving marine ecosystems and avoiding the environmental impacts associated with coastal desalination plants.

This startup develops a modular desalination system that utilizes subsea Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology to produce affordable freshwater from deep-sea sources. By providing tailored deep-sea drinking water solutions, the company addresses the critical need for reliable freshwater access for individuals, farmers, and industries.

Aquafortus offers the ABX™ non‑thermal desalination system, which uses a patented solvent‑exchange process followed by low‑pressure membrane filtration to extract clean water from high‑salinity brine. Operating at ambient temperature, the platform reduces energy use by about 60 % and operating costs by roughly 50 % compared with conventional thermal desalination, while its modular skid‑mounted design enables scalable integration for oil‑&‑gas, mining, power generation, and semiconductor facilities.

Brilliant Planet builds utility‑scale desalination plants that use concentrated solar power to generate high‑pressure steam for reverse osmosis, eliminating the need for grid electricity. The modular design with molten‑salt thermal storage enables continuous, low‑energy water production (<3 kWh/m³) for agriculture, industry, and municipalities in arid regions, monitored via a cloud‑based SCADA platform.

Ocean Oasis utilizes wave energy to power offshore desalination systems, producing fresh water with zero emissions. This technology provides a sustainable solution for coastal communities facing freshwater scarcity, benefiting both people and industries in water-stressed regions.

MediSun Energy utilizes Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) technology to convert saltwater into electricity, addressing the global water crisis and high energy consumption associated with traditional desalination methods. This process significantly reduces energy use by 30% and eliminates brine production, offering a sustainable solution for clean energy generation.

This startup develops low-cost handheld seawater desalination devices for humanitarian and marine applications, providing a reliable source of potable water in areas facing freshwater scarcity. Additionally, the company offers grid-scale energy storage and clean electricity solutions, enhancing energy accessibility while promoting sustainability.

The startup develops membrane-based systems for extracting valuable minerals and producing clean water from sub-surface brines, industrial wastewater, and end-of-life batteries. Their technology reduces the environmental impact of mineral extraction while enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of water treatment processes.

Gradiant provides integrated water‑treatment platforms for large industrial facilities, combining membrane, adsorption, oxidation and extraction technologies to reduce freshwater intake and recover metals, minerals and other resources. The systems include an AI‑driven SmartOps analytics layer and proprietary CURE chemicals that continuously optimize process setpoints, predict maintenance and ensure compliance for applications such as zero‑liquid‑discharge, PFAS destruction, lithium extraction and electrolyzer‑ready water.

NALA Membranes develops chlorine-resistant reverse osmosis membranes that prevent biofouling, significantly reducing maintenance costs and operational complexity in water treatment systems. By replacing traditional polyamide materials, NALA's technology lowers energy consumption and total ownership costs by up to 24%, enabling sustainable water reuse for drinking, industry, and agriculture.

Generate provides a full‑stack platform that designs, finances, builds, owns, and operates utility‑grade energy, water, and waste assets such as battery storage, distributed solar, EV charging, desalination, and organic waste treatment. Customers—including municipalities, corporate campuses, and enterprises—access these resources via off‑balance‑sheet PPAs, leases, or service contracts, receiving fixed‑price service, real‑time IoT monitoring, AI‑driven performance analytics, and integrated ESG reporting without upfront capital or technical risk.

KMX Technologies utilizes membrane distillation technology to separate pure water from waste streams while recovering valuable critical minerals and lithium. This process enhances lithium recovery rates by 500% compared to conventional methods, addressing the growing demand for sustainable resource extraction in water treatment and mineral recovery.

Evove utilizes nanotechnology and additive manufacturing to create precision membrane technology that enhances water filtration efficiency by eliminating random pore sizes and reducing fouling. This technology addresses the challenges of high energy consumption and space requirements in conventional membrane systems, enabling more sustainable water recycling and resource recovery.

Vital Lyfe offers a compact, plug‑and‑play water purification system that combines pre‑filtration, ultrafiltration and low‑pressure reverse osmosis to produce WHO‑compliant potable water on‑site. Powered by a low‑power 12 V DC pump, the unit can run from solar panels or batteries and includes real‑time sensors that adjust flow to maintain water quality. Its IP68‑rated, modular chassis allows rapid deployment and capacity scaling from 1 L/h to 20 L/h for use by outdoor enthusiasts, humanitarian responders, and military units.

RePG Energy utilizes patented technology to generate electricity and potable water from latent heat and waste heat sources, employing principles of osmosis and diffusion without the need for turbines or generators. This system addresses energy inefficiency and water scarcity by enabling decentralized energy production and water generation in residential, industrial, and mobile applications.

Genesis Systems develops patented technologies that extract fresh water from atmospheric humidity, producing up to 120 gallons per day using renewable energy sources. This approach addresses the critical issue of water scarcity in arid regions, providing a sustainable solution for communities facing limited access to clean water.

The startup manufactures subscription-based water purifying systems that utilize IoT technology and a triple-layer filtration process, including reverse osmosis (RO), ultraviolet (UV), and ultrafiltration (UF). This solution provides families with affordable and convenient access to clean drinking water while continuously monitoring the health of the purifier.

Salinity Solutions has developed a patented batch reverse osmosis technology that operates with over 50% energy efficiency compared to traditional systems, achieving up to 98% water recovery while generating 80% less waste. This technology addresses the urgent need for sustainable water treatment solutions in industries facing high energy costs and increasing water scarcity.

The startup develops wave-powered desalination systems that utilize wave energy to drive water through filters and reverse osmosis membranes, producing freshwater without electricity or land use. This technology provides a sustainable drinking water source for private islands and coastal communities, ensuring low maintenance and significant cost savings.

Harmony develops advanced water treatment solutions using novel processes and membranes to improve water purification. Their technology focuses on optimizing reverse osmosis to reduce concentrate waste and enhance clean water recovery for various applications.

Retein utilizes patented molecular separation technology inspired by natural cell membranes to recover high-purity resources, including clean water and lithium, from various water sources. The company addresses the scarcity of sustainable materials and clean water by providing energy-efficient solutions for industries such as healthcare and battery production.

Blue Carbon offers self-powered, autonomous marine infrastructure that uses wave, current, and solar energy to move water. Their oPod™ technology provides directed, pressurized water flow for aquaculture cooling, desalination, and reef restoration, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

Active Membranes develops electro-active desalination membranes with tunable anti-scaling and anti-fouling properties, designed to enhance freshwater recovery from brackish and seawater while minimizing pre-treatment requirements. This technology significantly reduces capital and operating costs, making desalination a viable solution for addressing global freshwater scarcity.

Undesert utilizes SWAP purification technology to transform contaminated wastewater, including produced water from oil and gas extraction, into purified water and dry salt, achieving four times the efficiency of reverse osmosis. This process addresses the critical shortage of clean water by providing up to one billion gallons of usable water daily while simultaneously combating desertification through land rehabilitation.

Wavepiston develops a modular, fully submerged wave energy system that utilizes a patented force cancellation mechanism to generate clean electricity and desalinated water with minimal maintenance costs. This technology addresses the need for sustainable energy and fresh water in coastal regions by providing a scalable and unobtrusive solution.

Remote Waters designs and installs adaptable water purification systems that utilize solar energy and artificial intelligence to provide clean drinking water for remote communities. These systems address the lack of access to potable water by efficiently converting contaminated sources into safe, compliant drinking water while minimizing operational costs.

Ecomemb regenerates reverse osmosis membranes using patented sustainable technology, significantly reducing the need for chemicals, water, and energy while extending membrane life by at least 50%. This process prevents valuable membranes from being discarded, thereby minimizing landfill waste and lowering replacement costs by up to 60%.

4Earth develops modular water treatment plants utilizing advanced membrane technology and machine learning to enhance operational efficiency in harsh water conditions. The company addresses the global water scarcity crisis by providing scalable solutions for industrial, commercial, and municipal applications, ensuring safe and sustainable water management.

Exowave has developed a patented wave energy converter technology that harnesses ocean wave energy to produce fresh water and renewable electricity. This approach addresses the global scarcity of clean drinking water and the need for sustainable energy sources, enhancing energy production by 50% when combined with offshore wind systems.

Maygia utilizes hydrogen and air to simultaneously produce electricity and treat seawater, transforming it into potable water while minimizing chemical use and energy costs. This technology addresses the high energy demands of traditional reverse osmosis systems, offering a sustainable solution for water scarcity and regulatory compliance in various industries.

Seamoretech offers a modular zero‑liquid‑discharge system that attaches to existing desalination plants to extract and purify water from brine streams, effectively increasing freshwater output. The technology uses ion‑exchange and precipitation to recover high‑value salts such as calcium, magnesium, lithium and sodium, while IoT sensors and machine‑learning controls optimize performance and enable remote monitoring.

Green Independence provides the New Artificial Leaf (NAL), a multifunctional climate technology that generates green energy and purifies water. The NAL system integrates solar energy conversion with waste heat utilization to produce electricity, desalinate seawater, purify wastewater, and generate green hydrogen, offering a decentralized solution for energy and water needs.

The startup develops sustainable energy-neutral technology that extracts clean water from the air using low-temperature heat, which can be powered by renewable sources like waste heat and solar thermal collectors. This technology addresses water scarcity and reduces reliance on existing infrastructure and plastic waste in various industries.

Stockholm Water Technology utilizes patented electro-capacitive technology to remove charged contaminants from water without chemicals or membranes, making it effective for heavy metal purification and nutrient reduction. Their systems operate autonomously with remote monitoring, reducing maintenance costs while ensuring compliance with water quality standards for industries and municipalities.

Molymem develops functional 2D material membranes that enhance water permeance and selectively reject pollutants, addressing the need for cleaner water in municipal and industrial applications. Their technology reduces the environmental impact of wastewater treatment and maximizes water reuse across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and mining.

OSMOSUN® develops solar-powered desalination systems that utilize reverse osmosis technology to produce up to 20,000 m³ of fresh water per day. These solutions provide reliable access to potable water for remote communities, agriculture, and emergency situations, addressing the critical shortage of clean water in various global regions.

Kairospace develops advanced water treatment systems that utilize cavitation technology to purify water more efficiently and sustainably. Their solutions target industrial and municipal sectors, offering a chemical-free approach to water purification and wastewater treatment.

IF Water develops the WaterOne™ system, which utilizes high-speed vapor distillation to purify water from previously untreatable sources without the need for consumable filters or membranes. This technology provides consistent, high-purity drinking water, addressing the reliance on bottled water in areas with unsafe tap water.

Marine Tech offers integrated solutions for marine operations and environmental protection, providing autonomous drone systems for reconnaissance and monitoring, alongside advanced technologies for freshwater generation from seawater. The company also specializes in marine pollution detection and recovery, leveraging extensive maritime expertise to enhance operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Sunvapor develops solar steam generation systems with integrated thermal energy storage for applications in thermal desalination and sustainable agriculture. Their technology addresses the need for efficient water and energy solutions in the water-energy-food nexus, enabling reduced reliance on fossil fuels and improved resource management.

NanoTech Systems provides advanced water purification by using proprietary nanotechnology to bind complex contaminants. A patented magnetic separation process then efficiently removes these pollutants, delivering cleaner, safer water for industrial and municipal applications.

Naion.tech develops AI-optimized nanofiltration membranes tailored for the unique compositions of recycling water, enabling the efficient recovery of critical raw materials. This approach enhances product purity and reduces costs by customizing existing commercial membranes without the need for new equipment.

The startup develops distributed desalination technologies that convert unusable water into fresh water using zero-discharge water treatment methods. This approach enables companies and cities to achieve water neutrality by sustainably replacing natural water supplies with desalinated saltwater while minimizing environmental impact.

Aqua Membranes manufactures reverse osmosis membrane elements that incorporate a proprietary printed spacer directly on the membrane surface, removing the conventional mesh feed channel. This design cuts hydraulic resistance by up to 30%, reducing pump energy consumption and fouling, and can be retrofitted as a drop‑in replacement in existing brackish‑water RO systems for utilities, wastewater reuse, food‑and‑beverage, and mining operations.

NONA has developed a portable desalination system using Ion Concentration Polarization technology, which efficiently removes salt and pathogens from seawater without the need for heat or reverse osmosis. This solution provides reliable access to clean drinking water for off-grid users, such as soldiers and boaters, while minimizing operational costs and complexity.

Elile AI offers an AI-powered platform, ElectrOS, that utilizes real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to enhance the reliability and efficiency of energy infrastructure, including wind, solar, gas, and desalination facilities. By autonomously diagnosing issues and implementing preemptive actions, the platform reduces downtime and operational costs while maximizing energy output.

The startup manufactures solar-powered atmospheric water generators that extract pure drinking water from humidity in the air by heating a saline solution to vaporize water. This technology enables water distributors to produce clean drinking water sustainably and cost-effectively, addressing the depletion of groundwater resources.

Membrion develops electro-ceramic desalination technology that efficiently removes problematic ions from industrial wastewater, enabling compliance with regulatory standards while minimizing operational costs. Their membranes are designed to withstand extreme conditions, reducing the need for pre-treatment and enhancing water circularity in wastewater management systems.

Global Water Farms utilizes a low-temperature thermal desalination process powered by 100% renewable solar energy to produce distilled water and dry salt, generating no toxic waste. The company addresses the critical shortage of clean water for municipalities, agriculture, and industries by providing scalable, on-demand water solutions that can be deployed in remote locations.

Ceal utilizes a proprietary electrochemical process to capture and sequester atmospheric CO₂ from seawater into essential minerals, while simultaneously producing soft water for industrial applications. This technology addresses the inefficiencies and high costs of existing carbon dioxide removal methods, enabling scalable and cost-effective gigaton-scale operations without reliance on the carbon market.