Top 50 Desalination Technology - Series A

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SiTration develops ultra-durable filtration membranes designed for efficient separations in extreme environments, utilizing advanced polymer technology to enhance performance and longevity. These membranes address the challenges of filtration in harsh conditions, significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime for industrial applications.

Boon develops AI-powered water purification and monitoring systems that provide sustainable access to clean drinking water while reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles. Their technology addresses the critical issue of water scarcity and pollution, particularly in underserved regions, by implementing solar-powered solutions and circular hydration systems.

LiqTech offers advanced silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic membrane filtration technology for purifying liquids and gases in demanding industrial applications. Their durable, chemically inert membranes handle harsh chemicals and high temperatures, reducing maintenance and operational costs in sectors like oil and gas, power generation, and chemical processing.

Aquafortus utilizes a non-thermal recovery and crystallization technology platform to efficiently extract valuable resources from wastewater. This process reduces environmental impact and enhances resource recovery, addressing the challenges of waste management in various industries.

Capture6 utilizes direct air capture technology powered by renewable energy to permanently remove CO₂ from the atmosphere while generating freshwater for local communities. The startup addresses the urgent need for carbon removal solutions to meet net-zero targets and combat climate change impacts.

Osmoses develops specialized molecular filters for industrial chemical separations, enabling precise separation of chemicals at a molecular level. This technology enhances solvent recovery and waste treatment processes while significantly reducing energy consumption and operational costs.

Hydropleap utilizes electrocoagulation technology to remove suspended solids, metals, and oils from water without the use of chemicals. This process enhances water treatment efficiency while reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional chemical methods.

HPNow develops on-site hydrogen peroxide generators that utilize electrochemical processes to produce Peroxide UltraPure™ for water and air treatment applications. This technology eliminates the need for harmful chemical inputs, providing a safe and sustainable solution for industries such as agriculture, food and beverage, and municipal water systems.

The startup develops ceramic flat membrane filtration technology for wastewater treatment, providing reliable alternatives for water and sewage management. Their solutions enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with environmental standards in industrial applications.

Pani Energy develops a data-driven analytics platform that consolidates sensor data for real-time monitoring and predictive optimization of water treatment plants. This technology enhances operational efficiency, reduces downtime, and extends the lifespan of treatment membranes by providing actionable insights and alerts based on real-time performance metrics.

Geodesic Innovations provides chemical-free water disinfection and quality improvement systems for pools, cooling towers, and wastewater reuse networks, utilizing advanced monitoring technology to ensure optimal water conditions. The company significantly reduces chemical usage and conserves billions of liters of water, addressing the critical issues of water quality and environmental sustainability.

Magrathea produces carbon-neutral magnesium metal from seawater, eliminating the need for environmentally damaging mining processes. This technology addresses the high carbon emissions associated with traditional structural metal production, offering a lightweight and circular alternative for industries reliant on steel and aluminum.

LARQ utilizes PureVis™ and Nano Zero technologies to purify drinking water by eliminating contaminants and improving taste, ensuring access to clean hydration. The company addresses the issue of unsafe tap water quality, providing a sustainable solution for healthier drinking options.

Drupps develops systems for recovering airborne wastewater from industrial airstreams, enabling businesses to recycle pure water and heat with high efficiency. This technology addresses water scarcity by reducing overall water consumption and improving environmental conditions through cleaner exhaust air.

SepPure Technologies develops solvent-resistant nanofiltration membranes that separate chemical mixtures at the molecular level, significantly reducing energy consumption in industrial processes. Their technology addresses the high energy intensity and pollution associated with traditional chemical separation methods, with potential annual savings of one million tonnes of volatile organic compounds and one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Banyu Carbon utilizes a light-driven photochemical process to extract CO2 from seawater, generating a pure stream of carbon for easily verified carbon credits. This approach addresses the urgent need for scalable carbon removal, as current technologies fall short by a factor of 10,000 in meeting the billions of tons of CO2 that must be removed annually to mitigate climate change.

The startup has developed catalytic hydrothermal gasification (cHTG) technology that converts biomass residues and industrial waste into renewable gas, fertilizer, and clean water. This process enhances wastewater treatment efficiency while promoting sustainable waste management and resource recovery.

Infinity Water Solutions provides a closed-loop water management system that recycles 100% of produced water for reuse in the oil and gas industry, utilizing proprietary technology to ensure high-quality water treatment. By offering reliable water sourcing and storage across a network covering over 130,000 acres, the company helps operators reduce their dependence on freshwater resources while minimizing environmental impact.

374Water Inc. utilizes proprietary AirSCWO technology to mineralize both non-hazardous and hazardous organic waste streams, converting them into safe, reclaimable minerals and dischargeable water. This process effectively addresses the challenges of traditional waste disposal and the presence of PFAS contaminants, promoting resource recovery and environmental safety.

AquaBattery develops long-duration energy storage systems that utilize a combination of table salt and water to store excess renewable energy, providing a safe and sustainable solution for commercial and industrial users. This technology addresses the variability of renewable energy sources by enabling the storage of electricity for extended periods, ensuring reliable power supply during periods of low generation.

The startup has developed a purification and disinfection device that generates hydrogen peroxide using only water, air, and electricity, producing an eco-friendly biocide. This technology enhances food and water safety while minimizing the environmental impact and risks associated with transporting and handling toxic disinfectants.

Via Separations develops proprietary membrane materials that reduce energy consumption in thermal separations by up to 90%, enhancing efficiency in industrial processes. Their technology addresses the significant energy demands of manufacturing sectors such as pulp and paper, chemicals, and refining, delivering substantial cost savings and operational flexibility.

Infinite Cooling utilizes proprietary sensors and AI-driven algorithms to monitor and optimize cooling tower operations, significantly reducing water consumption and energy waste. Their WaterPanel™ technology captures hazardous plumes, converting them into purified water, thereby addressing the inefficiencies in industrial cooling systems.

The startup develops a bio-based adsorbent material that selectively captures micro-pollutants such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals from contaminated water and wastewater. This technology enables clients to meet stringent wastewater regulations while protecting local ecosystems from harmful pollutants.

UniSieve develops molecular separation membranes for efficient purification of chemical feedstocks and tailored carbon capture solutions for heavy-emitting industries. Their technology addresses the challenges of high product costs and environmental impact by enhancing separation processes in various applications, including waste-to-energy and cement plants.

Hydraloop develops a water recycling system that captures and purifies domestic wastewater for reuse in showers, gardens, and laundry, promoting water circularity in urban environments. This technology addresses the growing demand for sustainable water management solutions amid increasing water scarcity.

The startup develops hydrogen panels that generate hydrogen gas by utilizing solar energy to split water molecules, capturing moisture from the air. This technology provides a sustainable energy source at a lower cost, complementing traditional solar panels and addressing the need for clean energy alternatives.

The startup manufactures hygienic water taps that utilize advanced filtration technology to provide both still and sparkling water, with capabilities to heat and chill. These taps deliver clean drinking water solutions for restaurants, offices, and homes, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles and promoting environmental sustainability.

CREW Carbon utilizes enhanced weathering technology to introduce natural minerals into wastewater treatment processes, permanently capturing CO2 as stable bicarbonate. This method improves treatment efficiency and safety while reducing operational costs and enabling compliance with environmental regulations.

Captura utilizes renewable energy to perform Direct Ocean Capture, extracting CO2 from seawater to enhance the ocean's natural carbon removal processes without additives or by-products. This technology addresses the urgent need for scalable carbon removal solutions to mitigate climate change impacts.

Aquacycl utilizes BioElectrochemical Treatment Technology (BETT) to efficiently treat high-strength industrial wastewater while ensuring regulatory compliance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. Their system offers significant cost savings by eliminating hauling fees and lowering energy consumption, enabling businesses to focus on their core operations.

The startup develops software-guided ultrasonic technology that utilizes beam-forming techniques to precisely target and sonicate materials without halting production or using chemicals. This approach enhances process efficiency and helps clients meet stringent environmental regulations.

QD-SOL utilizes proprietary nanoparticle photocatalysts to produce green hydrogen directly from sunlight and water, significantly reducing production time and eliminating the need for electricity. This technology addresses the high costs and environmental impact associated with traditional hydrogen production methods, offering a scalable and sustainable solution.

Power to Hydrogen develops anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers that integrate with renewable energy sources to produce low-cost hydrogen and pressurized oxygen without the use of precious metals. This technology enhances the economic viability of industrial hydrogen applications and optimizes energy output from solar and wind installations.

Spotless Water operates a network of self-service filling stations that dispense ultra-pure water, processed through multiple filtration methods to achieve 0 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). This service provides a convenient and sustainable solution for various applications, such as car detailing and window cleaning, available 24/7 at competitive prices starting from 3.9p per litre.

HOPE Hydration provides advanced water refill stations equipped with Pentair Everpure carbon filtration and UV stabilization technology, designed to deliver chilled, purified water in high-traffic areas like airports and stadiums. By offering free water refills powered by advertising, the company reduces plastic waste and promotes sustainable hydration practices while delivering measurable brand engagement through real-time analytics.

Rainmaker employs cloud seeding technology, utilizing radar validation and weather-resistant drones to enhance precipitation for agriculture, water supply, and ecosystem restoration. This approach directly addresses freshwater scarcity caused by climate change and increasing global consumption, providing a scalable solution to replenish vital water resources.