Purification
We are interested in technologies and/or processes that can deliver a ten-fold improvement over available systems to remove contaminants from water. Reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, microfiltration, ultra filtration, ultraviolet oxidation and electro dialysis are some of the methods currently in use that could be enhanced by incorporating new materials or nanotechnologies.
Desalinization
Existing desalinization technologies are very inefficient, making the alternative—fresh water from aquifers and rivers—the preferred source for human consumption, industrial use and crop irrigation.
In 2013, we participated at the first round of investment for Okeanos Technologies hoping they will become a leader in desalinization solutions.
We remain interested in methodologies that will reduce the cost of desalinization to 10% of today’s cost for large-scale plants.
Quality detection
Utilities monitor the quality of their water at their plants’ exit and are unaware of organic or inorganic contaminants that might get into the water throughout their pipeline distribution system. Also, quality results are received several hours after the water has left the plants, potentially exposing their customers to contaminated water in case of failure in their treatment processes.
A distributed, point-of-delivery, real-time quality detection system would guarantee the quality of the water at the customers’ homes, avoiding potential mass poisoning.
Water recycling
We are looking for urban systems for the recycling of gray and black water; going from large residential buildings to small, stand-alone units like a smart-toilette.
Water savings
As much as 30% of the fresh water produced by utilities is lost before it gets to the point of use. We are interested in smart grid technologies to measure, monitor and optimize water flux in distribution systems to guarantee rapid and precise intervention to minimize systems losses. Also, in technologies to significantly reduce water usage in industrial processes and the extension of the water life cycle.
