MassChallenge

DetoXyFi focuses on developing sustainable water filtration devices aimed at providing access to clean drinking water globally. The company leverages xylem tissue from plants to create highly effective filters that are both biodegradable and rapidly deployable. These filters are designed to remove a range of chemical and microbial impurities, effectively protecting users from organic and inorganic toxins as well as waterborne diseases. By utilizing waste wood in their production process, DetoXyFi emphasizes environmental sustainability while addressing critical public health needs.

eSki is a blind-owned and operated totally electric personal watercraft startup that allows you to explore new waterways.

Undesert specializes in innovative water desalination technology aimed at addressing water scarcity and pollution. The company employs a patented process to convert polluted water into fresh water, thereby providing essential water solutions to municipalities and industrial facilities. In addition to its desalination efforts, Undesert focuses on transforming arid desert landscapes into fertile forest land, generating electricity and producing dry salt without generating wastewater or liquid discharge. Through these initiatives, Undesert contributes to sustainable resource management and environmental restoration.

In Preemar we developed Pro-viden, a real-time monitoring system of water parameters that can move autonomously throughout the water and perform measurements at different depths. It measures pH, temperature and oxygen, among other parameters. The farmer has access to them remotely and at all times through our mobile application and web platform. When the level of one of these parameters moves out of their optimal range, a preventive notification is sent to him so he can take proper measures and avoid a loss of production. Additionally, the user has access to graphs and detailed reports, which are processed by our AI.

WeCo innovation consists of treating on-site via a biological process and an electrochemical reactor killing the bacteria and clarifying the wastewater, producing recycled clean water for flushing. This international patented innovation is the first worldwide to treat and recycle on-site and off-grid black water within 2 hours. WeCo public toilets consume only 350 L of water per year, considering 100 daily users, versus 156,000 L of water per year for standard public toilets.

Oxyle AG is a Swiss company based in Zurich that specializes in wastewater treatment aimed at removing persistent and toxic micropollutants from water sources. Established in 2020, the company has developed a novel technology that effectively degrades hazardous substances, including pharmaceuticals, personal-care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Oxyle serves a diverse clientele, including the pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, food and beverage sectors, research laboratories, hospitals, and wastewater treatment facilities. Its innovative approach not only helps clients comply with regulatory standards but also offers a sustainable alternative to wastewater incineration, thereby contributing to reduced CO2 emissions.

Fabriloo specializes in innovative waterless sanitation solutions designed to enhance safety and accessibility in off-grid environments. Their unique VRB technology incorporates a composite hydrophilic and hydrophobic membrane that effectively reduces human waste volume by tenfold, eliminating the risk of environmental contamination and the need for extensive infrastructure. This system serves as a practical alternative to traditional chemical toilets and container-based waste management, requiring only minimal modifications to existing facilities. Fabriloo's compact and lightweight design is suitable for disaster preparedness and can be rapidly deployed in emergency situations, making it a valuable resource for stakeholders seeking to address sanitation challenges in populated slum areas and other infrastructure-deficient regions. Through its scalable approach, Fabriloo facilitates immediate access to latrine facilities, helping to alleviate logistical burdens and save valuable time and resources.

Dipsee aims to help prevent drowning. It bases its tailored solutions on research into the most common drowning scenarios. Its systems combine classification, detection, recognition, and situational awareness to notify users of the actions required to reduce pool-related danger.

SoliDrip has developed an innovative irrigation technology that empowers plants to manage their own watering needs. This autonomous irrigation system is suitable for both outdoor and indoor gardens of any size, providing each plant with the precise amount of water it requires while automatically responding to environmental changes. The system is designed to conserve clean water, minimize runoff damage, and significantly lower maintenance costs for gardens. Additionally, SoliDrip's solution is easy to install, requires no ongoing maintenance, and operates without electricity, making it a practical choice for enhancing urban agriculture and greening initiatives in various urban settings, including rooftops, walls, balconies, and courtyards.

Droople is a company focused on advancing water management technology to enhance water conservation and usage efficiency. It offers an innovative water intelligence platform that integrates Internet of Things technology with artificial intelligence, allowing for real-time analysis of water consumption and leak detection. The company's retrofittable, AI-embedded devices utilize a fog computing architecture to provide insights that help individuals and businesses manage their water resources more effectively. By equipping water asset manufacturers, operators, and building owners with essential tools, Droople aims to foster a sustainable future by promoting responsible water use and minimizing pollution.

NALA Membranes specializes in the production of chlorine-stable reverse osmosis membranes designed to enhance water treatment efficiency while minimizing waste and energy consumption. Their patented materials create durable membranes that resist fouling and failure, making them suitable for demanding industrial wastewater applications. By offering solutions that lower operating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, NALA Membranes supports both economic and environmental sustainability. The company's products are utilized across various sectors, including industrial, municipal, residential, and wastewater treatment systems, effectively addressing a range of contaminants and operating conditions.

ParagonH2 delivers hydrogen-powered clean energy and water for business, community, and homes.

Liquid Logical specializes in a patented heating technology that instantly brings water to its boiling point without the need for storage tanks. This innovative device provides a continuous supply of boiling water on demand, making it suitable for integration into various everyday applications, including kitchens, fridge doors, kitchen worktops, and commercial coffee machines. The technology presents scalable opportunities for consumers and businesses alike while contributing positively to global water-saving initiatives.

CPlantae is a water solution company. They provide services that include vermifiltration, domestic wastewater systems, ecotechnologies, and consulting. Their customers' inquiries are addressed through phone, email, and online applications.

1H2O3 is an international platform for sizing and selling equipment related to water and environmental protection. They design and manufacture their own equipment from recyclable materials for various sectors, including sanitation, drinking water, and aquaculture. They provide all the information concerning water treatment, several pieces of equipment for specific applications, and various sizing tools that will meet specific needs.

H2Ok Innovations specializes in the development of technologies for monitoring and optimizing industrial liquid systems, particularly in the context of water quality. The company employs artificial intelligence and IoT-based techniques to provide real-time data on water chemistry, enabling industries to assess water quality, manage contaminants effectively, and enhance operational efficiency. H2Ok Innovations offers a variety of software and hardware solutions designed to measure fats, oils, and grease, helping manufacturers improve their processes and sustainability efforts. Through its data-driven approach, the company aims to facilitate access to sustainable clean water while generating revenue for its clients.

DrizzleX Ltd develops an innovative water metering solution aimed at promoting water conservation in residential buildings lacking individual apartment meters. The company offers a platform that combines IoT micrometers with a software-as-a-service dashboard, providing real-time data on water usage. This system allows property managers and tenants to monitor consumption patterns, identify leaks, and encourage responsible water usage, ultimately leading to reductions in water bills by 20-40% or more. By empowering tenants to take control of their water consumption and offering property owners tools to manage expenses effectively, DrizzleX supports both economic and environmental sustainability. Founded in 2017 and based in Jerusalem, Israel, the company has expanded its installations across several states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, and New York.

Infinite Cooling Inc. specializes in water recovery systems designed for power plants and other industrial facilities. Founded in 2017 and based in Massachusetts, the company focuses on mitigating water scarcity by employing innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water evaporating from cooling towers. This approach allows power plants, data centers, and factories to significantly reduce water consumption and treatment costs, thereby promoting more sustainable operations. Through its efforts in wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling aims to address environmental challenges related to water waste in industrial processes.

Developer of a leakage detecting technology designed to reduce water break and infrastructure damage loss. The company's technology is used to detect leaks early and accurately in water distribution pipes without interrupting the water service, enabling users to take precautionary steps before water leakage.

Folia Water is a manufacturing company dedicated to producing affordable water filters designed to enhance access to clean drinking water, particularly for underserved populations. The company's flagship product, Folia Filters™, utilizes antimicrobial filter paper embedded with silver nanoparticles to effectively reduce waterborne pathogens. With a focus on cost efficiency, Folia Water employs a patented coating process that transforms standard industrial paper into a highly functional material, enabling the production of filters at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. By leveraging large-scale paper machinery, Folia Water aims to improve the quality of life for working-class consumers by providing them with a low-cost solution for purified drinking water.

Global Water Labs provides technical assistance to current water providers looking for possibilities for community-scale defluoridation. Their assistance assists water providers in setting up a supply chain and distribution system to handle nearby bauxite, assess the quality of the groundwater, and make sure fluoride levels in treated water stay below the desired WHO-MCL.

OCEO is a consumer company that specializes in water purification services. it features smart purification, connection, ownership, and dispensing. The company was founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bangalore, India.

Majik Water Harvest drinking water from the air. Creating a new source of affordable, clean drinking water for water-scarce communities. If you have air, you can have drinking water.

Sindesy transforms the water heating business and its value chain, using unique and patented sensor deployment technology. The company's technology enables customers to control their water heater, be constantly connected, and instantly cared for. Sindesy was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Israel.

Atlas Sensor Technologies is focused on developing a hardness sensor for water softeners that aims to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The company’s patent-pending prototype, created at The University of Texas at El Paso by Dr. Thomas A. Davis, is designed to significantly decrease the amount of salt released into municipal sewer systems while minimizing water waste. As the exclusive licensee of this technology, Atlas plans to evolve the prototype into a commercially viable product, offering turnkey devices to established water softener manufacturers. The company's innovation not only benefits consumers by providing softer water—which can lower detergent use in both household and industrial contexts—but also positions Atlas for potential expansion into additional applications within the water treatment sector.

Shower Stream, based in Austin, Texas, specializes in designing and manufacturing motion-activated shower head adapters aimed at reducing water waste in hotels. The company addresses significant financial losses faced by the hospitality industry, which amounts to $3 billion annually due to wasted water and related costs. Shower Stream offers an innovative, IoT-enabled shower head as-a-service, allowing economy hotels to enhance the guest shower experience without upfront installation costs. For a monthly fee, hotels benefit from substantial utility savings, with a reported return of $2 for every dollar spent. The company’s advanced sensor technology and web-connected platform also provide AI and machine learning-powered analytics, enabling large hotel operators to significantly reduce operational expenses across multiple properties. Currently, Shower Stream is conducting paid demonstrations with the U.S. Department of Defense's Navy Lodge and has launched its first commercial version with Extended Stay America. The company has a promising pipeline that includes five hotel brands representing 1.2 million rooms, making it a key player in the enterprise-scale shower automation market.

OffGridBox is a modular and compact unit that provides renewable energy and clean water in remote areas and developing countries. Their OffGridBox™, an all-in-one system, fits entirely inside a 6x6x6 feet shipping container and is equipped with all the hardware needed to produce electricity and clean water. This innovative technology is a solution for more than 2 billion people worldwide that need energy and clean water on a daily basis. One unit potentially managed by a local women co-op in a Rwandese village can impact up to 300 families (circa 1500 people) providing Tier 1 electricity and sterilized water. They deployed 38 units in 9 Countries (Italy, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Philippines, Madagascar, US and Colombia) for different segments: humanitarian, household retail, service to industry. These units have operated more than 400,000 working hours.

Sukriti Social Foundation is a non-governmental organization focused on improving sanitation and hygiene for approximately 800 million Indians, particularly women. The foundation develops eco-toilets, which are smart, prefabricated toilet cabins that are automated for self-cleaning and maintenance, utilizing fresh water and treating waste on-site while operating on solar energy. In addition to enhancing sanitation, Sukriti Social Foundation aims to address broader societal challenges by implementing effective waste management strategies, promoting energy sufficiency through renewable resources, and fostering affordable healthcare, low-cost housing, skill development, and agricultural sustainability. By utilizing engineering solutions, the foundation seeks to create economical and environmentally friendly approaches to some of the most pressing issues in the country.

Epic Cleantec Inc. is a water technology company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in onsite wastewater treatment and reuse systems for buildings. Founded in 2015, the company offers a comprehensive approach that includes design, engineering, permitting, construction support, and ongoing operations for water treatment solutions. Epic's technology transforms building wastewater into purified water suitable for non-potable applications, such as toilet flushing and irrigation, as well as natural soil amendments that can enhance agricultural and landscaping efforts. By implementing these systems, Epic can help projects reduce water demand by up to 95%, resulting in significant cost savings for building owners on water and sewer bills. Additionally, the company's solutions contribute to sustainability efforts and alleviate pressure on municipal utilities. Epic Cleantec has garnered recognition for its innovative approach, including being named one of TIME's Top Inventions of 2022 for its Epic OneWater System.

CWW is committed to catalyzing clean energy solutions to one of the world’s most critical water challenges: the global water crisis. CWW technology involves a photocatalytic composite that harnesses solar energy. When sunlight strikes the photocatalyst, reactive oxygen species are created. These reactive oxygen species degrade organics, and inactivate bacteria, viruses and protozoa. By harnessing solar energy, the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source, and utilizing an inexpensive catalyst that can be reused, CWW technology helps accelerate progress towards a sustainable water future. CWW has the potential to revolutionize the water industry, and save millions of lives across the world.

Asarasi developed a new source of pure water, replacing our rapidly depleting ground water resources with a sustainable & renewable plant-based source. Asarasi is a 1B Gallon sugar-free maple sap byproduct, the worlds only USDA Certified Organic Water.

Biluu is a company focused on addressing the environmental and economic challenges associated with bottled water consumption in Mexico, which has the highest per capita usage of bottled water globally. The company develops a water purification system that delivers unlimited access to clean water. This innovative product effectively removes sediment and protects against harmful microbes, including bacteria and viruses, while also eliminating contaminants that affect taste and odor. By providing a sustainable alternative to bottled water, Biluu aims to promote health and environmental responsibility while helping consumers save money.

DryGro Ltd. is an agriculture technology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing innovative growing techniques to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and animal feed crops in arid and otherwise unproductive lands. By utilizing water lentils, which grow significantly faster and require less water than traditional crops like soybean, DryGro offers a sustainable alternative for producing high-quality feed ingredients for aquaculture, dairy, beef, and poultry industries. The company aims to lower the cost of feed ingredients while promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. DryGro has received recognition from various organizations, including the European Space Agency and Innovate UK, and is currently working on a demonstration farm in Naivasha, Kenya, supported by partnerships with SNV Netherlands Development Agency and the UK Department for International Development.

Rqmicro is a Swiss company based in Zurich that specializes in pathogen separation and detection technology. Founded in 2013, it focuses on providing rapid microbial assessments for water and food safety. The company has developed proprietary reagents and instruments that deliver accurate results in less than one hour, allowing for quick detection of dangerous water and foodborne pathogens. This technology enables clients to obtain quantitative data on contamination levels, thereby enhancing overall safety in food and water supplies.

Sourcewater, from MIT Energy Ventures, is the online exchange for sourcing, recycling, transporting and disposing of water for energy production, a $20 billion U.S. market. We create a marketplace that matches providers of water, wastewater, trucking, treatment, storage and disposal with energy producers, thereby minimizing the capital and operating costs of oil and gas production, ensuring reliability of the water supply chain, and reducing the environmental and community impact of hydraulic fracturing. For water sellers and service providers, Sourcewater creates a marketing platform that reduces cost of sales and maximizes utilization and profitability.

Water Hero provides an innovative IoT solution that protects homeowners against damaging water leaks and provides unprecedented levels of information on water consumption to help with conservation. The system is currently in beta and targets a launch in late 2016. The company is partnering with property insurance providers and leaders in the water appliance industry to bring the service to market, as well as selling directly and through trade channels.

CityTaps has created an innovative solution to improve access to water for urban populations in developing countries. The company offers a prepayment service that includes a smart and prepaid water meter alongside billing software, designed to empower water utilities to achieve financial independence. This enables them to invest in infrastructure that provides at-home water service, particularly for the poorest residents who lack access to running water. Beneficiaries can conveniently use mobile money to prepay for water, allowing them to manage their household budgets more effectively. The availability of running water in homes is not only more affordable but also enhances health and quality of life. CityTaps' approach has the potential to significantly uplift the lives of millions who currently do not have access to essential water services.

AquaFresco is transforming the cleaning industry with its innovative wastewater recycling system. Founded by a team that emerged from the MIT MADMEC competition in 2014, the company has advanced its technology from laboratory research to commercial application. Currently, AquaFresco's system is being tested in three pilot hotels and three commercial laundry facilities, with the potential to reduce water and detergent usage by up to 95%. The company holds full ownership of its intellectual property and has gained recognition in the community, winning the MassChallenge Gold Award in 2015 and receiving funding from MassCEC in 2016. AquaFresco is focused on completing product development and pilot testing in the near future.

Sanitation and Health Rights in India (SHRI) fights alongside communities to end open defecation as a key step in an ongoing struggle for health equity and social and economic justice. The company has built a toilet that converts poop into methane gas that powers a water filtration system that creates clean drinking water. SHRI then sells the water in the local community to make the whole system sustainable. Source: [TechCrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2016/03/23/y-combinator-winter-2016/)

Fluid-Screen specializes in advanced microchip technology that enables rapid detection of bacterial contamination in fluid samples, reducing testing times from days to mere minutes. This innovative lab-on-a-chip system is designed to serve a variety of industries, including biotherapeutics manufacturing, healthcare, and water quality monitoring. By utilizing proprietary microchip technology and advanced data analytics, Fluid-Screen provides real-time identification of bacteria without the need for labeling. This capability not only streamlines sterility and bioburden testing but also enhances the ability of pharmaceutical companies to expedite the development and production of new therapeutics. The Fluid-Screen platform facilitates proactive decision-making, ensuring safety for products, patients, and customers by minimizing delays typically associated with traditional testing methods.

H2Only Battery is water-activated devices for Peace-of-mind in times of need and emergency, and electricity in Dark-At-Night places.

Drinkwell, founded in May 2013 and based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, focuses on providing clean drinking water to underserved communities in Colorado, West Bengal, and Dhaka. The company offers a range of products and services, including Hybrid Ion Exchange (HIX) Resins, which utilize nanotechnology to effectively remove arsenic and fluoride from water. Additionally, Drinkwell operates water ATMs, designed to enhance cash management and metering at safe water points through RFID technology. The company also provides system design services and oversees the operation and maintenance of water assets. With a commitment to addressing the significant need for affordable clean water, Drinkwell aims to improve access for rural and peri-urban populations.

Anfiro, Inc. is a water technology start-up based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing advanced reverse osmosis polymer membranes that are both chlorine resistant and exhibit high permeability. By utilizing self-assembling polymers, Anfiro's membranes significantly outperform traditional technologies, leading to reduced costs for desalinating and purifying water. This innovative approach not only enhances efficiency in water treatment processes but also aims to address global freshwater scarcity by making clean and affordable water more accessible. Through its cutting-edge membrane technology, Anfiro seeks to contribute to sustainable water solutions for a better future.

Cape Commons Brewing Co. is a B-corp craft brewery committed to addressing global water challenges through its unique business model. For every batch of beer produced, the company partners with Rainwater for Humanity to fund a community water project, utilizing strategies such as microfinance to empower communities lacking access to clean drinking water. This initiative is encapsulated in their motto, "One Batch, One Project. Beer for Water." In addition to its philanthropic efforts, Cape Commons focuses on crafting flavored beers that not only satisfy consumers but also aim to reduce environmental impact. The brewery is currently in the process of establishing a facility and taproom in Brooklyn, with plans to start production and distribute its products in the near future.

RainBank’s uniquely qualified team has a long history of working with technologies and funding strategies in the water sector. This background has enabled to team to develop a revolutionary technology that will transform the stormwater management industry.

Zimba is an international and multidisciplinary group aiming to improve access to safe drinking water for those millions around the world who currently lack this basic need.

Arbsource specializes in wastewater treatment systems tailored for the food and beverage industry. The company focuses on transforming wastewater into a valuable resource by employing microbial electrochemical cell technologies. This innovative approach allows food and beverage companies to effectively reduce their water and power expenses. By providing efficient wastewater treatment services, Arbsource aims to address the high costs associated with water usage and energy consumption in this sector.

Cerahelix, Inc. is a company based in Orono, Maine, that specializes in the design and manufacture of ceramic membrane filters for a variety of applications, including water purification, resource recycling, and biomass processing. Founded in 2011, Cerahelix develops bio-derived products utilizing patented DNA template technology to create sub-nanometer pores in ceramic membranes. This innovative approach allows for the effective filtration of minute particles, enabling the separation of salts, metal ions, and other impurities at the molecular level. The company offers a range of products, including single-channel elements for laboratory and small pilot studies, multi-channel elements for commercial applications, and filter element housings. Additionally, Cerahelix provides laboratory test systems for research and development purposes. Its products serve multiple industries, including food and beverage, mining, pharmaceuticals, and waste-to-energy.

Resolute Marine Energy is a Boston-based startup focused on harnessing ocean wave energy for power generation and seawater desalination. The company develops technology that converts wave energy into electricity and facilitates the transport of seawater to on-shore desalination facilities, addressing water scarcity in off-grid areas. Its wave-driven power services are applicable in various commercial sectors, including open-ocean aquaculture and ocean observation systems. By providing innovative solutions, Resolute Marine Energy aids water resource managers in balancing supply and demand in water-stressed regions, thereby promoting sustainable development and contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. The company has received support through grants from the Department of Energy and was recognized as the winner of the 2010 Global Entrepreneurship Week's Startup Open competition.

Resolute Marine Energy is a Boston-based startup focused on harnessing ocean wave energy for power generation and seawater desalination. The company develops technology that converts wave energy into electricity and facilitates the transport of seawater to on-shore desalination facilities, addressing water scarcity in off-grid areas. Its wave-driven power services are applicable in various commercial sectors, including open-ocean aquaculture and ocean observation systems. By providing innovative solutions, Resolute Marine Energy aids water resource managers in balancing supply and demand in water-stressed regions, thereby promoting sustainable development and contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. The company has received support through grants from the Department of Energy and was recognized as the winner of the 2010 Global Entrepreneurship Week's Startup Open competition.

Pearl's Premium Ultra Low Maintenance can save you 75% of your time, money and watering! Their product is all natural and grows so slowly that it only needs cutting once a month (in Sunny areas) and once every six weeks (In Shady areas). Pearl's is extremely drought tolerant and in most areas of the country you can reduce watering by at least 75%. Pearl's stays green year round without chemical fertilizers!

By integrating the photosynthetic ability of microalgae with photovoltaic cells, Airbuild is enabling companies and governments to sequester carbon, generate energy, and filter wastewater onsite.

Rehydrate is a startup based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative water recycling technology to combat global water scarcity. Founded in 2023, the company draws inspiration from NASA's water recovery systems to create a high-purification water treatment solution that operates with minimal energy consumption. Rehydrate's technology features portable and modular containerized systems that utilize low-grade waste heat for efficient purification. This adaptability allows the company to deploy its solutions in various environments, including military bases, disaster-stricken areas, and remote communities. By enhancing access to safely managed drinking water, Rehydrate aims to revolutionize water accessibility and establish new benchmarks in the water treatment industry.