The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
Brightwater Tools, a woman-led, sustainable sanitation start-up, based in Vermont, has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system. Essentially, it takes source separated high strength wastewater and recycles it into natural, nutrient rich fertilizer. In addition, it reduces nutrients that go into waterways which create harmful algal blooms. Within this building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system, Brightwater Tools has also created three proprietary pieces of equipment that will facilitate the transition needed in our built environment, focusing on basic wastewater processes such as pasteurization, concentration, filtration, and nutrient recovery. Each part can be sold individually or together. Addressing the value propositions of each, we will become a major equipment provider to this industry. With the circular approach of recycling and nutrient recovery, we are confident that a strong customer base for our products is on the horizon as we complete our prototype and beta testing.
The Water Council
Grant in 2023
The Water Council is focused on redefining the Milwaukee region as the World Water Hub for water research, economic development, and education. It links together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs, and other related professionals.
Aquagga
Grant in 2023
Aquagga, Inc. is dedicated to addressing the significant threat posed by PFAS contaminants in water resources and public health. The company specializes in developing and operating advanced PFAS destruction units using its proprietary Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT) technology. In addition to these destruction units, Aquagga is advancing PFAS sensing technology and other water pollutant mitigation and remediation solutions. The company serves various sectors, including government and municipal markets, as well as industrial wastewater treatment, positioning itself as a leader in the fight against PFAS pollution. Aquagga also employs supercritical water technology, coupled with advanced additive manufacturing, to enhance the treatment of industrial effluents, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and social impact.
Shower Stream
Grant in 2022
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.
Rich Earth Institute
Grant in 2022
Rich Earth Institute, established in 2012 and located in Brattleboro, Vermont, focuses on research and education to promote the use of human waste as a valuable resource. The organization develops technologies for urine-collecting portable toilets, facilitating a sustainable approach to waste management. By implementing a community-scale urine recycling program, Rich Earth Institute enables the diversion, collection, treatment, and application of urine for agricultural purposes. This innovative platform not only ensures a cleaner environment for communities but also fosters the beneficial use of human waste in farming and gardening practices.
Brightwater Tools
Grant in 2022
Brightwater Tools, a woman-led, sustainable sanitation start-up, based in Vermont, has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system. Essentially, it takes source separated high strength wastewater and recycles it into natural, nutrient rich fertilizer. In addition, it reduces nutrients that go into waterways which create harmful algal blooms. Within this building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system, Brightwater Tools has also created three proprietary pieces of equipment that will facilitate the transition needed in our built environment, focusing on basic wastewater processes such as pasteurization, concentration, filtration, and nutrient recovery. Each part can be sold individually or together. Addressing the value propositions of each, we will become a major equipment provider to this industry. With the circular approach of recycling and nutrient recovery, we are confident that a strong customer base for our products is on the horizon as we complete our prototype and beta testing.
Sunchem
Grant in 2022
Sunchem develops Nano Filters for selective metal capture from complex water mixtures to replace inadequate separation technologies in high-value markets such as water purification, energy, and critical metal extraction. They provide industries with a cost-effective and energy-efficient approach to improving water quality while also capturing value from their waste streams.
PolyGone Systems
Grant in 2022
PolyGone Systems is a cleantech company that removes microplastic pollutants from waterways. PolyGone Systems was founded in 2021.
Aqua Science
Grant in 2022
Aqua Science offers a global platform of technologies and fast and reliable solutions for the testing and treatment of water. They provide research and development, custom reagent and kit manufacture, product assembly, lyophilization services, and contract manufacturing services.
RESbonds
Grant in 2022
RESbonds specializes in engineering and environmental consulting services, focusing on water infrastructure projects for public authorities in both developed and emerging countries. The company takes a comprehensive approach to address environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change by structuring performance-based projects that are financially viable. Additionally, RESbonds develops blended financing options and offers a customized monitoring platform that allows investors to assess project benefits and returns on investment. Through these initiatives, RESbonds aims to facilitate climate-smart investments in the water sector, ensuring that projects deliver value to beneficiaries while promoting sustainable practices.
MFNS
Grant in 2022
MFNS offers consulting services for the separation of oil and other contaminants from industrial processes and effluent water. They offer joint development for custom production of OHM membrane or OHM sponge to fit the needs of the industry.
Elateq
Grant in 2022
Elateq specializes in advanced water treatment solutions that effectively purify wastewater by utilizing electrochemical technology. Their innovative system treats contaminated water by passing it through low-level electricity combined with a proprietary carbon material, which enhances the purification process. This method effectively removes a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals, pathogens, and toxic chemicals, ensuring that the water meets the specific requirements of both municipal and industrial facilities. Elateq's tailored approach addresses the diverse needs of clients seeking to improve water quality and environmental sustainability.
PureBiomass
Grant in 2022
PureBiomass specializes in sustainable algae cultivation systems and related services. The company offers a photo-bioreactor system designed for efficient algae production, featuring a metal support cage, a plastic bladder for culture volume, and a sterile apparatus for continuous harvesting. This system includes controls for pH and temperature, allowing production facilities to minimize water consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to algae cultivation, PureBiomass provides services for wastewater remediation, live feeds for shellfish, omega-3 production, and sustainable fish farming, contributing to environmentally friendly practices in aquaculture and resource management.
LeapFrog Design
Grant in 2022
LeapFrog Design focuses on developing sustainable water treatment and reuse systems for residential use, enhancing water conservation and improving living conditions. Their innovative approach utilizes plants and natural materials to treat and recycle household greywater, promoting water security and flexibility for homeowners. By pioneering regenerative infrastructure, LeapFrog Design aims to create resilient communities while helping individuals save money and reduce environmental pollution.
Optical Waters
Grant in 2022
Optical Waters provides integral disinfection solutions so companies can deliver clean and safe products to their end users. Their patent-pending optical fibres emit germicidal ultraviolet light along their entire length, like a glowstick, inactivating microorganisms in their vicinity. They are integratable, germicidal optical fibres that are stable in water and can be inserted into complex geometries and narrow-diameter channels such as piping or tubing.
ChloBis Water
Grant in 2021
ChloBis Water provides a desalination battery. It is constructed by combining Bi as a Cl-storage electrode and Na as a Na-storage electrode. Desalination batteries combine energy storage and release with the removal and release of sodium and chlorine. They use salt ions to store and release energy while desalinating water.
OXbyEL Technologies
Grant in 2021
OXbyEL Technologies is focused on addressing the global challenge of PFAS water contamination through its innovative electro-oxidative technology. The company has developed a proprietary TOF Electrolyzer that enables the efficient and cost-effective destruction of Total Organic Fluorine in water and wastewater. This technology operates in a single step, eliminating the need for chemicals and producing no harmful secondary waste or emissions. With a scalable modular design, OXbyEL's system is intended to provide sustainable and accessible water treatment solutions, making it a significant player in the effort to combat environmental pollution caused by PFAS.
Rapid Radicals Technology
Grant in 2021
Rapid Radicals Technology develops wastewater treatment technology for municipal sewerage districts to address combined sewer overflows. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
CryoDesalination
Grant in 2021
CryoDesalination is a Houston-based company founded in 2012 that focuses on developing an innovative desalination process aimed at providing access to clean water globally. The company's technology utilizes a unique method of ice-brine separation, which involves the interaction of oil, brine, and ice within a separation column. This approach is designed to be both energy-efficient and cost-effective, utilizing low-cost materials to make desalination more accessible. By addressing water scarcity, CryoDesalination aims to significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected by a lack of fresh water, helping communities to improve their living conditions and achieve greater independence.
AdvanceH20
Grant in 2021
AdvanceH20 is an online platform that offers monitoring & data informatics platforms for water treatment.
Drought Diet Prouducts
Grant in 2021
A new class of irrigation that reduces irrigation water needs by 80%, first of its kind hard Tech solution that addresses global water scarcity and food security. As the world suffers from water scarcity from droughts or overuse, we are the solution to fix the problem on the farm so more water can flow to urban centers. Hard Tech core solution with software backend enhancements. Brands: UmidaAG.com and Grey4Green.com (see YouTube channels for more details about us) UmidaAG.com is targeting industrial agriculture, Grey4Green.com is targeting urban landscapes using greywater as an alternative water source.
NALA Membranes
Grant in 2021
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.
Fluidion
Grant in 2021
Fluidion specializes in developing advanced systems for water sampling and analysis across various environments, including rivers, lakes, and deep ocean waters. The company focuses on creating tools for automated sampling and high-resolution monitoring to address challenges in water quality assessment, particularly in low-pressure conditions and sensitive environments. By integrating MEMS and microfluidic technologies, Fluidion's systems enable precise chemical measurement and microbiological analysis, facilitating intelligent actions through metrological capsules. The company is committed to ongoing research and development, aiming for growth through national and international collaborations in the water quality monitoring sector.
SolMem
Grant in 2021
SolMem creates water distillation technology that may be used to desalinate and purify any water source. The company was established in 2017 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Aquagga
Grant in 2021
Aquagga, Inc. is dedicated to addressing the significant threat posed by PFAS contaminants in water resources and public health. The company specializes in developing and operating advanced PFAS destruction units using its proprietary Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT) technology. In addition to these destruction units, Aquagga is advancing PFAS sensing technology and other water pollutant mitigation and remediation solutions. The company serves various sectors, including government and municipal markets, as well as industrial wastewater treatment, positioning itself as a leader in the fight against PFAS pollution. Aquagga also employs supercritical water technology, coupled with advanced additive manufacturing, to enhance the treatment of industrial effluents, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and social impact.
NUMiX MATERIALS
Grant in 2020
NUMiX MATERIALS is a water treatment company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying sorbents to remove dissolved heavy metals from contaminated water. It focuses on RCRA, Water, Sorbents, Pretreatment, and Metals. It was founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
SurfPlasma
Grant in 2020
SurfPlasma is a company based in Gainesville, Florida, founded in 2009, that specializes in the development of eco-friendly devices aimed at removing biological and chemical impurities to enhance environmental quality. The company offers portable and lightweight devices that utilize plasma clean technology, which effectively destroys contaminants while maintaining minimal power demands. SurfPlasma's innovations contribute to improving the quality of water, air, food, clothing, and surfaces, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for users.
MAIA Analytica
Grant in 2020
MAIA Analytica specializes in providing intelligent software and services aimed at optimizing wastewater treatment processes. The company develops real-time analytical tools that leverage artificial intelligence to assist operators in making proactive decisions. Their offerings include optimized recommendations, data management, process optimization, business insights, and performance tracking. Additionally, MAIA Analytica focuses on custom, site-specific software solutions that enhance operational efficiency and facilitate operator training through gamified programs. By enabling rapid prototyping, scaling, and deployment of these intelligent tools, MAIA Analytica supports wastewater operations in efficiently safeguarding waterways while ensuring effective business management and facility-specific training.
Membrion
Grant in 2020
Membrion, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the manufacturing and commercialization of advanced membranes that filter molecules, including ions, under a variety of conditions such as heat, acidity, and biological sensitivity. Originating as a spin-out from the University of Washington, Membrion has received funding from multiple organizations, including the National Science Foundation and private investors, which has facilitated the transition from research to commercial production. The company's innovative ion exchange membrane technology is designed for applications in flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals, offering clients membranes that feature a longer lifespan and reduced costs.
FloraPulse
Grant in 2020
FloraPulse gives growers the tools to increase productivity, decrease costs, and better manage risk. Developed by researchers from Cornell University with over 40 years experience, our patented microsensors accurately measure water potential in your vineyard or orchard. Get ready to know exactly what your field is feeling, at any time, along with science-based recommendations for your specific crop and goals. It's like paying everyday for a consultant to take pressure bomb readings and a plant scientist to analyze the data. We do it for you. Irrigation management has never been this easy... or accurate.
Aclarity
Grant in 2020
Aclarity, LLC is a cleantech startup established in 2017 and based in the United States. The company specializes in manufacturing and marketing advanced water purification devices designed for residential use. Aclarity's systems utilize innovative electrochemical technology to effectively eliminate a wide range of contaminants, including pathogens, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and ammonia from water. These devices provide customers with cost-effective and low-maintenance solutions for comprehensive water treatment, addressing the pressing need for clean water in homes and contributing to broader environmental sustainability efforts.
Infinite Cooling
Grant in 2020
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.
2Witech Solutions
Grant in 2020
2Witech Solutions specializes in the development of rapid and low-cost PFAS sensors. 2Witech's PFAS rapid sensing film allows for accurate PFAS concentration measurements without the long wait times or high costs associated with traditional PFAS laboratory testing.
Confluency
Grant in 2020
Confluency is an engineering company that specializes in water resource management. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
Rich Earth Institute
Grant in 2020
Rich Earth Institute, established in 2012 and located in Brattleboro, Vermont, focuses on research and education to promote the use of human waste as a valuable resource. The organization develops technologies for urine-collecting portable toilets, facilitating a sustainable approach to waste management. By implementing a community-scale urine recycling program, Rich Earth Institute enables the diversion, collection, treatment, and application of urine for agricultural purposes. This innovative platform not only ensures a cleaner environment for communities but also fosters the beneficial use of human waste in farming and gardening practices.
Brightwater Tools
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Brightwater Tools, a woman-led, sustainable sanitation start-up, based in Vermont, has developed a unique building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system. Essentially, it takes source separated high strength wastewater and recycles it into natural, nutrient rich fertilizer. In addition, it reduces nutrients that go into waterways which create harmful algal blooms. Within this building-scale wastewater nutrient recovery system, Brightwater Tools has also created three proprietary pieces of equipment that will facilitate the transition needed in our built environment, focusing on basic wastewater processes such as pasteurization, concentration, filtration, and nutrient recovery. Each part can be sold individually or together. Addressing the value propositions of each, we will become a major equipment provider to this industry. With the circular approach of recycling and nutrient recovery, we are confident that a strong customer base for our products is on the horizon as we complete our prototype and beta testing.
LeapFrog Design
Grant in 2020
LeapFrog Design focuses on developing sustainable water treatment and reuse systems for residential use, enhancing water conservation and improving living conditions. Their innovative approach utilizes plants and natural materials to treat and recycle household greywater, promoting water security and flexibility for homeowners. By pioneering regenerative infrastructure, LeapFrog Design aims to create resilient communities while helping individuals save money and reduce environmental pollution.
Katz Water Technologies
Grant in 2020
Katz Water Technologies purifies water using streamlined simplified equipment that can utilize waste energy. Its technology is able to purify produced water inside streamlined equipment that combines a gas burner with a modified heat exchanger. The company is based in Houston, Texas.
CatalyzeH2O
Grant in 2019
CatalyzeH2O creates nanotechnology and electrochemical clean water solutions.
Savengy Technologies
Grant in 2019
Savengy Technologies specializes in the development of advanced multi-effect distillation systems that recover potable water from various sources, including treated wastewater, brackish water, and seawater. The company designs, evaluates, repairs, and installs a range of water and wastewater treatment products suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Their desalination systems are engineered to perform efficiently in diverse environments, offering industries a sustainable and cost-effective solution for water recovery.
Fluidion
Grant in 2019
Fluidion specializes in developing advanced systems for water sampling and analysis across various environments, including rivers, lakes, and deep ocean waters. The company focuses on creating tools for automated sampling and high-resolution monitoring to address challenges in water quality assessment, particularly in low-pressure conditions and sensitive environments. By integrating MEMS and microfluidic technologies, Fluidion's systems enable precise chemical measurement and microbiological analysis, facilitating intelligent actions through metrological capsules. The company is committed to ongoing research and development, aiming for growth through national and international collaborations in the water quality monitoring sector.
Shower Stream
Grant in 2019
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.
Mobius Labs
Grant in 2019
At Mobius Labs our mission is to provide you a smart water management system that allows you to track water consumption in real-time.
Lotic Labs
Grant in 2019
Lotic Labs builds software that enables efficient water markets and innovation in environmental finance. Lotic integrates fragmented data sets with state of the art environmental science models and financial simulations. This enables rigorous analysis of the relationships between financial, operational, and environmental decisions in the water utility and heavy industrial sectors. The Lotic Labs technology powers the design of novel financial products for risk management, conservation, and green infrastructure investment.
EnGeniousAg
Grant in 2019
EnGeniousAg is a manufacturer of soils and water, thereby improving agronomic management practices, increasing grower profitability, and sustaining the environment.
NanoSepex
Grant in 2019
NanoSepex is a research and development firm located in Bridgewater, New Jersey, specializing in water reuse and treatment through innovative desalination technology. The company focuses on developing advanced membranes using carbon nanotubes, which enhance the efficiency of the desalination process. This technology allows for membrane distillation, a method that operates at relatively low temperatures and can leverage industrial waste heat and solar energy for effective water desalination. By utilizing these methods, NanoSepex aims to provide cost-effective solutions for clients seeking to improve water quality and availability.
Wisran
Grant in 2019
Wisran provides smart data and process management technology to measure and manage water in real-time. They collect data in real-time from equipment such as pumps to our cloud-enabled software (SaaS) to generate operations and business intelligence for smart cities, equipment manufacturers, utilities and regulators for improving efficiency, generating new revenue opportunities and reducing costs.
Rapid Radicals Technology
Grant in 2019
Rapid Radicals Technology develops wastewater treatment technology for municipal sewerage districts to address combined sewer overflows. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Infinite Cooling
Grant in 2019
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.
Cyclopure
Grant in 2019
They are a global leader in the science of targeted micropollutant removal and pioneered the first-ever use of cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents to safely strip away micropollutants in water treatment.
ZwitterCo
Grant in 2019
ZwitterCo specializes in advanced membrane solutions for the treatment of highly impaired wastewater, focusing on the development of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration technologies. These innovations enable the effective reuse and recycling of water resources by addressing challenges such as fouling and chemical demands. ZwitterCo's membranes are designed to treat historically unfilterable streams, allowing customers to transform waste into a valuable resource. With features such as chlorine tolerance and resistance to irreversible fouling, the company's technology supports steady performance and durability, making wastewater treatment economically viable for industrial applications.
AquaNRG
Seed Round in 2019
AquaNRG has developed a state-of-the-art cloud-based application for energy, water and environmental markets which merges physics-chemistry simulation with machine learning for faster, more accurate and less expensive product and process design and engineering
NALA Membranes
Grant in 2018
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.
Folia Water
Grant in 2018
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.
Membrion
Grant in 2018
Membrion, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the manufacturing and commercialization of advanced membranes that filter molecules, including ions, under a variety of conditions such as heat, acidity, and biological sensitivity. Originating as a spin-out from the University of Washington, Membrion has received funding from multiple organizations, including the National Science Foundation and private investors, which has facilitated the transition from research to commercial production. The company's innovative ion exchange membrane technology is designed for applications in flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals, offering clients membranes that feature a longer lifespan and reduced costs.
Aclarity
Grant in 2018
Aclarity, LLC is a cleantech startup established in 2017 and based in the United States. The company specializes in manufacturing and marketing advanced water purification devices designed for residential use. Aclarity's systems utilize innovative electrochemical technology to effectively eliminate a wide range of contaminants, including pathogens, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and ammonia from water. These devices provide customers with cost-effective and low-maintenance solutions for comprehensive water treatment, addressing the pressing need for clean water in homes and contributing to broader environmental sustainability efforts.
AxNano
Grant in 2018
AxNano is a developer of nanotechnology-enabled products. Their nanotechnology-enabled products use controlled-release polymer and zero-valent iron-based composites for treating contaminated water, enabling users to receive low-cost, safe, and sustainable methods of remedying groundwater.
Smart Walls
Grant in 2018
Smart Walls produces deployable walls for flood protection of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, utilities, and airports. They fit within the existing landscape and do not obstruct the existing views or significantly impede the use of the surrounding area. They provide structural walls with telescopic technology to reduce excavation needs.
Anfiro
Grant in 2018
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.
Sunny Clean Water
Grant in 2018
Sunny Clean Water, founded in 2016 and based in Buffalo, New York, specializes in the development of portable, solar-powered water filters that provide access to drinkable water. The innovative design allows the filter to float on water bodies, utilizing solar energy to heat and evaporate water, leaving impurities behind. Once the vapor is cooled, it results in potable water. This technology aims to serve a diverse range of clients, including corporations, consumers, and non-profit organizations, by reducing energy consumption and costs while promoting environmental conservation.
Fluidion
Grant in 2017
Fluidion specializes in developing advanced systems for water sampling and analysis across various environments, including rivers, lakes, and deep ocean waters. The company focuses on creating tools for automated sampling and high-resolution monitoring to address challenges in water quality assessment, particularly in low-pressure conditions and sensitive environments. By integrating MEMS and microfluidic technologies, Fluidion's systems enable precise chemical measurement and microbiological analysis, facilitating intelligent actions through metrological capsules. The company is committed to ongoing research and development, aiming for growth through national and international collaborations in the water quality monitoring sector.
Shower Stream
Grant in 2017
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.
MicroHAOPs
Grant in 2017
MicroHAOPs, founded in 2015 and based in Seattle, Washington, focuses on developing innovative wastewater treatment technology, specifically through membrane-based processes. The company offers proprietary solutions that include a nanomaterial designed for membrane pre-treatment, which enhances the efficiency of wastewater treatment and water purification. This technology excels at removing phosphorus from both treated domestic wastewater and polluted natural waters, achieving trace-level reductions. By commercializing advancements that minimize membrane fouling, MicroHAOPs enables businesses to lower fresh water costs and reduce wastewater flows, thereby improving overall water management and sustainability in various industrial applications.
Virridy
Grant in 2017
Virridy offers cost-effective remote monitoring solutions tailored for water, energy, and environmental projects, primarily in global development contexts. The company specializes in remote sensors designed to monitor rural and remote water supplies, including applications such as water pumps, filters, cook stoves, and latrines. These sensors utilize cellular-based reporting to deliver user and performance data that is analyzed and presented online in near-real time. By enhancing transparency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness, Virridy aims to improve health and overall quality of life for communities reliant on these critical resources.
Cyclopure
Grant in 2017
They are a global leader in the science of targeted micropollutant removal and pioneered the first-ever use of cyclodextrin-based polymer adsorbents to safely strip away micropollutants in water treatment.
Hydronalix
Grant in 2017
Founded in 2009, Hydronalix has become recognized as a leader and international symbol in robotics innovation for beach and flood rescue with Their successful patented EMILY product line. Their Mission is to provide enhanced value added capabilities to first responders, earth scientists, military, and safety to the maritime industry. Their focus is on development of small expendable maritime robotic technologies to support missions ranging from search and rescue, bathymetric mapping and underwater ISR, to meteorological station keeping and data gathering, in challenging open ocean and littoral marine environments. They have 11,000 square feet of Engineering, Office, and manufacturing space in Sahuarita, AZ. Water testing is performed at Silver-Bell, Patagonia, and Sahuarita Lakes in Arizona. Ocean and surf zone testing is performed in San Diego, Venice Beach, and Malibu, CA. Company sales are both domestic and overseas with export distribution through out Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company maintains a growing staff of skilled engineers and technicians performing advanced development services and products for the Navy, NOAA, DARPA, and DHS. In addition to EMILY, the company produces a complete product line of advanced Autonomous Mobile Buoys (AMB). The company’s executive leadership team has collective experience of over 200 years in Ocean and Marine Engineering, Robotic systems, advanced sensors, manufacturing, and materials science.
Mobius Labs
Grant in 2017
At Mobius Labs our mission is to provide you a smart water management system that allows you to track water consumption in real-time.
FloraPulse
Grant in 2017
FloraPulse gives growers the tools to increase productivity, decrease costs, and better manage risk. Developed by researchers from Cornell University with over 40 years experience, our patented microsensors accurately measure water potential in your vineyard or orchard. Get ready to know exactly what your field is feeling, at any time, along with science-based recommendations for your specific crop and goals. It's like paying everyday for a consultant to take pressure bomb readings and a plant scientist to analyze the data. We do it for you. Irrigation management has never been this easy... or accurate.
Lotic Labs
Grant in 2017
Lotic Labs builds software that enables efficient water markets and innovation in environmental finance. Lotic integrates fragmented data sets with state of the art environmental science models and financial simulations. This enables rigorous analysis of the relationships between financial, operational, and environmental decisions in the water utility and heavy industrial sectors. The Lotic Labs technology powers the design of novel financial products for risk management, conservation, and green infrastructure investment.
PureBiomass
Grant in 2017
PureBiomass specializes in sustainable algae cultivation systems and related services. The company offers a photo-bioreactor system designed for efficient algae production, featuring a metal support cage, a plastic bladder for culture volume, and a sterile apparatus for continuous harvesting. This system includes controls for pH and temperature, allowing production facilities to minimize water consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to algae cultivation, PureBiomass provides services for wastewater remediation, live feeds for shellfish, omega-3 production, and sustainable fish farming, contributing to environmentally friendly practices in aquaculture and resource management.
Amriton
Grant in 2017
Amriton is a water treatment technology company that provides treatment solutions to remove harmful pollutants from water. The company creates a technology that removes organic pollutants from water by using polymer-coated sand. Amriton was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.
NanoSepex
Grant in 2016
NanoSepex is a research and development firm located in Bridgewater, New Jersey, specializing in water reuse and treatment through innovative desalination technology. The company focuses on developing advanced membranes using carbon nanotubes, which enhance the efficiency of the desalination process. This technology allows for membrane distillation, a method that operates at relatively low temperatures and can leverage industrial waste heat and solar energy for effective water desalination. By utilizing these methods, NanoSepex aims to provide cost-effective solutions for clients seeking to improve water quality and availability.
Atlas Sensor Technologies
Grant in 2016
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.
2Witech Solutions
Grant in 2016
2Witech Solutions specializes in the development of rapid and low-cost PFAS sensors. 2Witech's PFAS rapid sensing film allows for accurate PFAS concentration measurements without the long wait times or high costs associated with traditional PFAS laboratory testing.
PACE Advanced Water Engineering
Grant in 2016
Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering operates as a civil engineering company that provides advanced water resource services. They offer a range of engineering services related to water, wastewater, stormwater management, water resource permitting, and regulatory compliance to ensure projects are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Membrion
Grant in 2016
Membrion, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the manufacturing and commercialization of advanced membranes that filter molecules, including ions, under a variety of conditions such as heat, acidity, and biological sensitivity. Originating as a spin-out from the University of Washington, Membrion has received funding from multiple organizations, including the National Science Foundation and private investors, which has facilitated the transition from research to commercial production. The company's innovative ion exchange membrane technology is designed for applications in flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals, offering clients membranes that feature a longer lifespan and reduced costs.
PowerTech Water
Grant in 2016
PowerTech Water, Inc. is a company that develops and markets innovative water treatment solutions, focusing on chemical-free technologies. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the company specializes in its flagship product, CapCo, an electrochemical filter designed to effectively remove various metals from water. PowerTech Water serves a diverse range of industries, including batteries, microelectronics, electroplating, automotive, metal finishing, mining, food and beverage, and oil and gas. The CapCo filter targets contaminants such as lead, copper, manganese, iron, silver, gold, mercury, zinc, nickel, and aluminum, aiming to provide efficient and sustainable solutions for wastewater management.
Waterbit
Grant in 2016
WaterBit offers an advanced automated irrigation solution that enhances the precision and efficiency of water usage in agriculture. By utilizing its proprietary technology, WaterBit allows growers to manage irrigation based on specific growth stages and soil conditions, achieving a level of detail and accuracy that surpasses traditional methods. This innovative approach helps cultivators to minimize the risk of crop failures, improve overall crop quality, and optimize water resources, while also streamlining labor processes. The company's focus on delivering tangible benefits to growers positions it as a valuable contributor to the agriculture sector.
Wazer
Grant in 2016
Wazer is a company that has developed a desktop waterjet cutter aimed at making industrial manufacturing accessible to individuals and small businesses. This innovative machine utilizes a high-pressure stream of water combined with abrasive micro-particles to cut through a wide range of materials, including metals, glass, stone, ceramics, carbon fibers, wood, plastics, rubber, and foam. Unlike other popular fabrication tools that are limited to softer materials, Wazer's cutter offers the ability to work with virtually any material, providing professional-grade fabrication capabilities. By significantly reducing the cost and size of waterjet cutting technology, Wazer enables users to achieve precision cuts in their workshops, thus democratizing advanced manufacturing techniques.
AxNano
Grant in 2016
AxNano is a developer of nanotechnology-enabled products. Their nanotechnology-enabled products use controlled-release polymer and zero-valent iron-based composites for treating contaminated water, enabling users to receive low-cost, safe, and sustainable methods of remedying groundwater.
SurfPlasma
Grant in 2016
SurfPlasma is a company based in Gainesville, Florida, founded in 2009, that specializes in the development of eco-friendly devices aimed at removing biological and chemical impurities to enhance environmental quality. The company offers portable and lightweight devices that utilize plasma clean technology, which effectively destroys contaminants while maintaining minimal power demands. SurfPlasma's innovations contribute to improving the quality of water, air, food, clothing, and surfaces, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for users.
Advanced Chemical Systems
Grant in 2016
Advanced Chemical Systems provides water treatment services, including boiler maintenance and cooling water treatment, filtration, and purification treatment. Their equipment and chemicals, acids, caustic soda, coagulants and flocculants, filter presses, flow meters, metal precipitants, ph probes, polymers, services, and systems, boiling and cooling systems, dissolved air flotation systems, filtration and purification systems, RO systems, and ph neutralization systems.
Smart Walls
Grant in 2016
Smart Walls produces deployable walls for flood protection of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, utilities, and airports. They fit within the existing landscape and do not obstruct the existing views or significantly impede the use of the surrounding area. They provide structural walls with telescopic technology to reduce excavation needs.
Foundation Instruments
Grant in 2016
A Foundation Instruments automated chemical analyzer measures trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids in drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems on-site, online, and in real-time. They are chemical analyzers that measure THM concentrations on-line, on-site, and in real time. The company provides drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems.
Uncopiers
Grant in 2016
Uncopiers, Inc. is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible solutions to critical problems using its liquid fracture technology. Liquid fracture is a unique way of controlling and concentrating energy at nanometer length scales. One only needs silent sound and clean water to implement this chemical free, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient processing technique.
Water Planet
Grant in 2015
Water Planet is a Los Angeles-based company that specializes in water treatment solutions aimed at addressing significant challenges in water reuse. The organization focuses on promoting innovative water technologies to support global water sustainability efforts. By providing effective treatment solutions, Water Planet assists industrial, municipal, and agricultural sectors in conserving freshwater resources and meeting their specific water treatment requirements. Through its initiatives, the company plays a crucial role in advancing the adoption of sustainable practices in water management.
Minnepura Technologies
Grant in 2015
Minnepura Technologies offers a revolutionary process for removing pollutants and other impurities from water and other waste streams. The company is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and specializes in biotechnology.
MicroHAOPs
Grant in 2015
MicroHAOPs, founded in 2015 and based in Seattle, Washington, focuses on developing innovative wastewater treatment technology, specifically through membrane-based processes. The company offers proprietary solutions that include a nanomaterial designed for membrane pre-treatment, which enhances the efficiency of wastewater treatment and water purification. This technology excels at removing phosphorus from both treated domestic wastewater and polluted natural waters, achieving trace-level reductions. By commercializing advancements that minimize membrane fouling, MicroHAOPs enables businesses to lower fresh water costs and reduce wastewater flows, thereby improving overall water management and sustainability in various industrial applications.
PowerTech Water
Grant in 2015
PowerTech Water, Inc. is a company that develops and markets innovative water treatment solutions, focusing on chemical-free technologies. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the company specializes in its flagship product, CapCo, an electrochemical filter designed to effectively remove various metals from water. PowerTech Water serves a diverse range of industries, including batteries, microelectronics, electroplating, automotive, metal finishing, mining, food and beverage, and oil and gas. The CapCo filter targets contaminants such as lead, copper, manganese, iron, silver, gold, mercury, zinc, nickel, and aluminum, aiming to provide efficient and sustainable solutions for wastewater management.
PureBiomass
Grant in 2015
PureBiomass specializes in sustainable algae cultivation systems and related services. The company offers a photo-bioreactor system designed for efficient algae production, featuring a metal support cage, a plastic bladder for culture volume, and a sterile apparatus for continuous harvesting. This system includes controls for pH and temperature, allowing production facilities to minimize water consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to algae cultivation, PureBiomass provides services for wastewater remediation, live feeds for shellfish, omega-3 production, and sustainable fish farming, contributing to environmentally friendly practices in aquaculture and resource management.
ANDalyze
Grant in 2015
ANDalyze, Inc. specializes in developing products for testing water contamination through innovative catalytic DNA technologies. The company provides a range of devices, including the AND1100 Fluorimeter, which is a handheld platform designed for the testing of heavy metals in water supplies. ANDalyze's sensors and kits facilitate the rapid and reliable detection of trace metals and other hazardous chemicals, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional testing methods. The company markets its products through various distributors both in the United States and internationally. Established in 2005 and based in Champaign, Illinois, ANDalyze was formerly known as Dzyme Tech before rebranding in October 2009.
Amriton
Grant in 2015
Amriton is a water treatment technology company that provides treatment solutions to remove harmful pollutants from water. The company creates a technology that removes organic pollutants from water by using polymer-coated sand. Amriton was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.
OpitEnz
Grant in 2014
OptiEnz Sensors, LLC, is a biotech company that produces innovative biosensors for continuously measuring organic chemical concentrations in water and aqueous solutions. The technology is based on fundamental research on enzymatic sensor tips by the company’s founder and CTO, Dr. Ken Reardon. Reardon, a professor and researcher at Colorado State University (CSU), recognized a significant need for a device that could measure the concentration of chemical contaminants in food and water—a device that could take these measurements rapidly, accurately, and inexpensively. Although traditional laboratory sampling methods can yield very accurate measurements, they are also complex, time-intensive, expensive, and—most importantly—they do not provide continuous in-place measurements. Building on his years of research experience in biosensor technology and bioremediation, Reardon decided to combine his knowledge of biosensors and bacterial enzymes to produce a better tool for measuring contaminants in water. In 2010, working in tandem with Colorado State University’s tech transfer, CSU Ventures, Reardon spun-out OptiEnz Sensors, LLC, to develop, manufacture, and sell the biosensors. The company has identified over 50 candidate organic chemicals and has constructed and tested sensor tips for 20 different organic chemicals including alcohols, sugars, hydrocarbons, and solvents. The company is engaged in product trials, as well as sponsored development pilot projects with customers.
Microvi Biotechnologies
Grant in 2014
Microvi Biotechnologies Inc. is a biotechnology firm based in Hayward, California, founded in 2004. The company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing biocatalytic technologies across the water, energy, and chemical industries. Central to its operations is the MicroNiche Engineering platform, which involves the precise design of the microenvironment within biological systems to enhance microbial life and optimize metabolic processes. This innovative approach allows for the production of clean water, sustainable fuels, and bio-based chemicals while offering cost-effective solutions, a reduced environmental footprint, and improved productivity compared to traditional methods. Microvi serves a diverse clientele, including private and public organizations, academic institutions, and municipal agencies, and aims to establish partnerships with industry leaders to further advance its cutting-edge solutions.
Foundation Instruments
Grant in 2014
A Foundation Instruments automated chemical analyzer measures trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids in drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems on-site, online, and in real-time. They are chemical analyzers that measure THM concentrations on-line, on-site, and in real time. The company provides drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems.
OpitEnz
Grant in 2013
OptiEnz Sensors, LLC, is a biotech company that produces innovative biosensors for continuously measuring organic chemical concentrations in water and aqueous solutions. The technology is based on fundamental research on enzymatic sensor tips by the company’s founder and CTO, Dr. Ken Reardon. Reardon, a professor and researcher at Colorado State University (CSU), recognized a significant need for a device that could measure the concentration of chemical contaminants in food and water—a device that could take these measurements rapidly, accurately, and inexpensively. Although traditional laboratory sampling methods can yield very accurate measurements, they are also complex, time-intensive, expensive, and—most importantly—they do not provide continuous in-place measurements. Building on his years of research experience in biosensor technology and bioremediation, Reardon decided to combine his knowledge of biosensors and bacterial enzymes to produce a better tool for measuring contaminants in water. In 2010, working in tandem with Colorado State University’s tech transfer, CSU Ventures, Reardon spun-out OptiEnz Sensors, LLC, to develop, manufacture, and sell the biosensors. The company has identified over 50 candidate organic chemicals and has constructed and tested sensor tips for 20 different organic chemicals including alcohols, sugars, hydrocarbons, and solvents. The company is engaged in product trials, as well as sponsored development pilot projects with customers.
CitiLogics
Grant in 2013
CitiLogics, LLC specializes in developing models and analytics to assist clients in managing urban water infrastructure investments. The company offers a range of services, including real-time model and SCADA integration, hydraulic and water quality model calibration, and distribution system water quality management. Additionally, CitiLogics provides tools for online water quality monitoring, GIS analysis, and custom software solutions. One of its key products, Polaris, combines a SCADA HMI emulator with real-time network model forecasts and a scenario manager, enabling users to explore alternative operational strategies. Founded in 2009 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, CitiLogics serves clients within the water and wastewater industry, applying research-level engineering expertise to address practical challenges in water distribution and management.
Pliant Energy Systems
Grant in 2013
Pliant Energy Systems is developing radically novel technologies in the fields of energy harnessing, propulsion, irrigation and marine robotics. The company has received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), US Dept of Agriculture (USDA), New York Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), and is currently being funded through a multi-year contract with the Office of Naval Research (ONR).
Serionix
Grant in 2013
Serionix, Inc. is a company that specializes in the development of air and water purification solutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Champaign, Illinois, Serionix creates innovative filters for air purifiers and furnace units. The company utilizes fibrous activated carbon and ion-exchange materials to effectively remove toxic chemicals and odors from the air, as well as to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and mold. One of its notable products features a proprietary adsorptive coating technology called Colorfil™, which changes color as it absorbs pollutants, providing users with a clear visual indication of filter effectiveness and the need for replacement.
Porifera
Grant in 2012
Porifera specializes in advanced membrane technology and systems designed for water treatment and product concentration. The company focuses on serving the food and beverage industry by providing equipment that effectively concentrates juices, wines, coffees, and other aqueous solutions, including challenging wastewater, without the need for pressure or heat. By facilitating the removal of water while retaining essential components, Porifera enhances operational efficiency and minimizes environmental impacts for its clients, enabling them to create high-quality concentrates and purify water more sustainably.
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