By Sara Kay Mooney
On World Water Day, we recognize the critical role that water plays in global sustainability and highlight some of the bold innovators in our network who are developing solutions to pressing water-related challenges. From sustainable cooling solutions to arsenic filtration technologies, these startups are making a lasting impact on communities and the environment.
Here are five game-changing ventures improving lives through water innovation.
1. Hydronomy: Harnessing Solar Power To Solve for Water Scarcity
Hydronomy is tackling water scarcity with a decentralized, solar-powered water general system designed to provide sustainable access to clean water. The E-Team Program alum’s off-grid solution captures and condenses atmospheric moisture, offering a reliable water source for households, businesses, and communities facing water stress. Hydronomy’s journey began when Co-Founder Brittany Kendrick traveled to Peru as a graduate student to research water scarcity and access. When she returned to the United States, she realized that the same water security issues existed in underresourced communities domestically. Hydronomy’s innovation is helping address water shortages—whether due to drought or unreliable water supply—in both urban and rural areas, providing an independent and renewable water source without the need for existing infrastructure.
2. Arosia Water: Expanding Access to Safe Drinking Water
Access to clean drinking water remains a major global challenge, but Arosia Water is making safe water accessible, affordable, and available through its innovative water kiosks. Designed to provide reliable and sustainable access to potable water, these kiosks, known as AROSIA Water ATMs, serve communities in need, mitigating the risks associated with waterborne diseases and improving public health outcomes. Arosia’s model represents a scalable approach to tackling water scarcity challenges worldwide. “The biggest challenge we see in our sector is that safe water is not considered a necessity in many places—it’s still considered a privilege,” shared Founder Rituparna Das. “Our goal is to change that perception and make clean drinking water accessible to everyone.” Arosia Water participated in global entrepreneurship programming supported by VentureWell.
“The biggest challenge in our sector is that safe water is not considered a necessity in many places—it’s still considered a privilege. Our goal is to change that perception and make clean drinking water accessible to everyone.”—Rituparna Das, founder of Arosia Water
3. Drinkwell: Removing Arsenic From Groundwater
Arsenic contamination in drinking water is a serious public health crisis, particularly in South Asia. Drinkwell, a VentureWell-supported company born out of Lehigh University, has developed a groundbreaking filtration system that uses specialized resins to remove arsenic from groundwater. Its model empowers local entrepreneurs to operate filtration units, providing safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people in India and Bangladesh. VentureWell was an early supporter, funding Drinkwell’s technology development and business model testing. Today, the company is a leader in scalable, community-driven water purification. “In places like India and Bangladesh, there’s an appetite to make a living,” said Drinkwell Co-Founder Minhaj Chowdhury. “It’s really incredible to see how science and technology allow people to empower and employ themselves. Being able to provide safe water in your community is a very proud job.”
4. Sandbar Oyster Company: Restoring Ecosystems, Protecting Shorelines
Sandbar Oyster Company is addressing the growing challenge of coastal degradation by providing innovative, nature-based solutions to protect shorelines and restore vital ecosystems. Based in North Carolina, this coastal startup participated in VentureWell’s ocean accelerator pilot program in 2024. The company was founded through the collaboration of a marine scientist and commercial fishermen. Their innovation involves using cement infused with plant cloth to create oyster-rich reefs that protect shorelines and restore critical oyster and salt marsh habitats. The benefits are multifold: Their work not only enhances coastal protection but also strengthens local fisheries and supports the development of manufacturing and deployment workforces.
5. BioMec Prosthetics: Turning Ocean Plastic Into Prosthetics
BioMec Prosthetics is addressing two global issues at once: ocean pollution and access to affordable prosthetics. Its biomechanical prosthetics are made from plastic collected from the ocean, reducing waste while providing high-quality, cost-effective mobility solutions for amputees. Founder Marta Uetela, who participated in global entrepreneurship programming supported by VentureWell, is a mechanical engineer and certified welder based in Mozambique. Inspired to act after seeing a friend struggle to access a prosthesis, she developed a faster, more affordable solution—one that now serves Mozambique’s amputee population, 90% of whom lack prosthetic access. By designing prosthetics that closely mimic natural limbs, BioMec Prosthetics is improving comfort and functionality for users while tackling environmental challenges head-on.
A Long-Term Commitment
Water innovation is a complex and multidisciplinary field, requiring sustained effort to bring new technologies from concept to implementation. “The path from school project to successful company is rarely straightforward, especially in the water sector,” said Tricia Compas-Markman, director, National Venture Programs, VentureWell, and former CEO of water purification startup DayOne Response. “But these startups demonstrate the power of innovation, persistence, and partnerships in addressing one of the world’s most pressing challenges. And the impact is life-changing.”
The ventures featured here exemplify the resilience and technical expertise needed to drive meaningful change. As their solutions scale, they highlight the potential of science-driven innovation to redefine what’s possible for water access and sustainability—ultimately improving the lives of people and the planet.