Archive for category: Uncategorized

New robots explore and clean the oceans. Here is how corporations can help solve the water crisis. US water infrastructure has backlog of $625 Billion. Shrimp farming startup Tepbac raises $2.25M. The Air Water Company becomes the first publicly traded SPAC atmospheric water technology company. PFAS linked to post-diet weight gain. Plastic particles found in the Arctic. This week, we are highlighting Katherine Hill Ritchie, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors and part of the leadership of our new VC fund. Learn about her impressive background and why she is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – Another study warns we are on track to experience another 3 degrees of global warming.

This week’s quote:

Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.

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As The Weekly Dive provides global exposure to the water leaders of today, we are now accepting features from leading edge companies and people in the water industry. Please share your noteworthy news, innovations and events with our community at didier@hydrodao.io

What’s New with Water Innovations?

Dive deeper with the Fifish V-EVO: The underwater drone revolutionizing ocean exploration 

The Fifish V-EVO might be small but its features are impressive.

Jellyfish-inspired robot can gently remove ocean waste without harming marine life

This hand-sized robot moves using electrohydraulic actuators that act as muscles.

MWRD joins Water Research and Innovation workshop

The Megacity Alliance for Water and Climate organized a workshop on Water Research and Innovation (WRI).

Superconductors to enable next-generation transit and energy transmission 

Economic and environmental benefits to transit people, cargo, and energy.

What’s New in the Industry?

How corporations can help solve the water crisis

“I believe that the business community has both the responsibility and opportunity to take stronger and more decisive action to prevent further catastrophe.”

Shrimp farming platform lands $2.25m from Aqua-Spark, AgFunder, Son-Tech

Vietnam-based Tepbac has raised a $2.25 million pre-Series A round.

Air-to-Water Technology Maker To Go Public Via SPAC

This merger will establish the first publicly traded air-to-water technology pure-play.

An Urgent Need To Fund Water Infrastructure 

U.S. Drinking Water Systems Have A $625 Billion Backlog.

What’s New in the Science?

Exposure to PFAS Chemicals Linked to Post-Diet Weight Gain

Researchers tracked 381 Europeans who lost a minimum of 8% of their original weight after two months of dieting and found those who had the highest levels of PFAS in their blood gained back the most weight.

Plastic Particles Found in The Brains of Mice Just Two Hours After They Ate

MNPs can reach the brain a few hours after eaten, possibly thanks to the way other chemicals stick to their surface.

Scientists have found ice algae loaded with microplastics in the Arctic

These microplastics could seriously endanger the food web.

Book Exposes Military BioLab Spill That May Have Leaked Anthrax Into Public Waterways 

There were “repeated and egregious” safety breaches and government oversight failures.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Katherine Hill Ritchie

Katherine has 21 years of finance and alternative investment experience in venture capital, private equity and hedge funds. She is a frequent keynote speaker and content provider to investment conferences and publications world-wide.

Katherine has worked for 8 family offices, and 4 Billionaires. Her passion and expertise is advising companies and funds on their investments, due diligence, operations, fundraising and strategy. Katherine’s current roles include Senior Director of Venture Funds at TEDCO, Board Member at Nottingham Spirk, Investment Committee for University Impact, and Head of the Investment Committee for Beyond Impact. She is an early-stage Angel Investor in Portfolia, How Women Invest and board member of Citrine Angels, focusing on female and diverse founders, sustainable blue and green technologies, and impact related companies. Katherine founded Private Capital Investments in Geneva, Switzerland providing personalized and objective investment services for family offices beyond typical brokers, bankers and wealth managers. She serves on the board of several non-profits including Chair ACG New York Family Office Committee, Global Co-Chair The Guild, Philanthropy/Education Committees 100 Women in Finance and Fordham MBA Overseers Board.

Thank you Katherine for your investment leadership in advising family offices and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

Yet Another Study Warns We’re On Track To Hit 3 Degrees of Warming 

Humans are quitting coal too slowly to meet targets set under the Paris Agreement, the international treaty on climate change that aims to address global warming by curbing carbon dioxide emissions.

ChatGPT is smart but it needs a lot of water to think. Why don’t we see more vegan fish? 374Water demonstrates its technology during SCWO week in Indiana. The water bottled industry exploits the global water crisis. Wavin invests $50M in energy-neutral wastewater treatment company Aquacycl. Kelp may be the hidden underwater resource we’ve always needed. A new solar reactor turns water into renewable hydrogen, oxygen, and heat. ‘Forever chemical’ PCB last used in the 1980s was found in the ocean. This week, we are highlighting Maks Vrecko, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – Are flash droughts the new normal?

This week’s quote:

To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float

What’s New with Our Portfolio Companies?

374Water Demonstrates Revolutionary Waste Management Solution for a Deluge of Attendees at SCWO Week 

Following on the heels of the first UN Water conference in 50 years, 374Water Inc. successfully demonstrated its AirSCWO™ technology during SCWO week at its manufacturing partner’s facility in Indiana.

What’s New with Water Innovations?

CHATGPT IS CONSUMING A STAGGERING AMOUNT OF WATER

ChatGPT needs to ‘drink’ a 500 ml bottle of water for a simple conversation of roughly 20-50 questions and answers.

Why Is It So Hard to Make Vegan Fish? 

Futuristic food science technology could finally bring plant-based salmon filets and tuna steaks to the table.

Wanted: tech start-ups to tackle water challenges

An initiative to make tools and funding available for start-ups aims to drive innovation in water technologies.

Regent unveils full-scale mock-up of its electric seaglider prototype 

The company aims for fast, reliable, and sustainable coastal travel.

What’s New in the Industry?

How the bottled water industry is masking the global water crisis 

Meanwhile, bottled water corporations exploit surface water and aquifers — typically at very low cost — and sell it for 150 to 1,000 times more than the same unit of municipal tap water.

Wavin invests $50k in energy-neutral wastewater treatment company 

Aquacycl received capital funding after the company had won a pitch competition.

Massachusetts announces $1.3 billion for water infrastructure 

The state announced $1.3 billion for 111 water construction projects.

Regulators May Finally Be Responding To PFAS Contamination 

Recent analyses have found PFAS in 83 percent of sampled surface waters.

What’s New in the Science?

A Hidden Underwater Resource Is Worth Way More Than Expected, Study Reveals

Kelp forests have long done so much for humanity, all the while operating out of sight beneath the waves.

Solar reactor converts water into renewable hydrogen, oxygen, and heat 

The system can power around 1.5 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles driving an average annual distance.

Last used in the 1980s, ‘forever chemical’ PCB detected in ocean 

PCB found in samples taken from almost five miles below the Pacific Ocean’s surface.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Is So Big, Invasive Species Are Now Thriving 

Coastal critters have been found amongst the seething mass of plastic waste.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Maks Vrecko

Maks’ work experience is very diverse. He started to work as a policeman at age of 18. At the age of 23 he planted strawberries on a field that was owned by his wife. 5 years later he became a professional strawberry grower, the annual yield was 25 tons. Strawberries were his passion for 16 years, and in that time he recognized how powerful structured water is. In 2009 he sold the strawberries business and started with Flaska water bottle.

Based in Slovenia, the Flaska company has a fascinating history behind its founding by Maks Vrecko. After achieving spectacular results with large fields of strawberry crops utilizing “restructured water” (a method intended to bring water stored in pipes and other containers back to its more natural, spring water state), he devised a method to create glass water bottles that contain vibrational frequencies projected to make water that is put into the bottle more like healthy spring water to enhance human and animal health.

Thank you Maks for your innovative work and efforts in restoring the natural form of water and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

‘Flash droughts’ are growing increasingly common 

Climate change is driving more frequent faster-forming droughts in most regions of the world.

The world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry gets operational. Cape Fear is suing DuPont as its plant has been discharging PFAS for the past several years. Climate costs could wipe out profits for half of the world’s largest livestock companies. Biden-Harris administration announces $775M for Clean Water Infrastructure upgrades. NASA finds that oceans have risen over 3.5 inches over the past 30 years. A US scientist gets ready to live for 100 days underwater. Researchers stir volcanic H2O at 0 degree celsius. This week, we are highlighting Travis Loop, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – Rising seas may cut off millions of Americans this century

This week’s quote:

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.

What’s New with Our Portfolio Companies?

374Water is changing the way the world sees waste

Kokomo’s own and Howard County-based Merrell Bros. has joined forces with startup 374WATER to change the way the world sees waste through a new invention.

What’s New with Water Innovations?

‘MF Hydra’: World’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry gets operational

The 82.4-meter-long ferry can carry up to 300 passengers and 80 vehicles and decrease its yearly carbon emissions by up to 95%.

VODA.ai partners with Arcadis for lead pipe prediction

Arcadis U.S. will work with VODA.ai to support AI-based lead pipe predictions.

From Israel to Nicaragua: New algae control projects around the globe

Utilities have opted for LG Sonic’s technology for eco-friendly algal bloom monitoring and control.

As flooding increases, these cities are designed to work with, not against the water 

These vulnerable urban areas are looking to work with water by including it into the fabric of the city.

What’s New in the Industry?

CFPUA sues DuPont and related companies to stop financial restructuring 

The Chemours Fayetteville Works plant has been discharging PFAS into the Cape Fear for the past several years.

Climate costs could ‘wipe out’ profits for half world’s largest livestock companies

FAIRR’s Climate Risk Tool estimates a $23.7 billion total decrease in earnings in 2030.

US$107B Global Metering Market Opportunity By 2030

We are seeing water meters undergoing unprecedented technological change and market disruption.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $775M Investment 

Nearly half of funding available as grants for critical water infrastructure projects.

What’s New in the Science?

NASA Assessment Finds Sea Levels Have Risen Over 9 Centimeters in Just 30 Years 

It probably comes as no surprise to people living in low-lying coastal regions, but sea waters are rising by large, measurable amounts.

US Scientist to Live Underwater For 100 Days in Record-Breaking Experiment

Being trapped in a small box deep underwater is scary but this scientist will do it on purpose.

This Surprisingly Basic Technology Might Rid Our Water of Microplastics

Unlike previous techniques, their method can remove both large and small microplastics.

A recipe for ‘green’ electronics? Stir volcanic H2O at 0 degrees celsius

Japanese researchers unearth an ‘ultra-cool’ recipe for green manufacturing.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Travis Loop

Travis is the founder, producer, and host of waterloop, a nonprofit media outlet that explores water solutions through podcasts, videos, and social media content. The aim is to help water leaders discover solutions and drive change with the aim of advancing sustainability and equity.

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet practicing solutions journalism – exploring the progress and successes in tackling water challenges in the United States. waterloop podcasts, videos, and social media content feature the people and projects creating sustainability and equity in water. While anyone interested in water can tune in, waterloop is especially for people who work in water and its connected sectors – such as utilities, government, universities, engineering firms, technology companies, and advocacy groups. The content allows the audience to become more knowledgeable leaders and creators of change in communities.

Thank you Travis for allowing access to expert information to the water industry and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

Rising Seas Threaten to Cut Off Millions of Americans This Century

In the US alone, it may affect as many as 9 to 12 million people by 2100, should the sea level rise meet the higher projections, according to the researchers

BlueSwell Info Session this Friday

We are excited to see applications coming in for Cohort IV!

If you have an early-stage bluetech startup that could benefit from our ocean industry network, market exploration, and business-model expertise, please join us for our webinar at 12pm Eastern this Friday.

374Water rings NASDAQ’s closing bell. Learn how Aqua Membranes went from garage to 3D printing RO membranes. 30 investors signed an open letter on the water crisis. PFAS is set to be the most expensive environmental hazard in history. The EPA is proposing the first-ever national standard to protect communities from PFAS in drinking water. 6 tactics to reduce your exposure to PFAS. A new water purification membrane can generate electricity as it filters. This week, we are highlighting Mary Eggert, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about her impressive background and why she is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – Where are we on climate indicators in 2023?

This week’s quote:

A wise one adapts himself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to become the vessel that contains it

What’s New with Our Portfolio Companies?

374Water Inc. Rings the Closing Bell 

Watch 374Water ring the closing bell at the NASDAQ on March 24th in honor of the UN Water Week.

What’s New with Water Innovations?

The Garage Start-Up Now 3D Printing Its Own Membrane Path

After covering 3D printing spacer manufacturer, Aqua Membranes, in our most recent Tech Dive, Andrew Godfrey sits down with its CEO, Craig Beckman, to find out more.

Viewpoint: Angela Macoscar On Identifying Problems That Need Solving

It must start with a clear need and someone who wants the problem to be solved.

China nears completion of its highest hydroelectric project at 16,404 feet 

The Maerdang plant will have a total installed capacity of around 2.2 million kW.

Optical kit will expose micro-contaminants in water sources

Mekorot invests in Olive Diagnostics to allow early detection of biological or chemical toxins in the Sea of Galilee.

What’s New in the Industry?

Comment: The water crisis is just as urgent as climate change. Investors need to wake up 

Last month a group of 30 investors signed an open letter to governments on the water crisis.

USAID targets 1.6m Kenyans in $100mln water security investment 

Access to clean and safe water in adequate quantities is enshrined in Kenya’s constitution.

IBM launches RFP to help accelerate global water management solutions 

This year’s RFP will be represented by Water.org and the UN Development Programme.

PFAS to be the Most Expensive Environmental Hazard in History 

EPA also announced this week it is proposing to regulate four other PFAS as a mixture.

What’s New in the Science?

EPA proposes MCLs for six PFAS in drinking water 

The agency announced its long-awaited Nation Primary Drinking Water Regulation, which proposes MCLs for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFHxS, and PFBS.

‘Horrifying’ Plastic Rocks Emerge in Remote Island Paradise

Researchers in the Oregon State University College of Science have developed it.

6 simple tactics can reduce your exposure at home to ‘forever chemicals’.

Eating at home, ditching nonstick pans and carpets, and filtering your water can help.

By flying over atmospheric rivers, scientists aim to improve forecasts

These drenching storms are pummeling the U.S. West Coast, bringing dangerous flooding.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Mary Eggert

Mary is a self-proclaimed geek, who is passionate about technology transforming our world for good. She founded Global Water Works, an online community dedicated to advancing the adoption of smart and efficient technologies to solve the global water crisis in this generation.

Mary grew up on Water Street in Watertown, Wisconsin, and was giving speeches on water pollution by the age of 12 – aghast at the 30-foot piles of sulfites that accumulated on the Rock River that ran through her family’s back yard. She naively assumed the Clean Water Act of the 1970s and the disappearance of visible pollution piles meant that our waters were safe and abundant.

She found herself in the middle of the largest gathering of water technologists on the planet at WEFTEC 2015.  She was amazed to learn that we are just 14 years away from where demand for water could exceed supply by 40% (SEE: http://bit.ly/2030Report)..Mary was motivated to  take action learning that all marine life could cease to exist by 2048 if we don’t reverse the current trajectory (SEE: http://www.therevolutionmovie.com). These were harrowing statistics that prompted Mary to switch careers and focus on applying all of her talents, connections and resources on ensuring water safety and health.

Thank you Mary for your work and leadership connecting the water industry and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

The state of the climate in 2023

In the last few years, the world has experienced extreme weather, record temperatures and rapid ice melt. Where are we on key climate indicators?

MTS Journal: Call for Papers

Submit Your Manuscript Now! 

The MTS Journal is looking to share ocean-related research in their publication. Submit your manuscript now!

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are highlighting 5 women using technology to protect the planet. The world’s first floating wind prototype produces its first kWh and the world’s first artificial energy island is being built in the North Sea. PepsiCo faces $4.4B of climate risk per year, according to think tank. Biden administration announces plan to protect water plants from cyberattacks. Quantum dots are the latest water disinfection technique. A new water purification membrane can generate electricity as it filters. This week, we are highlighting Dr Peter Williams, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – A historic deal to protect international waters has finally been reached!

This week’s quote:

All the water that will ever be and ever was, is here right now.

Join Us in NYC for the UN Water Conference!

Meet Stuart and the Water Emissaries on March 22-24 in NYC at the UN Water Conference 

We will also announce the launch of our youth leadership and education group WaterCorps during a side event at the Blue Gallery, 222 E 46th St., on Thursday, March 23rd between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. It will include a multi age panel discussing the importance of intergenerational collaboration and mentorship advocating for water and climate change initiatives. Let us know you can join us to send you a formal invite.

What’s New with Water Innovations?

These women are using technology to protect the planet

To mark International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting five past Champions leading the technological charge against some of the planet’s biggest environmental threats.

World’s first-ever artificial energy island to be built in the North Sea

Located 28 miles off the coast, it will host infrastructure to connect to offshore wind farms.

World’s first floating wind prototype with TLP system produces first kWh 

It reduces environmental footprint and improves compatibility with other sea uses.

SepPure’s nanofilters massively reduce energy cost of industrial separation

SepPure’s approach has attracted $12 million in a new funding round.

What’s New in the Industry?

PepsiCo faces $4.4bn of climate risk per year, ‘unclear’ it will meet 2040 climate goals, says think tank 

Planet Tracker attributes this risk to PepsiCo’s current emissions reduction trajectory, which is set to decline slower than the 45% reduction recommended by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Cleveland Water Alliance launches initiative to fund water technology 

The fund was created to address water stress in the region according to the press release.

SOURCE Global Acquires Proud Source Water

This creates a new standard — renewable water sourced from the air and delivered in recyclable packaging.

Biden Administration Announces Plan to Stop Water Plant Hacks 

This comes one day after the release of a national cybersecurity strategy by the White House.

What’s New in the Science?

Quantum Dots Offer Efficient Drinking Water Disinfection

When irradiated with near-infrared light, they kill bacteria in water with high efficiency through synergistic effects.

The Latest Technology Can Help Better Understanding PFAS

How the latest tools and techniques are being used to protect waterways.

Water purification membrane generates electricity as it filters 

The membrane actually generates electricity as it turns wastewater, seawater or groundwater into drinking water.

Detecting and catching microplastics in our tap water using light 

Researchers have revealed a new way of detecting and catching microplastics in water.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Dr Peter Williams

Dr Peter Williams has over 35 years of experience in helping businesses and governments adapt to and make the most of new technology. By background a strategy and process consultant, he was formerly the CTO of IBM’s “Big Green Innovations” unit, Peter played a major role in the development of IBM’s “smarter planet” businesses in the areas of environmental management, water management, smart cities and disaster resilience. In focusing on disaster resilience, he was the lead author of the UN City Disaster Resilience Scorecard, now used by over 350 cities globally.

Having retired from IBM in 2018, Peter now leads the US Network of ARISE, the UN DRR’s vehicle for enabling public-private collaboration in disaster risk reduction. Peter was accorded the honor of being named an IBM Distinguished Engineer in 2009. Peter has lectured at Stanford University for several years on Smart Cities and Communities. In addition to leading ARISE, he is an independent consultant working on the application of information and data technologies to water, smart cities and disaster resilience with governments, vendors and NGOs. Peter is a regular judge on VC competitions and advises several innovative water start-ups.

Thank you Peter for your work and leadership improving water management around the planet and for your support to our HydroDAO community. We are also grateful for your active participation on our Discord server (which can be joined here).

What’s in the Future?

High seas treaty: historic deal to protect international waters finally reached at UN 

After almost 20 years of talks, United Nations member states agree on legal framework for parts of the ocean outside national boundaries.