You can now book the first-ever all-electric commercial flight with SAS. A desalination startup from UCLA just struck a deal with Boeing. First steps have been agreed on plastics treaty after Paris talks. Top US chemical firms to pay $1.2B in settlement for PFAS contamination. Water vs. Wastewater, do you know the difference? Microplastics have been found in every sample of water taken during the Ocean race. Iraq’s oil bloom is blamed for worsening the water crisis. This week, we are highlighting Karen Frost, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about her impressive background and why she is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – The Arctic may be ice-less in Summer in just 10 years.

This week’s quote:

Water is the most perfect traveler, for as it travels it becomes the path itself

What’s New with Water Innovations?

SAS starts taking bookings for its first ever all-electric flight 

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) started taking bookings for its first-ever commercial flights on electricity-powered planes set to take flight in 2028.

This startup is zapping seawater to tackle climate change

The startup spun off from UCLA last week and already has a deal with Boeing.

True Elements Partners with AWS Marketplace 

True Elements announced its state-of-the-art water intelligence SaaS on AWS.

Syracuse Water saves costs with ultrasonic technology 

How ultrasonic technology cut down on copper sulfate costs for algae mitigation.

What’s New in the Industry?

First steps agreed on plastics treaty after breakthrough at Paris talks 

Delegates from 180 nations set out pathway to binding global agreement on tackling plastic pollution as soon as 2025.

Maryland files lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers for contamination 

Two lawsuits from the state seek to recover damages from PFAS contamination.

Top US chemical firms to pay $1.2bn to settle water contamination lawsuits

Dupont, Chemours and Corteva agree on deal and 3M considering $10bn settlement.

These Companies Kept Silent About ‘Forever Chemicals’ For Decades 

For at least 21 years, DuPont and 3M sat on some seriously concerning results.

What’s New in the Science?

Microplastics found in every sample of water taken during the Ocean Race

Concentrations of plastics in round-the-world race through remote ocean environments found to be up to 18 times higher than during previous event in 2017-18.

IPCC study shows the Arctic Ocean to become ice-free by 2030s 

A study forecasts the Arctic Ocean to become ice-free near mid-century in September.

Iraq’s oil boom blamed for worsening water crisis in drought-hit south

Pollution from gas flaring is also a major concern in the oil-rich but extremely dry south.

Water Vs. Wastewater: Do You Know The Difference? 

The Struggle Is Real In Minnesota Where The Cost Of Cleaning Up PFAS In Wastewater Could Be Billions. Plus: A Scientist With A Solution.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Karen Frost

Karen is responsible for economic development activities and the suite of global innovation programs for The Water Council. She leads the organization’s international efforts and works closely with their European representative to serve partners and companies in Europe and beyond. 

She is an experienced connector and strong relationship builder and collaborator with the water tech and startup community. Karen also led The Water Council’s five-year engagement with the SBA’s regional innovation cluster program.

Thank you Karen for your leadership and passion for driving water innovations and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

Summer Sea Ice May Vanish From The Arctic in Just 10 Years, Scientists Warn

A lone polar bear, marooned on a shrinking slab of sea ice, has become a heart-wrenching poster child for the effects of climate change in the Arctic.

BMW unveils ‘The Icon’ electric hydrofoil at Cannes Film Festival. A new innovative powder uses sunlight to purify water. Gradiant becomes the latest Water Tech unicorn after receiving $225M. More about why VCs are betting on Water Tech. Waterplan gets $11M in a Series A. The Feds invest $2.8B to improve recreation on public lands. Scientists find bacteria and fungi capable of breaking down plastics. Water vapors have been detected in space. This week, we are highlighting Justin Bzdek, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – 2 billion people to face potentially deadly heat by 2100.

This week’s quote:

Water is the mirror that shows us what we often cannot see

Get Featured on Our Newsletters!

This Could Be Your Spot For Your Product, Service, Or Event On Our Newsletters!

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?

BMW to unveil ‘The Icon’ electric hydrofoil at Cannes Film Festival

The distinctive concept was developed in collaboration with German boat builder TYDE and Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer.

Modified NASA space tech provides sustainable batteries that last 30 years

It “lasts more than three times as long” as lithium-ion, according to EnerVenue CEO Jorg.

Unique ‘aerial-aquatic hybrid drone’ could aid in search-and-rescue operations

The new amphibious drone has a light design and weighs just 1.63 kilograms.

This new water purification powder uses sunlight to clean water 

The powder uses sunlight to kill bacteria in water. This could be a life-changing invention.

What’s New in the Industry?

Investors Pour $225M Into Water Tech Unicorn Gradiant 

BoltRock Holdings and Centaurus Capital led the round for Boston-based Gradiant, which is now valued at $1 billion.

Making Waves: Why Venture Capitalists are betting on water technologies

Water Tech has always been slow, the “move fast and break things” mantra doesn’t necessarily apply.

Waterplan Announces $11 Million in Series A Financing Round

Danone, ABInBev, AWS, Colgate, Kurita and more to conserve freshwater supplies and save billions of at-risk dollars.

Feds Invest $2.8B to Improve Recreation on Public Lands

New funding to improve infrastructure, recreation facilities, public lands access and land and water conservation.

What’s New in the Science?

Scientists find bacteria and fungi capable of breaking down plastics 

Scientists from China and the U.K. have discovered a diverse microbiome of plastic-degrading bacteria and fungi in the coastal salt marshes in the Jiangsu province of China.

Water Vapor Detected in The Solar System’s Asteroid Belt For First Time 

Thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope, we know water is in the asteroid belt.

Study: Half of the world’s largest lakes are losing water

A new assessment finds that more than 50% of the water bodies have lost water since 1992.

Maine water district to tackle PFAS in wastewater biosolids

The clean water is released into receiving waters, and the biosolids are treated, then transported to landfills.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Justin Bzdek

Justin is a teambuilder and entrepreneur whose career has focused on maximum impact on existential and biosphere sustainability problems at the nexus of energy, water, food/agriculture, climate, ecosystem/human/animal health, and social justice. He is presently CEO of Symbios Technologies, Inc. and VP Business Development of Czero, Inc. driving technology R&D and innovation at the water-energy nexus to reduce emissions and decarbonize energy conversion/storage/use, transportation, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing.

As a collaborative executive and board director, Justin has built companies and nonprofits reducing millions of tons of CO2 and carcinogen emissions by while generating more than $200 million in revenues and creating jobs. Justin has built many talented teams and deep product, finance, project, and business development pipelines across renewables and cleantech verticals toward a net-zero future. He is a Hach ( American Chemical Society) Scholar.

Thank you Justin for your leadership and passion for the water-energy nexus and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

Billions to Face Potentially Deadly Heat by 2100, Scientists Warn 

Earth’s surface temperature is on track to rise 4.8 degrees Fahrenheit above preindustrial levels by 2100, pushing more than 22 percent of projected global population well outside the climate comfort zone.​

Congratulations to Karen Frost and The Water Council for receiving $1 million from the National Science Foundation. A startup is sending spacecrafts into orbit using water propulsion. A new tech can remove 100 tons of CO2 per year. AI solutions are entering the water industry. Gigantic ice deserts full of black algae are making the ice melt faster. Chicago signs a $1 billion deal to sell its water. H&M Foundation invests in a soundwave innovation to reduce microplastics in synthetics. Forget USB keys, we will soon save our data on DNA. Mushrooms’ electric communications increase after rainfall. This week, we are highlighting Heather Callender-Potters, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about her impressive background and why she is passionate about water.
Your weekly Bonus – Half the planet will be in ‘new climate zones’ by 2100.

This week’s quote:

“Water is the driving force of all nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Congratulations to The Water Council and Karen Frost!!

The Water Council and partners have received a $1 million, two-year Development Award to prepare the region for a Regional Innovation Engine 

Congratulations to our advisor Karen Frost and The Water Council who have received a Development Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to plan a Resiliency Innovation Engine in eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

What’s New with Water Innovations?

Startup raises small spacecraft’s orbit by 1.86 miles using water propulsion

Momentus Space CCO Chris Kinman said the system provides “higher efficiency” and “higher thrust” than traditional space tugs.

The 8 most innovative technologies in renewable energy

Renewable energy technologies continue to make seriours strides.

New US tech can successfully remove 100 tons of CO2 from the ocean a year 

The system creates no by-products and doesn’t add anything to the ocean.

Yorkshire partnership at the heart of innovative AI pollution prevention solution

They joined forces to use AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to reduce wastewater network blockages and pollution.

What’s New in the Industry?

US agency takes unprecedented action to tackle PFAS water pollution 

EPA has ordered chemical company Chemours to stop discharging high levels of the toxic substance into the Ohio River.

Chicago’s $1 billion water deal shows Great Lakes wealth

The Midwest is touting its ample water supplies to spur economic growth.

H&M FOUNDATION FUNDS SOUNDWAVE INNOVATION 

Synthetic textiles are one of the major contributors to the release of microplastics.

Smart Water Metering Market Is Expected To Reach US$ 9586.02M By The End Of 2033 

The estimated market value for smart water metering will grow at a 10% CAGR.

What’s New in the Science?

Forget hard drives and data centers, DNA is the future of data storage 

Every day insane amounts of data are produced, and we’re running out of storage solutions. Therefore, scientists are looking at DNA to store all of the content that’s generated on the internet.

Gigantic ice deserts full of black algae are making the ice melt faster 

The ice is melting 20% faster, according to the estimates of the researchers.

Mushrooms increase electrical communication after rainfall

A type of basidiomycete is able to communicate through electrical signals.

Quantum LIDAR prototype acquires images while underwater

New technology could help model and image hard-to-reach places like underwater pipelines.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Heather Callender-Potters

Heather has an extensive private equity background, having managed investment capital for 15+ years, involving three funds, with total committed capital of $425 million. She joined the Polish American Enterprise Fund in 1991, a $250 million fund established with US government support, to make private sector investments in Poland.

In 1993, Heather raised a $100 million fund for Entreprise Investors, now the CEE region’s largest private equity fund advisor. Heather was later recruited by Baring Private Equity Partners and Communication Equity Associates to co-manage and lead a start-up CEE/CIS fund focused on 18 countries in Europe.

In 2005, Heather co-founded Pharmajet, a private drug delivery technology company which has developed a family of patented, proprietary needle-free injection technologies. PharmaJet is the only commercial stage needle-free jet injection technology which serves the immunization and vaccine market, enjoying multiple “firsts and onlys” clinical and regulatory claims. 

Heather serves on the Board of our Water Innovation Foundation providing our water community, particularly our youth,  great leadership and support. 

Thank you Heather for your groundbreaking investment leadership, your passion for water innovation, and for your deep support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

Almost Half The Planet Predicted to Enter New Climate Zones by 2100 

Our planet is teetering on the edge of several tipping points that once passed, will topple into a cascade of ecological changes.

waterloop: #179: The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons On Health

Listen Now to The PFAS Puzzle, the Latest Podcast from Travis Loop at waterloop!

The emergence of PFAS has epidemiologists and toxicologists working to understand the health impacts. Researchers in North Carolina are on the leading edge of the science and discuss what is known about human health impacts.

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.

Get Featured on Our Newsletters!

This Could Be Your Spot For Your Product, Service, Or Event On Our Newsletters!

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.