Philippe Cousteau

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LinkedIn

Company: SeaWeed Naturals

Location: Los Angeles, California

Inspired by the legacy of his grandfather Jacques Cousteau, Philippe is a multi Emmy-Nominated TV host and producer as well as an acclaimed author, speaker, and social entrepreneur.

As a social entrepreneur, Philippe is the co-founder of SeaWeed Naturals, a wellness brand that is combining the powerful benefits of restoratively farmed marine ingredients like seaweed and algae and regeneratively farmed land ingredients to create a whole new category of Land x Sea Wellness. As an impact brand, SeaWeed Naturals is committed to building a restorative economy and restoring the health and wellness of our customers AND the planet.

For six seasons, from 2014 to 2020, Philippe was the host and executive producer of the multi-Emmy nominated weekly syndicated series Awesome Planet.

Recently Philippe and his wife Ashlan were the stars of The Travel Channel’s hit series Caribbean Pirate Treasure; winner of a Cynopsis Media Award for Best Adventure Reality Series. In 2016 Philippe teamed up with his wife Ashlan to co-host Nuclear Sharks, the #1 show for Discovery’s Shark Week. In 2015, they co-hosted a three-part series with Takepart.com, exploring tiger and rhino conservation in Nepal called Treasures of the Terai.

As a special correspondent for CNN, he has hosted several award-winning shows, including his series Going Green which ran for four years and the 8-part special Expedition Sumatra. Philippe has also hosted and produced television programs for Animal Planet and the 8-part series Oceans for the BBC and Discovery Channel.

His conservation efforts are focused on solving global social and environmental problems. In 2005 he founded EarthEcho International; a leading environmental education organization that is building a global youth movement to restore and protect our ocean planet. To date, EarthEcho has activated over 2 million youth in 146 countries through its programs.

As an author, Philippe’s children’s book, Follow the Moon Home has been chosen for the prestigious Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. In addition, he has co-written, Going Blue and Make a Splash, both of which have won multiple awards, including Learning Magazine’s 2011 Teachers’ Choice Award for the Family, a Gold Nautilus Award, and a 2010 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Gold Award. His new book series, The Endangereds, with Harper Collins, launched in September of 2020 and his latest book, Oceans for Dummies, which he co-authored with his wife Ashlan was released in February 2021.

Philippe holds an honorary doctorate in marine biology from the University of Plymouth in England. He is a sought-after speaker having hosted and keynoted various events for the United Nations, Harvard University, the University of Florida, the Society of Environmental Journalists, The Economist Magazine global summit, and countless corporate events and global conferences. He has testified before Congress several times and serves on the Boards of Antarctica 2020, Green 2.0, and the Environmental Media Association as well as the National Council of the World Wildlife Fund.

Philippe and his wife, fellow adventurer and TV host Ashlan Cousteau, reside in Los Angeles, California with their two daughters, two chickens, and rescue dog Kenai.

A River Runs Through It and Other Stories, Norman Maclean

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A River Runs Through It and Other Stories is a semi-autobiographical collection of three stories by American author Norman Maclean published in 1976. It was the first work of fiction published by the University of Chicago Press.

The Weekly Dive #26

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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 Weekly Dive #25

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Ocean Cleanup removed 440,000 pounds of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. SF has a new beer, only twist, it’s made from grey water. Tunisia is getting closer to Day Zero as it is forced to shut down drinking water at night. Aqua Cultured Foods raised $5.5M for fungi-fueled alt seafood platform. PFAS may not be necessary to make fabric stain repellent after all. Scientists want to submerge pendulums in the ocean to reduce coastal erosion. Pure water can detect antineutrinos. This week, we are highlighting Sandra Ponce de León, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – A new report by AXA shines light on water-related risks.

This week’s quote:

Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water, it will make ripples throughout the entire pond

What’s New with Water Innovations?

Ocean Cleanup removes 200,000 kilograms of plastic from the Pacific Ocean 

This feat was accomplished on Trip 13 during the first cleaning deployment of 2023.

H2Fly is one step closer to realizing true liquid hydrogen flight

Stuttgart-based H2Fly has reached another critical milestone with the successful test refueling of its cryogenic storage for liquid hydrogen.

I tried beer made from recycled wastewater from an SF high-rise. It may be the future.

San Francisco water reuse company Epic Cleantec teamed up with Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company.

Leveraging The Ocean To Create A Solution To Global Water Shortages 

Canada has just unveiled a ground-breaking project that could revolutionise the way we create affordable clean water.

What’s New in the Industry?

Worst drought on record forces Tunisia to cut off drinking water for seven hours every night 

The water will be cut off daily from 9pm until 4am, with immediate effect, state water distribution company SONEDE said in a statement on Friday.

Aqua Cultured Foods closes $5.5m seed round to expand alt seafood platform 

The cash injection will help the startup scale up production at its new plant in Chicago.

Insuring Nature to Ensure a Resilient Future 

Insurance policies are an innovative way to finance ecosystem restoration and defend coastal communities.

Groundwater Gold Rush

Banks, pension funds and insurers have been turning California’s scarce water into enormous profits, leaving people with less to drink.

What’s New in the Science?

Toxic PFAS not necessary to make fabric stain repellent, study finds

Research found that ‘forever chemicals’ had ‘no practical benefit’ in repelling water and stains.

The Ghostly Glow of a Nuclear Power Station Detected in Pure Water 150 Miles Away 

It’s the first time that water has been used to detect a particle known as an antineutrino.

Researchers print fully recyclable electronics that replace toxic chemicals with water 

The team developed a cyclical process in which the device is rinsed with water, dried in low heat, and printed on again.

Scientists plan to submerge pendulums in the ocean to reduce coastal erosion

The team highlights that the system could easily absorb ocean waves, and reduce the risk of coastal erosion in the near future.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Sandra Ponce de León

Sandra Ponce de Leon is a veteran start-up executive and the owner of NFT Boutique in Tulum. Before establishing her home base in Mexico, Sandra enjoyed a long and fruitful career in the Silicon Valley tech scene as a marketing executive, startup cofounder and advisor to companies through several successful exits.

As a tech passionista, she has a focus on blue-tech and also covers topics such as blockchain, SaaS, health-tech, mobile, iOT and AI. She is a startup adviser that helps lead strategic corporate activities to fuel growth. Sandra’s long history in Silicon Valley has enabled her to forge friendships and business relationships with the industry’s top tech leaders and influencers which inform much of her extensive body of work including the Popping the Bubbl podcast, #LatinaGeeks, and GritDaily where she actively writes about emerging tech trends. Sandra is also the co-founder of Unlockable Content Agency and is currently connecting the waves of the Blue Heart Economy, a heart-led ecosystem that harnesses the power of Web3 to achieve plastic neutrality.

Thank you Sandra for sharing your wisdom and leadership with our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

Treading the waters – a look at the risks that will shape the future 

Addressing water risks fundamental to adapting to climate change, says AXA.

The Weekly Dive #24

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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.

The Weekly Dive #23

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1 tablespoon of water for $198? The Drop Store reveals the future cost of water and it’s quite worrying. The Water Council and the United Nations are looking for innovations. The first months of 2023 have seen some of the largest deals ever in the water industry! Starbucks and 17 other companies pledge billions for water innovation. Scientists create a new type of plastic not made from crude oil. The origin of human empathy may come from the oceans. Bioluminescent algae light up the seas. This week, we are highlighting Tom Ferguson, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – Global water demand will outstrip supply by 40% by 2030

This week’s quote:

The human soul is like water. From heaven it descends and to heaven it rises again. From heaven to earth, in eternal flux.

What’s New with Water Innovations?

At this grocery store of the future, 1 tablespoon of clean water costs $198 

The Drop Store shows just how bad things could get if our water crisis worsens.

Largest commercially operated engine runs on hydrogen in world first

The Wärtsilä engine ran on a 25 vol% hydrogen-blended fuel.

The Water Council opens spring Tech Challenge

It seeks solutions for pharmaceutical pollutant detection and chlorinated water-tolerant structural plastic materials.

Open Call for Innovation Challenges on Water Quality Monitoring 

The selected challenges will be put forward at the upcoming Workshop on 14 – 16 June 2023.

What’s New in the Industry?

The water sector’s major acquisitions of early 2023 

The first months of the year have seen two multi-billion-dollar acquisitions and a handful of other multi-million-dollar acquisitions — both internationally and within the U.S.

17 organizations pledge to invest $11B in water innovation 

Groups from the private sector have made a collective commitment to invest in water innovation over the next five years.

Starbucks Commits Over $50 Million to Sustainable Waste and Water Funds 

It is a major step to scale innovative solutions to advance water access and reduce waste.

Ecolab extends collaboration with Microsoft to enhance water data visibility 

Company officials say it will help companies achieve climate and business goals at once.

What’s New in the Science?

Scientists Created a New Recyclable Plastic Not Made From Crude Oil 

Allison Christy and Scott Phillips describe making a new type of plastic based on poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) or PECA, which is prepared from the monomer used to make Super Glue.

The Origins of Human Empathy May Go All The Way Back to The Ocean 

Study hints that human empathy could have originated in our aquatic ancestors.

Canada: scientists discover new method to break down toxic ‘forever chemicals’

The silica-based material has the ability to absorb wider range of harmful chemicals.

Analyze This: Algae behind blue-glowing waves light up a new device 

The single-celled microbes glow in response to gentle pushes and tugs.

Our HydroDAO Advisor: Tom Ferguson

Tom is the founder and managing director of Burnt Island Ventures (BIV). BIV invests in and supports the brightest entrepreneurs in water. Tom brings a decade of experience in water and startups to lead BIV. His start in water came as the lead author on the first CDP Water Disclosure Report in 2010. He joined Imagine H2O in 2015 to grow the organization’s programming portfolio, which now encompasses 3 global programs vetting 500+ startups per year.

Companies selected under Tom’s tenure have raised $600M+ and achieved 5 exits. He holds an MA from the University of Edinburgh, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Thank you Tom for your work and leadership investing in and supporting water innovations and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

Global fresh water demand will outstrip supply by 40% by 2030, say experts

Landmark report urges overhaul of wasteful water practices around world on eve of crucial UN summit

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!

Tim Agnew

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LinkedIn

Company: Bold Ocean Ventures

Location: Portland, ME

22+ years in early stage venture capital, and many years of impact finance, both debt and equity. Served on multiple governmental and non-profit boards.

David Aguado

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Company: Ibiza Formentera Marine Plasma

Location: Ibiza, Spain

We collect sea water in the sea, in privileged sites for its high stability in the composition of minerals. Sites where sea currents keep the seawater clean and constant salinity, where sea currents are circular type called vortex. There are large concentrations of plankton, second food chain on Earth form, along with the plants, capable of transforming, through a process called marine biocenosis, non bioavailable minerals in bioavailable elements, fully comparable to our body . This Seawater is called MARINE PLASMA.

The Weekly Dive #22

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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!

Nathan Allen

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LinkedIn

Company: WaterStart

Location: Reno, Nevada

Nathan Allen is the Executive Director of WaterStart. Since joining in 2014, Nathan developed the initial program model and grown the organization into a globally recognized water innovation hub. He led the development for online innovation knowledge sharing portal, CHANNELS, and opened up WaterStart to its first international office located in Queensland, Australia. Nathan has also served on the U.S. Department of Commerce Environmental Trade Advisory Committee and regularly speaks internationally on water innovation.