Sustainable Water Use
Climate-Smart Water Technologies
July 2023 | Technology Research Brief
Suggested Citation: Climate-Smart Water Technologies. Technology Research Brief, SusPoT-Centre for Sustainability, Climate Collective Foundation: Bengaluru.
Partner Organization: Climate Collective Foundation (CCF)
Executive Summary
The objective of this note is to inform early-stage startup capital providers and other ecosystem stakeholders on current technologies and expected developments in the Climate-Smart Water Tech space in India.
Leaving humankind with too much water, or too little, or too dirty, or too expensive water will be catastrophic! With the increasing global focus on sustainability and the urgent need to address water challenges, investments in innovative water technologies present promising avenues for both financial returns and positive environmental impact. Climate-smart water technologies have emerged as a powerful means to address these challenges while creating significant business opportunities in terms of creating pathways towards efficient water management, enhanced water availability, and resilience in the face of a changing climate.
These technologies encompass a range of innovative approaches and solutions designed to optimize water use, minimize waste, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources. From rainwater harvesting systems and drip irrigation, to water-efficient fixtures and advanced data analytics, the water technologies have demonstrated immense potential for businesses to thrive while contributing to environmental sustainability. With advancements in the silicon domain, sophisticated tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning can be deployed to develop smart water management systems, which would be efficient, leak proof, resilient and safe. These could further open doors to an ocean of innovation.
Technology providers play a crucial role by developing, manufacturing, and distributing these innovative solutions. They could provide these services through sale, lease, or licensing pathways. They could offer installation, operation, and maintenance services for climate-smart water technologies and, through comprehensive solution providing and ensuring efficient functioning, these businesses can establish long-term relationships with customers and generate revenue through service contracts or performance-based agreements. The global water industry is expected to grow exponentially, driven by increasing water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and stringent environmental regulations. Investors can capitalize on this growing market by supporting startups developing breakthrough technologies, innovative business models, and scalable solutions. However, there are also several challenges and risks that investors should be aware of. Technical risks, regulatory and compliance risks, water source availability, water quality concerns, and data security issues etc. must be carefully considered, as they can significantly impact the success of investments.
By leveraging the opportunities and navigating these risks effectively, investors can play a crucial role in supporting innovative startups and driving sustainable solutions for the global water crisis.
