Latest news with #MohammedbinRashidAlMaktoumGlobalWaterAward
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
FountAir From Hong Kong Wins Global Recognition for Breakthrough in Air-to-Water and Cooling Technology
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hong Kong-based FountAir LTD has been named second runner-up in the Innovative Projects Award (Small Projects category) during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The recognition celebrates the company's revolutionary split-system device, AIR4WATER – 'The Invisible Solution': The First Split VAC-WG, which simultaneously produces clean drinking water and cools air, offering a sustainable solution to address water scarcity and optimise energy consumption. The award is supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. With total prizes of USD 1 million, it promotes the development of innovative, renewable energy-powered technologies to address global water challenges. Currently in use across six countries, FountAir's AIR4WATER devices use a split air conditioning-water generation system to condense and purify water from the air, while also cooling indoor spaces. The units are compatible with solar or grid power and produce up to 120 litres of safe, mineral-rich drinking water per day. Independent lab testing confirms the water meets WHO quality standards, with a neutral pH level between 6.92 and 7. The company's two main models – AIR4WATER 400 Pro and AIR4WATER 120 Home – are now deployed in a factory in China, benefitting over 400 individuals in the pilot phase. Additional units are operational in the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, Australia, Lebanon and China, offering affordable water at a marginal cost as low as AED 0.009 per litre when connected only to the electricity grid. FountAir's design combines environmental responsibility and user-centric utility. 'The global water crisis stems from the excessive and irresponsible use of technology for comfort. To accelerate solutions, economic incentives must be aligned with technological innovation. This award is a powerful example, as it brings technology and economy together to drive impact. Our solution empowers users to meet their own water needs, sell the excess and scale up the model sustainably. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for bridging the gap between those in need and those with the means and will to support lasting change,' said Jannick Jacques Simeray, founder, inventor and CEO at FountAir.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
French innovations win global recognition for water sustainability and research excellence
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two pioneering French organisations, Kumulus SAS and STEM SAS, have been recognised during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award for their remarkable contributions to sustainable water solutions. Supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the award carries a total prize pool of USD 1 million and celebrates innovative projects that address global water scarcity through renewable energy and advanced technologies. Kumulus SAS won the Innovative Projects Award (Small Projects category) for its patented atmospheric water generator, which extracts drinking water from air using a hybrid condensation and desiccant process. Designed to operate using solar energy, each machine produces around 30 litres of water per day. The machines were deployed in rural schools in Tunisia, ensuring clean water access for over 1,000 students and more than 100 staff members. The project helps reduce water-related illnesses and absenteeism. 'Being among the winners shows we can deliver the right technology to those who need it and help address water scarcity. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, not only for the award but for his leadership in prioritising sustainability and global water access across the Arab world,' said Iheb Triki, co-founder and CEO of Kumulus. STEM SAS won the Innovative Research and Development Award (International Institutions category) for its AQUAHIVE solution, a next-generation membrane distillation system that purifies water using waste heat and minimal electricity. AQUAHIVE purifies seawater, brackish water and industrial wastewater through a patented low-temperature evaporation-condensation process. With a current technology readiness level of eight, the solution was showcased in the industrial environment of Dunkirk, France, earlier this year. 'When it comes to the global water crisis, the 3R rule – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – is essential. Receiving this award made our entire team proud and renewed our motivation to reach new milestones. I sincerely thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for championing innovation and sustainability. Leadership like his is vital to creating a better future,' said Frederic Walland, CEO of STEM SAS.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
China Wins Two Global Water Awards for Breakthroughs in Sustainable Desalination
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--China has claimed two major awards during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, highlighting the country's leadership in sustainable water solutions and youth-driven innovation. Supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the USD 1 million global award recognises efforts to address water scarcity through renewable energy and advanced technologies. Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co Ltd and Hangzhou Sunup Environmental Technology Co Ltd were named first runner-up in the Innovative Projects Award (Small Projects category) for their Microgrid Seawater Treatment system. Deployed on an isolated island, the containerised system integrates renewable energy with advanced triple-stage reverse-osmosis technology to produce 100 tonnes of clean water daily. Fully automated and remotely monitored, the microgrid includes a 100kW solar power unit and supports 500 residents through water-filling stations and community employment. The drinking water meets China's GB 5749 standards and has enabled economic activity in agriculture and tourism. "Our project aligns perfectly with the award's mission, combining renewable energy, distillation and sustainable water management. Through this platform, we hope to gain international recognition, expand our technology's reach, enhance visibility, foster collaboration and inspire continued innovation within our team," said Wang Hua, Deputy General Manager of Hangzhou Sunup Environmental Technology Co Ltd. Professor Xu Zhenyuan won the Innovative Individual Award (Youth Award category) for his Passive Solar Distillation innovation. Developed in collaboration with MIT, his modular desalination system uses layered solar evaporators and transparent aerogel insulation to passively produce more than 5.78 litres of pure drinking water per square metre on an hourly basis. The system reuses solar heat across several stages, achieving record-high efficiency even in ultra-saline conditions. Made from low-cost, widely available materials and requiring no electricity, it offers an accessible, portable solution for off-grid water access. Xu has published his research and engaged in awareness initiatives on the water-energy nexus. "The global water crisis will worsen as populations grow and human activity strains resources. This award affirms the importance of renewable energy solutions. It motivates me to move beyond academic research and focus on real-world applications that benefit communities and support a more sustainable future for all," said Professor Xu. Source: AETOSWire View source version on Contacts Seen MediaMariam Mikhail+971 50 949 6795info@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Belgium's Sotrad Water Honoured With Global Award in Dubai for Solar-powered Drinking Water Innovation
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sotrad Water Srl from Belgium has been named the second runner-up in the Innovative Projects Award (Large Projects category) during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award for its Pump&Drink® Hydro1000 initiative, a solar-powered water treatment and distribution solution designed to serve rural communities in Africa and beyond. Held under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), the award celebrates innovative technologies that address global water scarcity using renewable energy. It offers a total prize pool of USD 1 million and supports scalable, sustainable impact. Sotrad Water's Pump&Drink® system is a self-contained, solar-powered solution that pumps, treats, stores and distributes water from boreholes. The system is already operational in 22 countries, with over 500 units installed, including 150 in the Ivory Coast during a successful pilot phase in 2020. A full-scale rollout is now under way through 2025. Each station includes a submersible pump powered by a solar array of eight modules, as well as advanced filtration (50-130 microns) and proportional chlorination for disinfection. Treated water is stored in elevated 8,000-litre tanks, then distributed via gravity-fed taps to serve surrounding communities. The systems do not require a full-time technician and feature remote monitoring capabilities using SMS-based data transmission for real-time performance tracking. The technology has earned the 'Efficient Solution' label from the Solar Impulse Foundation for its sustainable impact. Each station can produce between 10 and 30 cubic metres of clean water per day, depending on local water quality and needs. The EUR 49 million rollout includes 1,150 stations and is supported by regional water committees to ensure ongoing maintenance and local community engagement. 'Solving the global water crisis requires collaboration. We cannot work in solitude or design solutions limited to one location. We must address all water uses, including agriculture, drinking water, wastewater and even cooling in data centres, together. This award acknowledges 15 years of hard work and supports our vision to expand technology transfer. It brings global innovations under one roof, which is a true reflection of Dubai's spirit. It inspires hope for a future free from water scarcity,' said Raoul Antoine, General Manager of Sotrad Water.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Australia's SkyJuice Foundation Wins Top Global Prize for Emergency Water Innovation
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SkyJuice Foundation from Australia has been awarded the Innovative Crisis Solutions Award during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The foundation was honoured for its SkyHydrant Emergency Safe Water Solution, a rapid-response water treatment system providing potable water in humanitarian crises and disaster zones. Supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the award carries a total prize pool of USD 1 million and supports breakthrough technologies that address global water challenges through sustainability and resilience. The GEM Rapid Response Pack, SkyHydrant's flagship emergency solution, can deliver up to 10,000 litres of safe drinking water per day using passive ultrafiltration. Requiring no power, chemicals or technical expertise, the system can be assembled on-site within two to three hours for rapid global deployment. Its patented "Shake 'n Flush" cleaning system ensures a lifecycle of up to four years. Used by over 25 NGOs and deployed in 74 countries, SkyHydrant units have supported disaster-affected populations in places such as Turkey, Ukraine, Haiti, Lebanon, the Philippines and Myanmar. Designed for displaced communities of 500 to 1,000 people, the system treats water from non-saline sources like rivers, streams and swamps, effectively removing bacteria, viruses, turbidity, algae and coliforms. With capital costs between USD 1,500 and USD 3,000, the system offers a highly cost-effective solution, often less than 50 cents per person annually based on a daily consumption of 50 litres. Maintenance involves basic monthly membrane cleaning, and the entire unit can be redeployed as needed in other emergency settings. "What we need are decentralised, low-cost, sustainable solutions based on nature and embracing biomimicry that are distributed to poor communities so they can own and operate them. The sooner we can provide everybody with safe drinking water – whether they be refugees, displaced people or people in developing countries – the closer we move towards better equality throughout the world. Receiving this award is a great accolade for all the people that work within the foundation. It validates the meaningfulness of our work, highlights that it is appreciated and also helps to introduce us to other partners," said Rhett Butler, Chairman and Founder of SkyJuice Foundation. Source: AETOSWire View source version on Contacts Seen MediaMariam Mikhail+971509496795info@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
