7 Water Tech Startups you should know in 2025

Water is essential to all life, and its efficient management has become a key challenge for sustainability in today's world. According to the United Nations (UN Water, 2021), by 2025, nearly two-thirds of the global population could face water shortages. Many industries, particularly in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and food processing, are some of the largest consumers of freshwater. Inefficiencies in water management, such as outdated infrastructure and wasteful usage, exacerbate water scarcity, making it increasingly difficult to meet growing demand.

The Urgency of Efficient Water Management 

Water challenges demand innovation. Startups are developing new technologies in treatment, desalination, and management systems, but infrastructure takes time to evolve. To drive progress, RootCamp accelerates water innovations by supporting startups through our program, enabling them to test their solutions with industry partners and gain real market feedback. Looking ahead to 2050, water management will become even more pressing. Climate change is intensifying droughts and disrupting rainfall, putting additional strain on resources. The IPCC (2021) warns of growing challenges, making sustainable solutions essential. Desalination, recycling, and AI-driven management will help industries secure water supply and minimize environmental impact.

Here 7 water startups that develop suitable solutions to fight the water crisis

Desolenator | Solar-powered Desalination | Netherlands

Desolenator is revolutionizing water purification with its solar-powered desalination technology. Their solution combines sustainable energy with engineering to provide clean drinking water in areas suffering from water scarcity. By harnessing the power of the sun, Desolenator aims to make clean water more accessible and affordable, especially in remote and underserved communities.

AquaFortus | Membrane Desalination | New Zealand

AquaFortus is transforming industrial wastewater treatment with its proprietary modular and energy-efficient system that combines multiple technologies, including high-pressure membrane filtration. Their solution purifies water by removing contaminants and recovering valuable resources, such as metals and chemicals, while requiring minimal energy input. 

Watergenics | IoT Water Monitoring | Germany

Watergenics is advancing water management with its IoT-enabled smart water monitoring systems. Their technology provides real-time data analytics and automation to optimize water usage, detect leaks, and ensure efficient water quality control in industrial and commercial sectors. By harnessing the power of data and AI, Watergenics helps businesses reduce water wastage, lower operational costs, and improve sustainability.

AquaScope | Water MRV-System | United Kingdom

AquaScope monitors water ecosystems with an advanced MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) system. Using satellite data, sensors, water samples, and predictive models, it provides valuable insights for forecasting water quality, assessing landscape scenarios, and evaluating the impacts of climate change on specific sites. This MRV system offers a comprehensive solution for managing water ecosystems and improving sustainability in the face of environmental challenges.

Beyond The Dome | Containersized Wastewater Treatment | United States

Beyond The Dome improves wastewater treatment with its advanced supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) technology, offering a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution for managing biosolids and sludge. Their modular, automated system effectively destroys nearly 100% of organics, including emerging contaminants like PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals, while producing clean water and valuable minerals. By recovering resources and minimizing environmental impact, Beyond The Dome simplifies wastewater treatment, reduces operational costs for facilities, and generates enough energy to sustain itself.

Aclarity | PFAS Management & Destruction | United States

Aclarity is tackling the growing concern of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination with its electrochemical oxidation technology. It efficiently destroys PFAS contaminants on-site, offering a sustainable solution for landfills, wastewater treatment, drinking water facilities and industrial productions. Aclarity's system helps businesses meet regulatory requirements, reduce transportation costs, and mitigate environmental risks, all while promoting long-term water safety and environmental protection.

Kilimo | AI-Driven Irrigation Optimization | Argentina

Kilimo leverages public, hyperlocal weather data and AI to optimize irrigation, cutting water consumption while maintaining crop yields. Farmers are rewarded with payments for water savings, driven by demand from major food producers and retailers. Through their platform, Kilimo implements optimized irrigation systems in collaboration with local suppliers, helping farmers conserve water, improve efficiency, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Apply Now: Join the Next Wave of Water Tech Innovators!

If you're leading a startup with a groundbreaking solution for water sustainability, now is the time to take action. RootCamp is here to help you grow, scale, and make a real impact on the global water crisis. Whether you're working on water treatment, desalination, or smart water management, we want to support your mission. 

Apply by March 19th to be part of our acceleration program, potentially followed by a pilot project with one of our industry partners to apply your solution in real-industrial environments!