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Category: Press
The Telegraph
India Today
Can Decentralised Water Systems Fix Ageing Infrastructure?
Climate change, rapid urbanisation, and ageing infrastructure are putting unprecedented pressure on global water systems. Traditional centralised models—such as large dams and treatment plants—are proving inadequate for today’s complex challenges.
In the United States, for instance, the American Society of Civil Engineers recently rated the country’s drinking water infrastructure a “C–” and wastewater systems a “D+”, underscoring years of underfunding and decline.
To ensure a more sustainable and resilient future, experts—including Navkaran Singh Bagga, Founder & CEO of AKVO—are advocating for a shift towards decentralised water management systems. These systems are flexible, locally driven, and better equipped to serve modern communities. By reducing reliance on ageing infrastructure, decentralised solutions can deliver smarter, more sustainable water management.
But infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Success also depends on policy innovation and public involvement. Governments must move from rigid, top-down models to more adaptive, inclusive regulations that empower local solutions. At the same time, citizens must play an active role—whether by tracking their own water use or participating in local water boards—to build accountability and resilience at the community level.
As Navkaran Singh Bagga emphasizes, embracing decentralisation is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. By combining innovation with community action, we can protect and secure water resources for generations to come.
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WIO News
Turning Air Into Water: Akvo’s Sustainable Answer to the Global Water Crisis
Access to clean drinking water remains a critical global issue — over 2.2 billion people lack it, according to the World Health Organization. As the world marked World Water Day on March 22, innovators like Navkaran Singh Bagga, founder and CEO of Akvo, are offering bold new solutions. His company is tackling the water crisis by literally turning air into safe, potable water.
Through Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology, Akvo’s machines extract humidity from the air, condense it into water, and purify it to drinking standards. “AWG is cutting-edge technology that captures water from the air we breathe,” says Bagga. “Once the moisture is condensed, it’s filtered and sterilised, ensuring the water is clean, safe, and chemical-free.”
He likens the process to the condensation seen on a cold glass on a humid day — only industrialized and highly controlled. The water passes through carbon and sediment filters, UV treatment, and sometimes reverse osmosis to meet stringent quality standards.
Akvo’s innovation not only reduces dependence on groundwater and plastic-packaged water but also offers a sustainable, decentralized water solution for homes, businesses, and regions facing severe water scarcity.
As the climate crisis worsens, such renewable technologies are not just impressive – they’re essential.
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Telegraph India
How Akvo is Making Water Sustainable and Accessible
In an era where water scarcity is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most pressing environmental concerns, Kolkata-based Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems is offering a transformative solution. At the forefront of this innovation is Akvo’s new initiative — Water-on-Want (WoW) — which is reshaping the way businesses think about water access, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.
Rethinking the Water Supply Chain
Akvo’s WoW model is built on a simple yet powerful idea: access to clean drinking water shouldn’t require heavy capital investment. Traditionally, businesses have relied on expensive infrastructure or unsustainable bottled water solutions. Akvo’s solution changes that by turning water into a service — not a product.
“WoW was born from a simple question: Why must access to clean water be capital-intensive? Water becomes a service, not a product — transforming it from a logistical headache into a strategic sustainability win,” said Navkaran Singh Bagga, Founder and CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems.
Under an OPEX-based Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) model, Akvo installs its atmospheric water generators (AWGs) on-site at client locations. The company maintains ownership and operation of the units, while clients are billed only for the volume of water they consume. This approach eliminates upfront costs, simplifies maintenance, and provides predictable, consumption-based pricing.
Adaptable Technology for a Diverse Climate
Currently deployed in water-stressed regions across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, Akvo’s AWG units are engineered to function efficiently across a wide range of climatic conditions — from Chennai’s coastal humidity to Pune’s drier air.
“Our machines condense moisture from the air, filter and mineralise it, and deliver safe drinking water on demand. Thanks to IoT-enabled performance tracking, we ensure consistent output regardless of external climate conditions,” explained Navkaran Singh Bagga.
This adaptability allows Akvo to serve areas where municipal supply is unreliable and groundwater is rapidly depleting.
The Numbers Behind Sustainability
The environmental impact of Akvo’s model is significant. During an 18-month pilot, clients reported up to a 95% reduction in plastic water jar usage, which translates to eliminating over 200,000 litres of transported water per month. A Bengaluru IT park cut carbon emissions by 4.5 tonnes annually, while a Mumbai hotel reduced water procurement costs by 22% and earned green building credits.
“Each 500-litre-per-day unit can save nearly 365,000 plastic bottles annually. That’s the kind of impact that scales when businesses adopt water as a sustainable service rather than a commodity,” said Navkaran Singh Bagga.
A Win-Win for Business and the Planet
Akvo’s AWG units are compact — requiring just one square metre of space — and operate at just 0.26 kWh per litre under optimal conditions. With pricing as low as ₹1.25 per litre, the systems are already serving sectors like IT parks, hotels, and manufacturing hubs.
“By producing water locally, we eliminate transportation emissions, avoid municipal tariffs, and help businesses meet ESG targets without increasing costs,” added Navkaran Singh Bagga.
Akvo has now expanded into 15 countries, including Qatar and Dubai, generating over 100 million litres of clean water globally. The company is now focusing on fully solar-powered AWGs and mobile container units to serve remote locations and disaster zones.
Bridging Innovation and Accessibility
Despite the advanced technology, Akvo’s mission is rooted in making sustainability accessible. “WoW isn’t just an ESG move — it’s a practical hedge against water volatility. Sustainability is no longer a choice — it’s a license to operate. If you can save money, reduce plastic waste, and secure your water supply—all without capex — why wouldn’t you?” said Navkaran Singh Bagga.
For Akvo, the goal goes beyond business. It’s about changing how we think about water — not just as a resource, but as a sustainable service.
“We don’t want sustainability to be a buzzword or a checkbox. It should be as simple as turning on a tap — and knowing you’re doing right by the planet,” concluded Navkaran Singh Bagga.
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CXO Today
National Technology Day 2025, themed ‘Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow Through Innovation,’ serves as a strong reminder that the tomorrow we create is based on what we do today. As entrepreneurs, innovators, and citizens, we have a rare chance—and obligation—to make technology not only innovative but also conscious and climate-resilient. Innovation is not only identified by its immediate impact but by its impact over a long period of time on human beings and the planet. No matter if it’s clean energy, sustainable water solutions or circular economies, our attention needs to move from short-term success to long-term advancement. May this day motivate us to look beyond invention and adopt innovation that enables, sustains, and uplifts communities for generations to come.
– Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder, AKVO
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Times Tech
On National Technology Day 2025, Akvo CEO Navkaran Singh Bagga Champions Water Innovation
In a special feature by TimesTech, Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO and founder of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems, showcased how the company’s pioneering air-to-water technology is transforming global access to clean water. On the occasion of National Technology Day 2025, Bagga outlined Akvo’s mission to deliver decentralized, climate-resilient water solutions through innovations like modular Water Block units, IoT integration, and AI-powered efficiency.
“Our vision is simple yet ambitious,” Navkaran Singh Bagga said. “We want every community—from remote villages to megacities—to access clean drinking water directly from air, without depending on overburdened natural sources.”
With more than 100 million litres of water generated to date, Akvo’s smart systems are addressing critical water challenges across geographies—from coastal cities to arid interiors—while eliminating reliance on plastic bottles and tanker transport.
Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey from steel manufacturing to clean-tech, Bagga shared a message for young innovators:
“Dream big, but stay rooted in local realities. The best innovations come from deep empathy for the communities you serve. Focus on creating scalable, sustainable solutions, and don’t be afraid to challenge conventional thinking. Building technology is only half the journey—delivering impact is where true innovation shines. And remember, resilience matters as much as brilliance.”
Looking ahead, Bagga emphasized the role of AI and IoT in making Akvo’s systems more predictive, autonomous, and accessible to underserved populations — further advancing the company’s mission of sustainable, democratized water access.
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APN News
National Technology Day 2025, themed ‘Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow Through Innovation,’ reminds us that our actions today shape the future. As innovators and citizens, we must pursue technology that is not only groundbreaking but also sustainable and climate-conscious. From clean energy to circular economies, true progress lies in long-term impact. Let this day inspire us to champion innovation that uplifts communities and safeguards the planet for generations to come.
Sustainability Karma
Akvo Launches WoW: A No-CAPEX Water Solution for Businesses
Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems has launched its innovative Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative—a first-of-its-kind, OPEX-based water solution for businesses across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
This model uses a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) contract structure, allowing companies to access atmospheric water generators (AWGs) without any upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX). Instead, clients pay a per-litre OPEX fee, with Akvo handling installation, operations, and maintenance—making sustainable water access seamless and risk-free.
“WoW is more than a product—it’s a shift in how companies approach water sustainability,” said Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder of Akvo. “By eliminating CAPEX, we’re making eco-friendly water tech accessible to all businesses.”
With a minimum daily off-take of 500 litres, WoW is positioned as a scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for companies looking to reduce dependence on conventional water sources and improve their ESG performance.
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APN News
AKVO Launches Water-on-Want (WoW) for Sustainable Water Solutions
Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt. Ltd. has officially launched its Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative, offering a revolutionary, CAPEX-free, OPEX-based BOOT model for water generation. Designed for corporates in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, the WoW model enables access to Akvo’s advanced Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) with no upfront investment.
After an 18-month pilot, WoW ensures a risk-free, cost-effective, and sustainable way for businesses to meet their daily water needs (minimum 500 LPD). Akvo installs, maintains, and operates the system while clients pay per litre.
“WoW is more than tech—it’s a sustainable business model,” said Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder.
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