News Byte

This Indian Company Is Turning Air Into Drinking Water

Amid growing global water scarcity, Akvo, an Indian startup, is redefining how we source drinking water—with machines that extract water from air.

Using Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs), Akvo captures moisture from the atmosphere, filters it, and condenses it into clean, potable water—mimicking the natural process of dew formation.

How It Works

Air is first passed through a triple-layer filtration system to remove dust and impurities. It’s then cooled below the dew point, causing moisture to condense into water droplets. These are collected and filtered multiple times to meet drinking water standards—offering a sustainable alternative to groundwater and bottled water.

Built for Versatility

According to Navkaran Singh Bagga, Founder and CEO of Akvo, the biggest challenge has been optimizing water yield while keeping energy consumption low. Innovations in heat exchange, filtration, and IoT monitoring have made Akvo’s AWGs more efficient and affordable.

While best suited for warm and humid environments, Akvo’s systems are designed to operate even in moderate humidity, making them viable in a wide range of climates.

A Renewable Water Source

Akvo’s AWGs tap into the Earth’s atmosphere—an inexhaustible source holding over 3,100 cubic miles of water vapor. Unlike groundwater depletion or energy-intensive desalination, this approach is low-impact and climate-resilient.

“Atmospheric water generation offers a renewable, decentralized solution for communities facing droughts and water pollution,” says Bagga.

The Print

Futuristic Water Tech: From Rain Energy to Atmospheric Water

As India faces intensifying water scarcity due to climate change, researchers and innovators are exploring futuristic solutions beyond traditional groundwater and surface water sources.

On World Water Day, experts spotlight breakthroughs like atmospheric water generation (AWG) and rain energy harvesting. One of the notable efforts comes from Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt. Ltd., led by CEO Navkaran Singh Bagga. The company recently launched its Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative for corporates in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The program operates on a zero-CAPEX, OPEX-based BOOT model, providing clean drinking water via AWGs with a minimum daily offtake of 500 litres.

“WoW removes financial barriers to sustainable water. We install, own, and operate the systems—clients only pay per litre used,” said Mr. Bagga.

Meanwhile, researchers like Dr. Visakh Vaikuntanathan at Shiv Nadar University are studying ways to harness rain energy, developing dual-use solar-rain cells that generate power from both sunlight and rainfall.

With climate change threatening Himalayan glaciers that feed India’s rivers, experts like Dr. Dipankar Saha warn that urgent tech-driven interventions are critical. Companies like Suhora are using satellite intelligence to monitor glacial changes and prevent disasters.

A 2018 NITI Aayog report projected that by 2030, India’s water demand may double its supply—making such innovations more vital than ever.

Dev Discourse

Harnessing Rain Energy and Atmosphere: The Future of Water Sustainability

As climate change threatens freshwater availability, experts are advancing innovative solutions like rain energy harvesting and atmospheric water generation.

Dr. Visakh Vaikuntanathan of Shiv Nadar University is developing ‘all-weather’ cells that harness energy from raindrops and sunlight, integrating seamlessly with rooftops and drainage systems.

Simultaneously, Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems, leads the way in generating clean drinking water from air humidity. With operations in 15 countries, Akvo’s Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative, now live in multiple Indian states, offers sustainable, no-CAPEX water access through a BOOT model.

As Himalayan glaciers shrink, technology is also vital in monitoring melt patterns to manage future water flow. On World Water Day, these pioneering efforts shine as hope for water resilience in India.

DT Next

As India battles rising water scarcity worsened by climate change and extreme weather, researchers and innovators are pushing beyond conventional methods to secure sustainable water sources.

On World Water Day, attention turns to ideas like rain energy harvesting, atmospheric water generation (AWG), and glacier monitoring.

Dr. Visakh Vaikuntanathan of Shiv Nadar University is working on converting the kinetic energy of rain—typically lost as sound—into usable energy through “all-weather” cells that act as both solar and rain-powered generators. His team uses IMD data to estimate rainfall energy and aims to create a rain energy map for India.

Meanwhile, atmospheric water is emerging as a dependable source. A study in Nature outlined a sorption-based atmospheric harvesting system that could revolutionize agriculture.

Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems, highlights the company’s use of AWG technology in 15 countries. Akvo’s newly launched Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative in four Indian states (TN, KA, MH, GJ) offers water generation on an OPEX-based BOOT model, eliminating upfront CAPEX and ensuring a minimum of 500 LPD for corporates.

“The WoW model removes financial risk and promotes sustainable access to water,” said Mr. Bagga.

Technologies are also crucial for glacier monitoring, with experts like Dr. Dipankar Saha warning of the cascading effects of glacial melt on India’s rivers and groundwater. Companies like Suhora are applying satellite data and predictive analytics to monitor glacial changes and prepare communities.

India’s looming water crisis—projected to worsen by 2030 with demand outpacing supply—calls for urgent adoption of such innovative solutions.

To read the full article visit: DT Next

MSN

Futuristic Water Solutions Tackle India’s Growing Crisis

As climate change intensifies water scarcity, researchers and tech innovators in India are turning to forward-looking solutions like atmospheric water generation, rain energy harvesting, and glacier monitoring.

Marking UN World Water Day, experts highlight how India—home to 18% of the world’s population but just 4% of its water—must adopt disruptive approaches. Innovations include satellite-based glacier analysis by Suhora, early warning systems for disaster mitigation, and predictive tools to manage shrinking Himalayan resources.

The 2018 NITI Aayog report warned that India could face a 6% GDP loss by 2030 due to water shortages. As pressures mount, these technologies represent a critical shift toward sustainable and secure water futures.

To read the full article visit here.

The Week

As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events strain freshwater availability, Indian researchers and innovators are exploring cutting-edge solutions to tackle water scarcity. On World Water Day, attention turns to ideas that go beyond conventional sources like groundwater and surface water.

Harnessing Rain Energy
Dr. Visakh Vaikuntanathan and his team at Shiv Nadar University are working on an innovative concept: extracting energy from rainfall. Their research focuses on “all-weather cells” that function as both solar and rain-powered energy units. By calculating rainfall intensity and raindrop energy using IMD data, they aim to build a rain energy map and harvest kinetic energy through rooftops and drainage systems.

Water from Air: A Real-World Solution
Another futuristic technology making real-world impact is atmospheric water generation (AWG). Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO of Akvo, leads the way with machines that pull humidity from the air and turn it into clean drinking water. Operating in 15 countries, Akvo offers eco-friendly, decentralized water systems with zero upfront costs through its BOOT model. The company recently launched the Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative, providing sustainable water solutions to corporates across India.

“AWG offers a reliable and green alternative to depleting water resources,” says Bagga. “It’s scalable, efficient, and built for future resilience.”

Technology and the Himalayas
In the Himalayan region, melting glaciers are altering river flows and threatening water security. Experts like Dr. Dipankar Saha from MRIIRS emphasize the need for urgent intervention. Companies such as Suhora are using satellite data, sensors, and predictive analytics to monitor glacial changes and help reduce disaster risks.

With India home to 18% of the global population but only 4% of freshwater resources, such innovative technologies are not just promising – they’re essential.

To read the full article visit here.

Techgraph

This is a major problem worldwide; it affects billions of people in homes, villages, and towns. Population increases, climate change and limited water resources make the situation worse and thus require innovative approaches.

In the current world, technology is still rising as the key driver and is changing the way that water is harvested, treated, and transported to communities across the world.

This has been one of the most important developments in the last few years with the development of atmospheric water generation technology. These systems pull the moisture from the air and produce clean drinking water that can be taken to areas with limited infrastructure. Air water generators can work in almost all kinds of climate conditions and provide water solutions to people in arid areas and areas that have been affected by disasters. This technology is further improved by the developments in the design of solar-powered and energy-saving systems, which make this technology a better option than conventional water sources.

In addition to management, new technologies are available that are creating a change in the way that water is gathered and stored by the communities. The application of IoT sensors, data analysis, and cloud computing enable the real-time monitoring of water quality, distribution systems, and consumption trends. Local authorities and utilities can save time and cost on repairs and prevent losses and pollution by identifying leaks, tolerances, or overuse of water. This degree of data granularity also assists policymakers in making better decisions on water control and management and the utilization of resources.

Other filtration and purification technologies also enhance the community’s water resilience. Graphene-based filters and other new-age materials can filter out pollutants and microbes and provide safe drinking water even in highly industrialized waters. Along with these technologies, portable purification devices also help people during personal requirements and during calamities, thus protecting the health of people in vulnerable populations.

This is because water tech solutions are not applied in isolation. New technologies cannot work effectively on their own; they need to be integrated into wider strategies that include education, infrastructure development, and community participation for the sustainability of the interventions. One of the other ways is training the local people on how to use and maintain the new technology so that they own it. Private public partnerships and social enterprises also have a significant role to play. These partnerships help economically disadvantaged communities access clean water by investing in reusable and scalable systems, subsidizing distribution costs, and providing microfinance solutions.

In conclusion, the integration of innovation, policy, and the power of community is the way forward to closing the water divide. From atmospheric water generation to the latest filtration systems and IoT-based monitoring, each new technology is helping to create stronger, more independent communities. If all the stakeholders and donors remain committed to their efforts, we may one day be able to provide safe water to people no matter where they are in the world.

With the help of technology and people’s cooperation, water can be transformed to be the source of improvement, health, and the future we desire for everyone, anywhere.

Written by
Navkaran Singh Bagga,
CEO & Founder, AKVO

Hindustan Times

The global water crisis, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and population growth, requires immediate and innovative action. Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder of AKVO, highlights how technology is reshaping water management for a sustainable future. Digital tools like IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and AI-driven analytics enable real-time monitoring and predictive insights, allowing water managers to address issues before they escalate. Circular water economies and advanced wastewater treatment further contribute by transforming waste into reusable water, reducing reliance on dwindling freshwater sources.

Equally groundbreaking is Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG), which harnesses moisture from the air to produce safe drinking water, even in arid regions. Precision agriculture and smart irrigation optimize water use in farming, addressing a sector responsible for 70% of global water withdrawals. Achieving global water resilience, however, requires more than technology; collaborative ecosystems, supportive policies, and community empowerment are critical. By leveraging innovation, fostering partnerships, and ensuring equitable access, we can transition from crisis to sustainability.

Read the full article here.

India Today

Sustainable Water Management Strategies by Akvo

India faces a growing water crisis, with 70% of its water polluted (NITI Aayog). At Akvo, we believe clean water is essential for public health, environmental restoration and economic growth. It is key to building a sustainable, pollution-free India.

Our Founder & CEO, Navkaran Singh Bagga, outlines strategies for sustainable water management:

Harnessing Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) Technology

Akvo’s Water Block extracts clean drinking water directly from the air, providing a decentralized, eco-friendly solution. Modular and IoT-enabled, it can be deployed in urban rooftops, rural schools, and remote areas, reducing dependence on groundwater.

Circular Water Management

Promoting water reuse through treatment and recycling ensures minimal waste and sustainable water use across agriculture, industries and households.

Community-Centric Solutions

Empowering communities through:

  • Water User Associations
  • Micro-Irrigation
  • Rainwater Harvesting

These grassroots initiatives ensure efficient water management and long-term impact.

Policy and Public-Private Collaboration

Strong policies like Jal Shakti Abhiyan must integrate technologies like AWGs. Public-private partnerships can accelerate infrastructure development and sustainable water solutions.

Education and Awareness

Raising awareness about water conservation helps change behaviors – reducing waste, encouraging rainwater harvesting and promoting sustainable practices.

Conclusion

At Akvo, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions like the Water Block to secure clean water for all and build a pollution-free future.

Read the full article here

Addressing a Global Challenge with Innovation!

Our world faces an urgent water crisis, affecting billions. It’s a scenario that requires immediate action, innovative thinking, and global collaboration. Inspired by the ancient concept of ‘Akrasia’ — the act of knowing what is right but not acting upon it — we are determined to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.

In this video, Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems discusses the harsh reality of water scarcity, the universal need for sustainable solutions, and how Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems is rising to meet this challenge. The Atmospheric Water Generation Systems represents more than just technological innovation; they are a beacon of hope, turning air into life-sustaining water.

Let’s move from inaction to impact, from scarcity to abundance. Share your thoughts, your actions, and let’s spread the word.

Together, we can create a future where access to clean water is a reality for all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMYCWhGrPn4