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.

For the full article please visit here.

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.

To read the full article, please visit here.

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.

To read the full article, please visit here.

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.

India Today

Akvo, an Indian company, has developed innovative Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) that extract potable water from the humidity in the air. These machines simulate natural condensation to generate clean drinking water, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to groundwater extraction and desalination.

The AWG process involves pulling air through a three-layer filtration system to remove dust, cooling the air to condense moisture, and storing the collected water in a tank. The water undergoes multiple filtration stages before it is ready for consumption.

Ideal for warm, humid environments, the technology works best in coastal regions with temperatures between 21°C to 32°C and humidity over 40%. Akvo’s AWGs also function in moderate humidity, making them adaptable to various climates.

AWGs tap into the abundant resource of atmospheric water vapor, making them a renewable, low-impact solution for communities suffering from water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. The technology offers a sustainable future for water security, particularly as climate change exacerbates global water crises.

For more information, read the original blogpost here.

The CSR Universe

Water-on-Want: Akvo Launches Sustainable Water Solution for Corporates

Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt Ltd has officially launched its Water-on-Want (WoW) initiative, a breakthrough in sustainable water access for businesses in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

The program operates under an OPEX-based Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model, allowing companies to access Akvo’s cutting-edge Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) without upfront capital investment (CAPEX). Businesses pay only for the water they use, with Akvo handling equipment ownership, installation, maintenance, and operation.

After an 18-month pilot, WoW is now a fully optimized solution offering minimum daily off-take starting at 500 LPD. The model removes financial and operational barriers while promoting eco-conscious corporate water practices.

“WoW is not just technology—it’s a business model that allows companies of all sizes to adopt sustainable water practices without financial strain,” said Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO & Founder of Akvo.

By eliminating CAPEX and introducing a pay-as-you-go structure, WoW merges sustainability with cost-efficiency—benefiting both companies and the planet.

Ashish Vidyarthi Podcast

Navkaran Singh Bagga (Founder and CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems) takes Ashish Vidyarthi on an educational journey on how Akvo Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) makes drinking water from Air.

Navkaran explains how their proprietary ground breaking water system and the modular system – Akvo Water Blocks utilises condensation to produce pure drinking water from the humidity in the air. Which meet large water supply needs, each block generating up to 500 litres of water daily allowing you to scale from 5,000 to 1,00,000 litres daily.

The discussion also addressed the challenges of water management in various areas of India & the world along with the importance of educating people about the possibility of creating limitless water with AWGs.

Akvo has deployed its products in 14 countries and multiple multinational companies have installed the Akvo Water Blocks, which are most effective in areas with high humidity, such as Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lakshadweep etc.

The conversation left Mr Vidyarthi fascinated and we hope more people become aware of this technology because Akvo gives you complete water independence without having to be bound to pipe lines and dubious water sources.

Globe News Wire

Akvosphere gearing to resolve water and food crisis through revolutionary self-sustainable water generation system

Backed by a squad of environmentalists, scientists, and tech geeks, Akvo has produced a self-sustainable water generation solution that eliminates the need of depending on earth’s remaining water sources for water generation. Titled “Akvo Farm and Farming Solutions,” the breakthrough product is powered by solar energy and generates water through the help of atmospheric moisture.

In an exclusive interview, Navkaran Singh Bagga, the CEO of Akvosphere, shared that the company has been founded with one primary mission- to de-commodify the world’s biggest commodity – “water.”

“Our groundbreaking water generating system generates water using our proprietary revolutionary air-to-water technology which creates unlimited and clean drinking water from air moisture. That way, our system relieves you from relying on external water generation sources and also eliminates the hassle of paying exorbitant charges to water mafias to access water. Besides, since our system runs on solar power, you will enjoy significant savings on energy bills too.” stated Mr. Bagga.

Speaking on, Mr. Bagga stressed that Akvo Farm and Farming Solutions are based on the principles of Hydroponics. Commonly dubbed as “water-based planting,” Hydroponics can be defined as soil-less and water-based planting. In a Hydroponic setup, plants are grown in an inert medium that receives the growth nutrients through specially treated nutrient-rich water. Hydroponics has shown the potential of solving water requirements in a traditional farming setup- it just takes 1/10th of water consumed in conventional agriculture to grow crops in Hydroponics setup.

“Our Akvo 100 LPD (liters per day) will be a great system to support your home farm with pure water and that too on a daily basis. Additionally, our system will also help to keep the humidity issue in check, thereby ensuring a safe environment for planting.”

The Akvo solar-powered water generation system comes in two versions- Home and Enterprise.

The Home system is for homeowners and tenants who do not want to waste money on purchased water jars. The Akvo Pod for home will help to generate fifty liters of water per day at rated conditions of thirty and eighty precent Relative Humidity.

“We assure you pure water only, devoid of bacteria, virus, harmful chemicals, and pesticides. Our Akvo Pod is equipped with proprietary cutting-edge water filtration technology that comes with three filtration layers that have proven to provide clean water in a way the other technologies can’t. In other words, we assure you of the most in-depth and most advanced water cleaning and filtration.”

The Enterprise system will generate 100 LPD every day. If an organization is not willing to buy the whole system, it can go for the Pay-As-You- Use model. That way, the enterprise-clients will only have to pay for the specific volume of water they consume.

Top features of Akvo Farm and Farming Solutions:

  • Self-sustainable water generation system backed by proprietary technology of generating water from atmospheric moisture
  • UV-treated water free from chemicals, microbes, and pesticides
  • Aimed to resolve water and food crisis across the world
  • Generates mineral-rich water only
  • Assures freedom from water mafias
  • No risk of pollution
  • No dependence on external water resource
  • Beneficial for agricultural farms or home farms
  • No need of elaborate infrastructure
  • Prevent fungal growth in farms
  • Eco-friendly water generation system powered by solar energy
  • Available for both residential and commercial setups
  • Easy to maintain

Akvosphere will start mass production of the water generation system from December 2021 and global distribution will begin from January 2022.

For more details, read the original article here to explore how Akvosphere is transforming water sustainability.

For more information about Akvo USA, (833) 246-6365

Brand Sutra

Generating water out of thin air – that’s what Navkaran Singh Bagga, founder and CEO, AKVO Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt Ltd., has been doing with AKVO’s atmospheric water generation technology, in his endeavour to address the water crisis in India

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Atmospheric water generation (AWG) technology was probably pioneered in Israel. How did you think of bringing the technology to India and what have been the highlights of AKVO’s journey so far?

In late 2016, as I was reading about Cape Town and its impending water scarcity and with major metros of India running out of ground water along with other natural resources, it dawned upon me that India needed a workable approach in mitigating this crisis. So I embarked upon a completely new, unsung terrain of manufacturing atmospheric water generators for India and Middle Eastern countries. After a lot of research online, I investigated this amazing source of water which is practically untapped. It took us over a year to build our first running machine. Up to now, we have sold over 450 machines worldwide. Some noteworthy highlights: 1. Hardua Mangarh in Damoh region of Madhya Pradesh faced an acute water crisis. The villagers had to climb down a 200-year-old well, just to fetch water. They had to form a human ladder going down the steep well, taking great risk to fetch a bucket of water. During summer, it often dried up, forcing people to migrate from the village. The Public Health & Environment Department of Madhya Pradesh approached AKVO to come up with a solution. Now, after over two years of the installation of the AKVO 365K machine unit there, villagers receive about 1,000 litres of fresh drinking water every day from air. 2. During the summer months of 2019, the Greater Chennai Corporation had installed AKVO atmospheric water generator in its premises on a trial basis. Currently, over 50 machines have been installed in Chennai across schools, residential complexes, private institutions etc. 3. Over 44 AKVO machines have been installed at the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium, with an order for over 350 more. AKVO atmospheric water systems have also installed their new 300 litre machine at Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority. DP World has already installed their first machine in their Dubai port.

How have your operations grown since you started out in 2017 – what is the company’s topline currently? What is the strength of your user base and distribution network? What kind of competition is there in the market?

We have targeted a topline of Rs 5 crore this financial year. We currently have a user base in eight countries across the world like India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Chile, Philippines, South Africa, ranging from large corporates to governments and households. There are many new players entering the market, but we are the largest, one of the oldest and most established brands in India.

How much does an AKVO machine cost initially and how cost effective is it compared to RO/UV or bottled drinking water?

Our home model AKVO Pod can make up to 50 litres of pure drinking water per day. It is India’s first indigenously manufactured atmospheric water generator. Our AWG technology replicates the natural process of condensation by simulating a dew point, which allows it to make water continuously, even in low humidity conditions. AKVO works on a simple plug and play method and consumes one unit of electricity to run for an hour. Moreover, this water is cheaper than any RO/UV or bottled market water. While the RO/UV filtrated water wastes four litres of water for just one litre of drinking water, AKVO has zero water wastage. Bottled mineral water is available at Rs 4.50 to Rs 5.00 per litre, while ours costs only Rs 1.75 to Rs 2.00 per litre.

Your recent campaign #OwnYourWater literally made waves. Tell us about your brief to The Voice Company for the campaign and the kind of ROI that you have got.

The brief was simple. We wanted our innovative technology to be the highlight. Our aim is to make everyone water independent and change the system. The Voice Company really stood out in how simple the ideas were, and how interesting, from a content perspective. We launched the campaign only in June, hence we don’t have any exact figures yet.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/zeT78HsWnzk

What are your expansion plans going forward? What is the kind of growth you target? What potential do you see in our country with severe water scarcity and beyond it?

We will be adding more Indian metros – Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa and Kochi, and internationally, we are targeting at least five more countries – USA, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Uganda, to our distribution list. We are also targeting 100% year-on-year growth at least for the next three years. More and more households are looking at our technology to solve the drinking water issues that is prevalent across the country. We need to reduce our dependency on groundwater and look for permanent solutions to the global water crisis.

What is a motto or life mantra that you follow all the time?
I believe that there is no substitute for hard work.

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