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.

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 Future of Water Sustainability and How Akvo is Pioneering Change

Water is the foundation of life, yet over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. As climate change intensifies and water resources become increasingly scarce, the need for innovative, sustainable solutions has never been greater. The future of water sustainability lies in harnessing new technologies, reducing dependency on depleting sources, and ensuring equitable access. One such revolutionary innovation leading the way is atmospheric water generation (AWG)—the ability to extract pure, drinkable water from the air.

The Water Crisis: A Growing Global Concern

With rising global temperatures, droughts, groundwater depletion, and pollution are accelerating the water crisis. Traditional sources such as rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers are under immense stress due to urbanization and over-extraction. The UN predicts that by 2025, half of the world’s population will live in water-stressed areas. The question is no longer whether we should act—but how quickly we can adopt solutions that can safeguard future generations.

Innovation as the Key to Sustainable Water Access

While desalination and water recycling have played a role in addressing shortages, they come with high energy costs and environmental concerns. Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) present a sustainable, decentralized alternative by pulling moisture from the air and converting it into safe, potable water—without exploiting existing water sources. This breakthrough technology is not just a concept; it’s a reality reshaping water accessibility worldwide.

Akvo’s Role in Shaping the Future of Water Sustainability

At the forefront of this transformation is Akvo Atmospheric Water Generators, a brand dedicated to delivering clean water from the air, anytime and anywhere. Akvo’s technology is designed for households, businesses, and communities that need a reliable, sustainable, and independent water source. Here’s how Akvo is pioneering change:

1. Sustainable & Self-Sufficient Water Generation

Unlike conventional water sources that rely on pipelines or reservoirs, Akvo’s plug-and-play systems extract water directly from the humidity in the air, making it ideal for drought-prone and remote areas. This significantly reduces the pressure on overburdened freshwater supplies.

2. Energy-Efficient & Eco-Friendly Technology

Akvo’s AWGs are designed to minimize energy consumption, using advanced filtration and purification processes to produce high-quality drinking water without the carbon footprint of bottled water production or transportation.

3. Disaster Relief & Emergency Water Solutions

In times of natural disasters, Akvo’s technology offers a lifeline for communities without access to safe drinking water. Portable AWG units can be deployed in disaster-stricken areas, providing immediate relief without the logistical challenges of transporting bottled water.

4. Corporate & Residential Sustainability

From hotels and offices to eco-conscious homes, businesses and individuals are adopting Akvo’s solutions to reduce water wastage and reliance on municipal water supply. This shift contributes to a more resilient, sustainable future where water security is not dependent on shrinking natural reserves.

The Road Ahead: A Water-Secure Future

As we look ahead, water sustainability will require multi-faceted solutions, including policy reforms, conservation efforts, and technological innovation. Atmospheric Water Generation is poised to become a key component of this sustainable future, ensuring that clean water is accessible, affordable, and environmentally responsible.

Akvo is not just providing a product; it is pioneering a movement towards water independence. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Akvo is proving that the future of water sustainability is not about scarcity—it’s about innovation and accessibility.

The question is: Are we ready to embrace this future?

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

Silicon India

Access to clean drinking water remains a critical issue worldwide, especially for underserved communities facing the challenges of water scarcity. AKVO Atmospheric Water Systems, founded in 2017 by Navkaran Singh Bagga in Kolkata, is pioneering an innovative solution to this pressing problem by turning atmospheric moisture into clean, drinkable water.

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Harnessing the Skies for Hydration: Akvo’s Innovation Lights Up Lakshadweep

We’re thrilled to share a snapshot of change – straight from the heart of Lakshadweep!

The year 2019 marked a leap forward in our journey towards water sustainability as we, Akvosphere, in collaboration with the Airport Authority of India (AAI), brought our state-of-the-art 180K machine to the sun-kissed isle of Agatti.

Educational Empowerment

Nested within the walls of a school that once felt the parched throes of scarcity, now stands a beacon of hope—our Akvo unit. With each drop of clean water it produces, it signifies a tide turning against water scarcity, delivering not just life-sustaining hydration but also seeding the clouds of knowledge about sustainable living and innovation among young minds.

Technology and Community

This picture captures the essence of collaboration, where technology meets humanity. The smiles reflect a community’s resilience and the promise of a future where clean water isn’t a luxury but a given. The Akvo 180K machine is more than an appliance; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of CSR that aims to quench the thirst of generations.

Impacting Lives

As we look back at the deployment in Lakshadweep, we are reminded that innovation isn’t just about the machines we build; it’s about the lives we touch. The success of this project has paved the way for many more, spreading ripples of sustainability across the globe.

Join the Conversation

Let’s discuss how we can bring such transformative changes to more communities in need. Share your thoughts on how we can collectively make a difference with innovative water solutions.

Sustainability Karma

The global water crisis is the most pressing issue of our times, making its way across more than two billion people without clean and safe drinking water. Several factors cause this growing scarcity, namely: climate change, rapid urbanisation, and the depletion of freshwater resources. Because of this, the innovation of more presiding pressing water technologies has been their shift towards addressing these challenges, promoting sustainability, and helping in aspects to counteract climate change. One of the exciting innovations in water technology goes by the name of Atmospheric Water Generators or AWGs for short.

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ET Edge – Insights

India stands at a critical juncture where water scarcity threatens not just rural areas but major urban centers as well. Rapid urbanization, coupled with the erratic monsoon patterns exacerbated by climate change, has led to a severe imbalance between water demand and supply. Major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai, despite their economic might, often find themselves grappling with crippling water shortages. In this scenario, conventional methods of sourcing water—whether from rivers, lakes, or groundwater—are proving unsustainable. It is against this backdrop that innovative solutions, such as Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs), present themselves as more than just technological novelties. They offer a fundamental shift in how we can harness a previously overlooked resource: the humidity in the air.

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