SDG Awards 2024

Finalist Profile

Welcome to the SDG Awards, a distinguished recognition program honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals, organizations, and initiatives in championing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Finalist Profile

Watergen

About Company

SDG Awards 2024

Category - SDG 6 - Clean water & Sanitation

Providing innovative solutions that extract clean drinking water from the air, addressing water scarcity in various regions.

➜ Providing innovative solutions that extract clean drinking water from the air, addressing water scarcity in various regions.
➜ Ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water, reducing waterborne diseases and promoting overall health.
➜ Developing cutting-edge, patented technology for sustainable water generation.
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1. What is the local impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

Watergen plays a pivotal role in enhancing Israel's reputation as a global leader in environmental and technological innovation. Our advanced technology, developed and produced locally, not only addresses critical water needs, but also strengthens Israel's position as a hub of cutting-edge solutions. Watergen's efforts are recognized worldwide, with our presence expanding into over 90 countries, reinforcing Israel's role in global water sustainability. In Israel, Watergen's technology has been integral in collaborations with global corporations and supporting national efforts, including providing essential water supplies during periods of emergencies. Those collaborations showcase the adaptability and significance of our technology in both corporate and national contexts. Additionally, Watergen supports academic institutions like Tel Aviv University and Reichman University, ensuring safe drinking water for student dormitories. These installations highlight our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders through reliable access to essential resources.

2. What is the global impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

Watergen’s influence extends beyond community-focused initiatives, significantly impacting industries and national infrastructures worldwide: 1. National Infrastructure Support: In countries like the United Arab Emirates, Watergen has been instrumental in bolstering water sustainability efforts. By establishing strong partnerships with local entities, Watergen’s technology supports national water strategies, providing a reliable alternative to traditional water sources in a region where water scarcity is a significant concern. 2. Technological Advancements and Global Presence: Watergen is recognized for its ability to produce water even in extreme conditions, such as the deserts of the Middle East. Our technology operates efficiently in areas with as little as 20% humidity, demonstrating its adaptability and importance in global water sustainability. The company's commitment to innovation ensures that it remains at the forefront of water technology, continuing to expand its reach and influence across the globe. 3. Humanitarian Impact: Watergen’s technology has been a lifeline in disaster-stricken and under-resourced areas worldwide. For example, in South Africa, we partnered with Ford Motor Company and World Vision to bring clean drinking water to drought-affected communities. In disaster relief scenarios, such as during hurricane seasons in the United States, our mobile units have provided immediate access to safe drinking water, helping to save lives and support recovery efforts. 4. Automotive Industry Collaboration: Watergen has partnered with global automotive giants (OEMs) to integrate its water-from-air technology into vehicles. This allows for the generation of clean drinking water directly from the air, even while on the move, making it a revolutionary addition to the automotive sector, particularly in regions where water scarcity is a critical issue. These examples demonstrate how Watergen’s technology not only serves industrial and national interests, but also plays a critical role in humanitarian relief, showcasing the scalability and adaptability of our solutions across various global contexts.

3. What is the scalability of your innovation and how do you plan to achieve it? (No Word Limit)

Watergen’s technology is inherently scalable, designed to meet a wide range of water needs. The company offers devices that produce from 20 liters to 6,000 liters of clean drinking water per day, catering to everything from small household needs to large-scale industrial applications. The Genny unit is perfect for home and office use, producing up to 30 liters per day, while the Gen-L unit can generate up to 6,000 liters per day, suitable for large communities or industrial purposes. Moreover, Watergen's innovation department continuously works to enhance these machines, ensuring they operate efficiently even in sub-optimal conditions, such as low humidity. This adaptability is crutial for deploying technology in diverse climates across the globe. Additionally, Watergen’s solutions contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on bottled water, thereby decreasing plastic waste and lowering the carbon footprint associated with water transportation.

4. What is your organization’s unique strategy for using technology to achieve your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

Watergen's proprietary technology is a game-changer in the fight for clean water access. By converting humidity in the air into safe drinking water, Watergen's solutions can operate independently of existing water infrastructure, making them ideal for remote or disaster-stricken areas. The technology is designed to be energy-efficient, using minimal electricity while producing up to thousands of liters of water per day. Furthermore, Watergen's devices are equipped with advanced filtration systems that ensure the water produced meets or exceeds WHO standards. This unique approach not only addresses water scarcity but also contributes to reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions associated with bottled water transportation.

5. What challenges did you encounter while working for your selected SDG, and how did you address them? (150 Words Limit)

One of the significant challenges Watergen faced was overcoming skepticism regarding the safety and reliability of water generated from air. To address this, the company has been investing in rigorous testing and certification processes, ensuring that the water quality meets international health standards. Additionally, Watergen is engaged in extensive community outreach and education programs to build trust and understanding among users. Another challenge was adapting the technology for use in diverse climates, from arid deserts to humid tropics. Watergen's R&D team tackles this by developing different models optimized for varying environmental conditions, ensuring consistent water production regardless of location.

6. How did you engage local communities and stakeholders in your work, and what was their feedback? (150 Words Limit)

Engaging local communities and stakeholders has been a cornerstone of Watergen’s approach. The company collaborates closely with local governments, NGOs, and community leaders to ensure that its solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each area. In many cases, Watergen has conducted workshops and training sessions to educate communities about the benefits of atmospheric water generation (AWG) and how to maintain the units. Feedback from these communities has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a sense of empowerment and pride in having access to a sustainable, self-sufficient water source. This engagement not only facilitates smoother projects’ implementation, but also fosters long-term partnerships and trust.

7. Which organizational skills and resources did you use to deliver goods/services without harming the environment or society? (150 Words Limit)

Watergen is committed to sustainability in every aspect of its operations. The company employs energy-efficient manufacturing processes and prioritizes the use of eco-friendly materials. Watergen's technology itself is designed to minimize environmental impact, producing water on-site and thereby reducing the need for bottled water and the associated carbon emissions from transportation. Additionally, the company follows strict environmental guidelines, ensuring that its production processes do not harm local ecosystems. Watergen also invests in R&D to continuously improve the efficiency and sustainability of its products, making them even more environmentally friendly over time.

8. In your view what roles do businesses, governments, and civil society should play in achieving the SDGs, and how can they collaborate effectively? (150 Words Limit)

Achieving the SDGs requires a concerted effort from businesses, governments and civil society. Businesses can bring innovation and resources, governments – provide regulatory support and infrastructure, and civil society ensures that initiatives are achievable and equitable. Collaboration is key, with each sector leveraging its strengths to create synergies. For example, businesses like Watergen can develop cutting-edge technologies, while governments can facilitate their deployment through support policy and funding. Civil society can advocate for the needs of marginalized communities, ensuring that solutions reach those who need them most. Effective collaboration requires open communication, shared goals, and a commitment to long-term partnership and sustainability.

9. What advice do you have for individuals or organizations aiming to create positive change and support the SDGs? (150 Words Limit)

For individuals and organizations aiming to create positive change and support the SDGs, it is crucial to focus on innovation, collaboration and impact. Starting by identifying a specific problem you are passionate about solving it and develop a solution that is both scalable and sustainable. One should engage with stakeholders at every level, from local communities to global organizations, to ensure that its solution is relevant and effective. It is important to be adaptable and open to feedback, as the path to positive change often requires course corrections. Finally, one should stay committed to the mission, even in the face of challenges, and always prioritize the long-term impact of the actions.

10. How would winning this SDG Award help you enhance your impact and expand your project? (150 Words Limit)

Winning the SDG Award would significantly enhance Watergen’s ability to scale its impact globally. The recognition would not only validate our efforts, but also open doors to new partnerships, funding opportunities, and markets. This increased visibility would enable us to accelerate the deployment of our technology in regions most affected by water scarcity, reaching more people in need. Additionally, the Award would provide a platform for Watergen to advocate for innovative water solutions at international forums, furthering our mission to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to clean and safe drinking water.

11. What are your future objectives regarding your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

Watergen’s future objectives are to center around expanding our impact on global water sustainability. We aim to increase the scalability of our technology and to reach more regions suffering from water scarcity, particularly in arid and remote areas. Our Innovation department is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of our machines, enabling them to produce large quantities of drinking water even in sub-optimal conditions, such as low-humidity environments. We are also committed to reducing environmental impact by continuing to develop solutions that lower plastic waste and carbon footprints, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, Watergen plans to deepen collaborations with governments, NGOs, and global corporations to integrate our technology into broader sustainability initiatives. By 2030, our goal is to double the number of communities served, ensuring that millions more people worldwide have access to clean and safe drinking water, thus contributing significantly to the achievement of SDG goals.