WAVR develops technology to turn desert air into drinking water

In the desert valley of Las Vegas, a startup named WAVR has made significant advancements in water sourcing technology. Over the course of three years, the team has successfully developed a hydrogel membrane capable of absorbing moisture from the air. This innovation comes at a time when water scarcity in the region is a pressing concern, as local rivers and aquifers are insufficient to support the growing population. Led by Chief Technology Officer Yiwei Gao, the research team is rapidly testing their technology aimed at larger-scale applications. To further develop their technology, WAVR is in the process of scaling up their operations, seeking additional funding from private donors and partnerships. They have secured around $4 million so far through connections with the Desert Forge Ventures, a venture capital group that focuses on fostering business growth in the Las Vegas area. With the new capital, WAVR aims to expand its research and development team, escalate pilot projects for water generation, and secure patents that will support both domestic and international goals. The goal is to produce pilot units capable of generating hundreds to thousands of gallons of water per day. CEO Rich Sloan emphasizes the importance of this technology, especially in a region where water is considered a valuable resource. He also mentioned that any assembly operations will remain in Las Vegas, contributing to the local economy. As water scarcity remains a long-term issue for residents, the potential for extracting water from the atmosphere could provide a crucial solution. Len Jessup, a key player with Desert Forge Ventures, highlights the importance of innovation in the startup ecosystem, which is currently ranked among the top five in the country. Jessup notes that there is a dire need for sustainable water sourcing solutions in the area, as traditional sources are dwindling. The research and technology developed by WAVR could represent a vital step toward resolving water issues afflicting not just Las Vegas, but potentially other arid regions worldwide.