An innovative Indian deep-tech startup is revolutionizing global water access with a groundbreaking technology that bypasses traditional infrastructure—no wires, no wells, and no complex pipes—to produce clean drinking water directly from the air, even in the world’s most arid regions.
Uravu Labs, based in Bengaluru, has developed a proprietary, solar-thermal powered “black panel” system that harvests atmospheric moisture using a renewable process, marking a significant leap toward solving global water scarcity.
Unlike conventional atmospheric water generators (AWGs) that rely on high-energy air conditioning effects and are highly dependent on humidity levels, Uravu Labs utilizes a unique desiccant-based approach:
Absorption:The system uses proprietary liquid salts (a type of desiccant) to passively and efficiently absorb water vapor from the ambient air, often overnight.Solar
Desorption: During the day, the black panel functions as a solar collector, using low-grade solar heat (below $90^\circ C$) to gently heat the saturated salt.
Condensation: This heat releases the pure water vapor, which is then cooled and condensed into high-quality liquid water.
The result is a fully decentralized, modular system that can be deployed anywhere from coastal humidity to the arid conditions of the Rajasthan desert. Uravu Labs proudly claims its technology produces 100% renewable water and is significantly more energy-efficient than existing methods.
The startup, whose name ‘Uravu’ means ‘source’ in Malayalam, has rapidly scaled its production capacity, demonstrating systems that can produce up to 4,000 litres per day (LPD) from thin air.The technology’s potential for off-grid, sustainable deployment makes it an ideal solution for:
Water-Stressed Regions: Providing potable water in drought-affected and remote areas without damaging finite groundwater reserves.
Commercial Use: Supplying packaged, mineral-enriched water to the hospitality and beverage industries.”
Air contains six times more water than all the world’s rivers combined,” stated Swapnil Shrivastav, Co-founder of Uravu Labs. “Our goal is to completely reimagine water infrastructure by tapping into this inexhaustible source, delivering safe, affordable, and sustainable water for all.”
By focusing on renewable energy and simple, scalable panels, this Indian innovation is positioning itself as a vital technology in the climate change era, transforming the water crisis narrative from one of depletion to one of abundance.
