Innovating Water Solutions

Jennifer Pandiyan (right) at the pilot installation of Thales Cleantech’s Atmospheric Moisture Extraction system, in Chennai. (Photograph courtesy Thales Cleantech)

In 2021, Jennifer Pandiyan faced a decision between pursuing a research career or launching a venture. Opting for the latter she founded Thales Cleantech, a Chennai-based start-up that uses patented technology to extract potable water from the air, boasting zero carbon emissions.

“Only 1 percent of the water on Earth is available as potable water,” explains Pandiyan. “But the atmosphere provides over four times the entire stock of freshwater on Earth, and it is a perennial source. So, it is imperative to explore technologies that extract water from the air sustainably and preserve groundwater.”

Thales Cleantech was part of the 19th cohort at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi’s Nexus Startup Hub and won $10,000 as a Nexus Startup Development Grant.

Pandiyan has recently been selected for the 2024 Changing Faces Women’s Leadership Seminar at the East-West Center in Honolulu. The 12-day professional training focuses on the role that innovation and entrepreneurship play in contributing to economic growth, job creation and strengthening communities.

Excerpt from an interview with Pandiyan.

Please tell us more about Thales Cleantech’s water-from-air technology and what sets it apart.

Our technology, Atmospheric Moisture Extraction (AME), works on the concept of heat exchange and follows the precepts of nature. For example, when a car’s air conditioner blows very cold air on the windows inside and the ambient air outside is warm, you see droplets of water on the glass surface where the cold and hot air come into contact. This is due to heat exchange, and different methods and processes come into play.

Extracting water from air using our proprietary technology is more cost-efficient than filtering water from available sources like groundwater through conventional processes like reverse osmosis (RO). Most RO plants depend on a groundwater source and transport it to the processing unit in tankers. They have to pay the landowner to extract groundwater, pay for the logistics, and can only package one-third of the water for further use. They incur additional costs for treating effluents, packaging and distribution of water. Even after filtration, water might contain pollutants like heavy metals, arsenic and fluoride. Our technology not only saves money but is also carbon-neutral and environmentally safe.

How do you ensure that the water extracted from the air is clean and safe for use?

Our machine has a two-stage air filtration system. The collected water too goes through multiple stages of filtration and is then mineralized. The water is free from contaminants as it has had no contact with the ground. The in-built sensors monitor the quality of air and water constantly in real time, which helps us ensure the safety and the quality of water. We also offer food safety certification to ensure that the machine is placed in a hygienic environment.

Can you share some significant milestones achieved by Thales Cleantech?

In the span of three years, we have secured two significant technology patents for different processes for making water from air. We have been selected as Technology Implementation Partner for smart cities in India through the India Water-Pitch-Pilot-Scale Challenge by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Under the program, we started the pilot AME plant in 2023 in Chennai, making 2,000 liters per day. This year, we are entering a scaling-up phase with 20 more installations across smart cities.

How do you foresee Thales Cleantech contributing to global water security?

We have already started researching the next generation of AME technology using ocean thermal energy, which compares the scale of desalination, with one-thousandth of its operating cost. The patent filing is in process. We plan to establish proof-of-concept and make a scale model soon. Although technology plays a crucial role, other factors like collective sensitivity, culture of consumption and policy interventions complement the process, especially in the context of global water security.

Can your technology be adapted for use in different climates and regions around the world?

This technology can work at its optimum efficiency in tropical and coastal regions where the relative humidity levels are more than 50 percent and the temperature is between 20°C and 45°C. In other parts, the efficiency and water output level will vary depending on seasonal changes.

How was your experience at the Nexus Startup Hub and what are your key takeaways from the training?

As it was my very first experience of incubation, it had a significant impact on my journey. Top industry veterans taught the best business practices; subject matter experts introduced crucial tools and provided new perspectives. The innovative workshops, especially the mentoring sessions, were invaluable resources, creating a paradigm shift in my way of approaching business. Nexus has been a space where we are able to brainstorm ideas among fellow founders, meet investors, get mentored, and cheerlead each other, venturing into collaborations among us.

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