386 episodes
(don't) Waste Water! | Water Tech to Solve the World Antoine Walter
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❓ Ever wondered how the #WaterIndustry was reacting to our World's Water Challenges? Water Scarcity? #SDG6? PFAS? Climate Change? Circular Economy? Digitization and Smart Water?
💪 Get the Water Market pulse for free. In one hour per week, while you do the dishes!
📈 We talk water investment, water tech, water entrepreneurship and water market with entrepreneurs, thought leaders, book authors, scientists, investment funds, VCs, and C-Level experts from water majors.
➡️ Leverage their insights, advice & experience and ensure to stay on top of best practices
🗓️ Tune in every Wednesday (don't miss out! 😅)
🌐 Find all the detailed episode notes, interviews, infographics, and more at http://dww.show
Currently in its 10th Season, the "(don't) Waste Water" podcast has already welcomed around 200 guests from Water Majors (SUEZ, Veolia, Jacobs, Xylem, Kemira, Evoqua, Aquatech, SKion Water...), Scale-Ups (Cambrian Innovation, Epic Cleantec, Liqtech, 374Water, Gingko Bioworks...), Start-Ups (Puraffinity, KETOS, 120Water, ZwitterCo, Membrion, Source...), Universities (Berkeley, the Columbia Water Center), Investment Funds (Sciens Water, Mazarine, Burnt Island Ventures...), Business Accelerators (Imagine H2O, Elemental...), Book Authors (Seth Siegel, David Sedlak, David Lloyd Owen...) or Market Intelligence Companies (BlueTech Research, Global Water Intelligence, World Bank, OECD, Isle Utilities...). Or simply water legends like Mina Guli or Andrew Benedek!
On the "(don't) Waste Water" podcast, I strive to make the Water Industry easy to understand for everyone, starting with water professionals, executives, and investors. Hence, he opens the microphone to seasoned, inspirational water experts to discuss their field of excellence.
No one can claim an all-around in-depth understanding of a matter as complex as Water. But piece by piece, you can rebuild the puzzle. With curiosity, patience, and passion, Antoine Walter explores topics such as Advanced Treatment Technologies, Water-Energy Nexus (Hydrogen, Lithium...), PFAS removal, Nature-Based Solutions, Wastewater Reuse, Distributed Water Treatments, Water Finance, and Water Entrepreneurship.
I actually firmly believe that regular listeners of the "(don't) Waste Water" podcast may, in the end, claim a "Water MBA!"
A particular field of interest is how innovation forms, grows and gets widely adopted in a complex and conservative field like the Water Industry. This may be one of the keys to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal n°6 - #SDG6.
ABOUT ME:
I'm a second-generation Water Professional - the legend says my dad traded excavator sessions for me in river banks against lunch invitations. I followed on this early start by completing a Master's in Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering, then won the "Golden Mission" contest organized by ENGIE (GDF-SUEZ).
This led me to travel the Asia-Pacific region for one year to explore, amongst others, water treatment in Hong Kong, desalination facilities in Melbourne, water distribution management in Jakarta, water innovation in Singapore or social water projects in New Delhi and Gujarat. All of that was documented in videos, blog articles, radio spots, and conferences in engineering and business schools (that's where I got hooked!)
I've then worked for SUEZ in Switzerland in strategic marketing, business development, and sales for the DACH and Nordic regions, with an emphasis on micropollutant removal.
I then joined GF Piping Systems in 2017 to take over the business development for the company's services in Europe, then for all Water Treatment and Lithium topics worldwide.
I've been a regular speaker at conferences on four continents, gave my first TEDx in 2022, and regularly acted as a host.
Since 2020, I've been hosting the "(don't) Waste Water" podcast and giving lectures in Business and Engineering schools.
I'm married, a happy father of three, and I'm French (nobody's perfect
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7 Insights from Craig Beckman (Aqua Membranes) in under 7 Minutes!
New Segment! The 7 insights to take home and act upon from my podcast guest this week: Craig Beckman.
For the ones that don't have a paper and a pen with them during the interview, that's my way to share you my notes.
Craig has been active in the water sector for over three decades. And even though he has the humility to highlight how "even veterans need to learn" I would trust him to have a bunch of insights to share!
So here's my selection of the 7 things to take home from my conversation, and my hours of preparation and post-production, with the CEO of Aqua Membranes.
Innovation Needs Grit and Laser Focus
Sustainability: The New Business Currency
Tech Innovations: Paving the Future of Water
Strategic Investment: Crafting the Perfect Blend
Market Adoption: Bold Moves Make the Difference
Water's Economic Impact: Undervalued but Vital
Vision for Change: More Than Just a Drop in the Ocean
I could have taken more, but I think seven is a good chunk to go out and apply, so here you have it.
If you think I've missed one that's even more important than those seven, come tell me on LinkedIn or by mail (antoine@dww.show).
Remember, that episode came to you free of charge, but I would believe not free of value. It takes me quite some time to put all of those together every week, so all I'm asking is for you to help me distribute them! So take this episode, share it with a friend, a colleague, your boss, or your team, and I'll be back with another one next week!
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. -
S11E3 - How Aqua Membranes Prints Three Dimensional Benefits for Mesh Addicts
Do you want more Flux, better energy efficiency, or lower maintenance from your Reverse Osmosis membrane? Here's where to start!
More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/
#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Video #️⃣
Aqua Membranes' YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AquaMembranes
Aqua Membranes' website: https://aquamembranes.com/
Craig's email: craig@aquamembranes.com
My "Ultimate" membrane guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUpiL_x7680
John Robinson discusses Impact Investing: https://dww.show/how-to-mitigate-4-shades-of-water-risk-through-impact-investing/
Chris Wyres presents Evove: https://dww.show/how-to-eradicate-dead-zones-cut-energy-needs-by-80-and-double-lithium-selectivity/
The Leading WaterTech Accelerator, Imagine H2O: https://dww.show/how-to-build-the-world-leading-water-innovation-accelerator-imagine-h2o/
Tom Ferguson's take on Venture Capital in #WaterTech https://dww.show/the-secret-formula-for-profit-in-water-tech-venture-capital/
Zwitterions as a new material for Membranes? https://dww.show/zwitterions-super-powers-could-solve-wastewater-membranes-number-one-problem/
🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️
Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dwwpodcast
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AntoineWalterDWW
Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water
Website: https://dww.show/podcast/
👋 SOCIAL MEDIA 👋
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwwpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntoineWalter7
🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?
⏰ TIME CODES ⏰
00:00 In This Week's Episode
01:20 Why Membrane Companies attracted $300 Million of Growth Capital
04:40 What is a Membrane Spacer?
06:37 What's wrong with Membrane Spacers?
08:01 Why do Membrane Majors skip the Spacers?
10:47 Does the PERFECT Membrane Spacer exist?
13:06 How far can you customize a Membrane Spacer?
14:49 How did Craig Beckman join Aqua Membranes?
18:09 Aqua Membranes' first product (and what they learned from it)
20:46 Did Failure nudge them to Give Up?
22:00 Aqua Membranes' product compatibility
23:53 Spacer, 3D-Printing or Membrane Company?
25:15 How to fit within the Membrane Vertical
29:09 How to guarantee performances as a Start-Up
33:03 Establishing Go-To Market Routes
34:59 How to License your Technology
35:57 Ramping up production capacity
36:38 Raising Money
39:25 Working with majors (Pentair & Kurita)
42:17 The pitfalls of branding as a Start-Up
45:09 The perks of start-up accelerators (Imagine H2O, BREW)
48:02 Speeding up market adoption as a Water Tech
54:13 Path to Impact (and Exit)
55:51 Building a Membrane Giant
57:46 Rapid Fire Questions
01:05:10 7 Insights to Take Home
01:10:35 Conclusion
#WaterEntrepreneurs #Membranes
About this Episode: Welcome to the (don't) Waste Water podcast! In each episode, Antoine Walter from DWW Media shares water, wastewater & water entrepreneurship stories. This show will teach you the water industry like you've never seen it. If you're asking how the water sector will overcome the water crises ahead, this video is for you.
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. -
"Toray, Dupont, LG Chem... they've tried for many years! We did it." - Craig Beckman (Aqua Membranes)
AquaMembranes is a company that develops novel water treatment technologies, specifically focusing on enhancing the efficiency of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Their technology is designed to use less energy and improve the lifespan of membranes, thereby providing both environmental and economic benefits to communities and industries in need.
The podcast features a deep dive into how water technology, particularly the innovations by AquaMembranes, plays a pivotal role in both safeguarding environmental sustainability and bolstering economic performance. Craig Beckman discusses the company’s approach to improving reverse osmosis membranes which significantly reduces energy consumption and extends membrane life—key factors in reducing operational costs and enhancing water availability. The conversation also covers the broader economic impacts of water management, investment trends in green technologies, and the challenges in scaling and adopting new technologies. Insights into the dynamics between financial goals and sustainability objectives offer a nuanced view of the water tech industry’s future.
I hope this teaser makes you crave for more!
If you dive into this week's full release of the podcast, you'll learn how:
🚀 AquaMembranes' technology uniquely prints spacers directly onto membranes, increasing efficiency and decreasing energy use.
📈 The discussion touches on the broader implications of water management on global economies, hinting at water's role as a more critical economic driver than oil.
💪 Insights into the challenges and opportunities in scaling water tech innovations, particularly through partnerships and investment in sustainability-focused ventures.
We also address and discuss:
Water as an Economic Enabler: Water management not only supports sustainability goals but also boosts economic activity by enabling more efficient industrial and municipal water use.
Innovative Water Technologies: AquaMembranes’ approach to improving RO membrane systems can dramatically reduce energy requirements and operational costs.
Investment and Market Adoption: There's a significant discussion about the need for more robust investment in water technologies and the market challenges related to adopting new systems.
Sustainability and Business Growth: The intersection of sustainability goals with business operations is a recurring theme, emphasizing that environmental strategies can also drive business success.
Some quotes:
"Water enables economies more than oil does." - Craig Beckman
"Risk is worth it, fortune favors the brave." - Craig Beckman
"Our sole thesis is greenhouse gas reduction." - Investor comment on shifting focus to water technologies
"We're doubling down on existing markets." - Craig Beckman
"You have to start somewhere." - Craig Beckman on business strategy
Some more facts we discuss:
Despite its critical importance, water is often undervalued economically compared to other resources like oil.
Water management technology can lead to significant reductions in energy usage, contrary to the assumption that environmental sustainability always comes at a higher cost.
Innovations in water technology can drive faster economic growth than traditional industrial investments.
Full Episode: https://dww.show/how-aqua-membranes-prints-three-dimensional-benefits-for-mesh-addicts/
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. -
7 Insights from Julie Bliss Mullen (Aclarity) in under 7 Minutes!
New Segment! The 7 insights to take home and act upon from my podcast guest this week: Julie Bliss Mullen.
For the ones that don't have a paper and a pen with them during the interview, that's my way to share you my notes.
Narrowing the insights shared by Julie to just seven was a challenge, but hey, it's the rule I set, so this week I've got:
Focus on Market Needs and Testing Hypotheses
Innovate Within Niche Markets Before Expanding
Customer-Driven Development
Leverage Strategic Partnerships and Investments
Preparation for Regulatory Compliance
Strategic Hiring and Team Building
Bootstrapping and Careful Financial Management
As I said, I could have taken more, but I think seven is a good chunk to go out and apply, so here you have it.
If you think I've missed one that's even more important than those seven, come tell me on LinkedIn or by mail (antoine@dww.show).
Remember, that episode came to you free of charge, but I would believe not free of value. It takes me quite some time to put all of those together every week, so all I'm asking is for you to help me distribute them! So take this episode, share it with a friend, a colleague, your boss, or your team, and I'll be back with another one next week!
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. -
S11E2 - How Aclarity Bootstrapped its Journey from B2C to PFAS Destruction
How do you survive six years on "just" grants while hiring a team, running 15 pilots, pivoting from B2C, and succeeding in PFAS Destruction at scale where many failed? Aclarity did it! Wanna find out how and how spectacular acceleration was around the corner? Listen to this episode!
More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/
#️⃣ All the Links Mentioned in this Episode #️⃣
Aclarity's website https://www.aclaritywater.com/
Julie Bliss Mullen's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieblissmullen/
Julie's Email julie.mullen@aclaritywater.com
My conversation with Sivan Zamir (Xylem Innovation Labs) https://dww.show/passing-the-baton-how-to-bring-innovation-to-market-faster-more-reliably/
My conversation with Max Storto (Xylem Innovation Labs) https://dww.show/growing-10-wonder-kids-from-5-to-50-clients-with-0-equity-xylems-weirdest-move/
Tom Ferguson on my mic (aka Julie's VC) https://dww.show/the-secret-formula-for-profit-in-water-tech-venture-capital/
Another take on PFAS Removal with SuperCritical Water Oxidation (374Water) https://dww.show/is-supercritical-water-oxidation-a-solution-for-pfas-energy-more/
Electrochemical removal of PFAS and more with Axine Water https://dww.show/the-best-industrial-wastewater-treatment-system-is-the-one-you-forget/
An early take on this mic' on Micropollutant removal with Oxyle https://dww.show/how-to-solve-a-global-challenge-in-an-easy-affordable-innovative-and-efficient-way/
Julie's independent Board Member, Wayne Byrne (on my mic', of course!) https://dww.show/four-successful-exits-and-counting-whats-next-disrupting-uv-disinfection/
Full blog article: https://dww.show/how-aclarity-bootstrapped-its-journey-from-b2c-to-pfas-destruction/
🎙️ Subscribe and Listen to the Don't Waste Water Podcast HERE 🎙️
Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dwwpodcast
Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AntoineWalterDWW
Smartlink: https://smartlink.ausha.co/dont-waste-water
Website: https://dww.show/podcast/
👋 SOCIAL MEDIA 👋
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwwpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntoineWalter7
🙋 QUESTION: What would you like me to cover next?
⏰ TIME CODES ⏰
00:00 In This Week's Episode
02:18 Why is Aclarity a Water Tech "Cool Kid"?
04:22 Are we doomed with PFAS?
05:35 If PFAS is in 98% of people's blood, is it really dangerous?
06:43 Aclarity's elevator pitch
08:06 is Aclarity competing with Ion Exchange and Activated Carbon?
09:55 is Aclarity 10-50x better than competition?
11:40 Aclarity's founder story
14:09 The hints that nudged Julie to create Aclarity
15:30 Turning academic research into a business
16:48 Delegating your "baby" as a water tech founder
18:53 Key Learnings from the first 3 Years in Business
19:45 Aclarity's first prototype
23:33 How to pick your niche
26:27 How to partner with Big Groups
27:46 How did big water companies find Aclarity?
29:29 Working with Xylem vs Working with De Nora
31:15 Bootstrapped by design?
32:57 How to survive 6 years with $2 Million
34:45 Handling a first VC as a Water Tech Start Up
38:28 How a Seed Investor accepts next funding rounds
41:15 Does company valuation matter for a water tech founder?
44:15 What's next in the PFAS Removal landscape?
46:30 How much does it cost to remove PFAS?
47:55 Aclarity's Business Model
48:57 Does Aclarity solve all kinds of PFAS?
53:42 What will the EPA regulation on PFAS change?
58:35 Could Aclarity be acquired? By whom?
01:01:38 Rapid Fire Questions
01:05:31 7 Insights to Act On (right now!)
#WaterTech #WaterUnicorn #WaterEntrepreneurship
About this Podcast: Welcome to the (don't) Waste Water podcast! In each episode, Antoine Walter from DWW Media shares water, wastewater & water entrepreneurship stories. This show will teach you the water industry like you've never seen it. If you're asking how the water sector will overcome t -
"Is there something like this out there? This is Amazing!" - Julie Bliss Mullen (Aclarity)
Aclarity is pioneering in the field of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) destruction, developing proprietary systems - aka cool water tech - that not only treat but also destroy PFAS in liquid waste. The technology presents a significant advancement over traditional treatment methods, offering an economical and efficient solution to a pressing environmental issue.
I hope this teaser makes you crave for more!
If you dive into this week's full release of the podcast, you'll learn how:
🚀 Aclarity’s technology signifies a radical departure from conventional PFAS treatment methods, focusing on destruction rather than containment, which could set new industry standards.
📈 The market for PFAS management is dynamic, with significant growth potential, indicating room for multiple successful technologies and companies.
💪 Aclarity's journey underscores the importance of agility and focus in developing and deploying breakthrough environmental technologies, especially in fields dominated by larger, less nimble entities.
We also address and discuss:
PFAS Challenge: PFAS compounds, due to their widespread use and persistence, pose a significant environmental and health risk, necessitating advanced solutions for their management and eradication.
Technological Innovation: Aclarity's electrochemical technology represents a novel approach to PFAS destruction, with the potential to transform the industry's approach to dealing with these contaminants.
Market Dynamics: The PFAS management market is evolving rapidly, driven by regulatory changes and increasing awareness of the dangers posed by these substances. Eclarity's success could help catalyze broader market growth and innovation.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with larger entities like Xylem or De Nora and participation in accelerator programs have helped Aclarity gain credibility, refine its technology, and access essential resources for growth.
Some quotes:
"PFAS destruction is hard... but we figured it out." - Julie Bliss Mullen
"There's a place for all of us in the PFAS management market." - Julie Bliss Mullen
"Every time we've leveled up... it's because of a fundraiser or... enjoying the team." - Julie Bliss Mullen
"Full-scale economic PFAS destruction is here. Give us a chance." - Julie Bliss Mullen
"If any of us are super successful, we're all gonna be super successful." - Julie Bliss Mullen
Some more facts we discuss:
Despite the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond in PFAS, making it seemingly indestructible, Aclarity's technology is capable of breaking it down efficiently.
Even as a startup, Aclarity can compete with and potentially surpass larger companies in the PFAS management sector due to its specialized focus and innovative approach.
The PFAS problem is often considered too massive and costly to tackle effectively, yet Aclarity's solution offers an economical and scalable approach to not just manage but destroy these contaminants.
Full Episode: https://dww.show/how-aclarity-bootstrapped-its-journey-from-b2c-to-pfas-destruction/
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.