Liquid Assets Ravi Kurani

In a world grappling with water scarcity and climate change, innovation in water technology has never been more crucial. Yet, the water sector faces unique challenges in attracting investment and fostering entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Liquid Assets hosted by Ravi kurani, Scott Bryan discusses the evolution of Imagine H2O from its inception in 2009 to its current status as a leading accelerator for water startups. He highlights the unique challenges faced by water entrepreneurs, including long commercialization timelines of 10-15 years and the need for non-dilutive funding sources.

The conversation delves into the global landscape of water innovation, spotlighting forward-thinking markets like Singapore and the EU. Scott emphasizes the importance of water security as a national priority and how different regions are tackling water-related challenges in the context of climate change. He also addresses the complexities of the water sector, including the fragmented nature of water utilities in the US and the need for localized solutions.

Looking to the future, Scott outlines his vision for water innovation through the lens of four key concepts: digitalization, decentralization, decarbonization, and democratization.

What you'll hear in this episode:


The Genesis of Imagine H2O: Discover how Scott identified the need for a dedicated water innovation ecosystem and transformed it into reality.


Navigating Long-Term Horizons: Learn why water startups face 10-15 year commercialization timelines and how to strategically approach funding.


Global Perspectives: Gain insights into forward-thinking markets like Singapore and the EU, and their approaches to water security and climate change.


The Four D's of Water Innovation: Explore Scott's vision for the future, focusing on digitalization, decentralization, decarbonization, and democratization.


Practical Advice for Water Entrepreneurs: Uncover valuable tips on market focus, team building, and securing non-dilutive funding for pilot projects.



Scott suggests you read ⁠Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner

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In an era of climate change and increasing water scarcity, understanding water policy has never been more crucial. From California's ongoing drought to the East Coast's flood-drought cycles, water challenges are reshaping our world. But did you know that water laws change drastically at the shoreline? Or that 70-80% of water rights in Western states are tied up in agriculture?

In this eye-opening episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani sits down with Robin Craig, an esteemed professor from USC, to dive deep into the intricate world of water policy. Craig, a leading expert in environmental law and author of "Re-envisioning the Anthropocene Ocean," breaks down the complex landscape of water management, from freshwater allocation to ocean conservation.

Whether you're a policy maker, environmental enthusiast, or simply a concerned citizen, this episode offers invaluable insights into one of the most pressing issues of our time. Discover how water policy shapes everything from your daily life to global ecosystems, and learn about the cutting-edge solutions being developed to address our water challenges.

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of water policy and its far-reaching impacts. Tune in to Liquid Assets for an enlightening conversation that's sure to change how you view this vital resource.

What you'll hear in this episode:


The stark differences between freshwater and saltwater management


How water laws vary between dry and wet regions


The water-energy-food nexus and its policy implications


Climate resilience in water law and its regional challenges


The future of ocean management and innovative solutions



Robin suggests you read The Ministry for the Future.

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Water scarcity and effective management are critical global challenges, particularly in agriculture-dependent regions like Punjab, India. In this compelling episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani engages with Tess Russo, a Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to unravel these complex issues. Tess, an expert in hydrology, discusses the severe impacts of groundwater depletion and introduces innovative solutions such as Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which are essential for sustainable water practices and climate adaptation.

Tess shares her vast field experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding both surface and groundwater systems. She highlights how intensive agricultural practices have led to declining water levels in regions like Punjab and underscores the need for multidisciplinary approaches to water management. Through MAR and IWRM, Tess demonstrates how capturing and managing water effectively can prevent further depletion and maintain water quality.

At the Gates Foundation, Tess is leading initiatives that integrate water, energy, and environmental systems to develop sustainable water management strategies. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and utilizing innovative approaches, her work aims to address the dynamic challenges posed by climate change and human development. This episode provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainable water practices vital for agricultural development and highlights Tess's dedication to making a tangible impact on marginalized communities.



What you'll hear in this episode:


Understanding Hydrology: Tess Russo breaks down the science of water, explaining the importance of both surface and groundwater systems.


Challenges of Groundwater Depletion: Insights into the critical issues faced by regions like Punjab, India, due to intensive agricultural practices.


Innovative Water Management Solutions: Discussion on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as key strategies.


Fieldwork and Global Perspectives: Tess shares her extensive field experiences from projects across various continents.


Gates Foundation Initiatives: Learn about Tess's role in developing sustainable water management strategies and the foundation's efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.



Tess suggests you read Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water by Marc Reisner



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Water scarcity is an increasingly pressing global issue, exacerbated by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Traditionally, our water usage follows a linear model: we extract water from the environment, treat it for various purposes, and then release the wastewater back into the environment. However, this approach is unsustainable and contributes to environmental pollution and resource depletion.

In this insightful episode of Liquid Assets, Ravi Kurani sits down with Tim Bartholomew, a research engineer at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), to discuss the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI)'s efforts to transform the linear water economy into a circular model.

NAWI, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a desalination hub composed of multiple national laboratories, universities, and industry partners. Its primary goal is to develop new water treatment technologies that can enable a circular water economy, where wastewater is treated and reused locally, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and minimizing water consumption and pollution.

Tim Bartholomew sheds light on the challenges and opportunities associated with this ambitious endeavor. He explains the concept of a "prime" technology, which encompasses attributes such as autonomy, precision, resilience, intensification, modularity, and electrification – characteristics that could revolutionize water treatment processes.

Whether you're interested in water sustainability, emerging technologies, or environmental policy, this episode offers valuable insights into the efforts underway to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.



What you'll hear in this episode:


📌 Insights into the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI)'s mission to develop a circular water economy 💧


📌 Explanation of the "prime" criteria for water treatment technologies (autonomous, precise, resilient, intensified, modular, electrified) ⚡


📌 Details on techno-economic assessments to evaluate the cost-viability of emerging water tech 💰


📌 Discussion of WaterTAP - an open-source software for modeling new water treatment processes 💻


📌 The role of national labs like NETL in driving innovation in the water sector 🔬


📌 Tim Bartholomew's unique career journey into water research and sustainability 🌊



Tim suggests you read Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein.



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Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource worldwide. With growing populations, urbanization, and climate change exacerbating water stress, finding sustainable solutions to address water scarcity has become a pressing global priority. In this insightful episode of the "Liquid Assets" podcast, host Ravi Kurani invites Ulf Leonard, the visionary mind behind the Watertech funding firm WaterVent, to share his perspectives on confronting the water crisis through innovative technologies and strategies.

Ulf Leonard candidly discusses the stark contrast between grand proclamations made at water conferences and the lack of tangible action on the ground, exposing harsh realities like ignorance, incompetence, and corruption. However, he also explores the promising world of decentralized water treatment technologies such as containerized solutions, nature-based systems like aquaponics, and innovative rainwater harvesting techniques - approaches with immense potential to provide localized water security.

Throughout the episode, Ulf Leonard emphasizes the critical role of education and awareness in fostering responsible water usage and management practices. He advocates empowering communities and encouraging a shift towards a more water-conscious mindset as catalysts for lasting change in combating the global water crisis.

Whether you're an environmental advocate, water professional, or someone deeply concerned about our planet's future, this engaging conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and thought-provoking perspectives on one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Tune in and join the quest for innovative water scarcity solutions.

What you'll hear in this episode:


💧 Exposing the gap between water conference proclamations and real-world action


🌍 Insights on decentralized water treatment technologies and nature-based solutions


⛲ Innovative rainwater harvesting techniques from around the world


💡 The role of education and awareness in fostering water conservation


💰 Financing water tech innovations and the impact on water security


🌊 Ulf Leonard's journey and passion for protecting natural assets like water and forests


🚰 Empowering local communities with accessible water management solutions



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The water industry is in the midst of a digital transformation, powered by cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping how we manage this vital resource. From artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to advanced data analytics, the realm of digital water solutions is revolutionizing water conservation, distribution, and treatment.

At the forefront of this revolution is Eric Bindler, a Senior Research Director at Bluefield Research, who leads the firm's digital water research. Host, Ravi Kurani and Eric talk about his deep expertise in the field, Eric provides a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the digital water landscape.

This thought-provoking episode delves into the broad spectrum of digital water technologies, from legacy systems like SCADA to emerging innovations like IoT and AI. Eric sheds light on innovative business models that are enabling utilities, especially small and mid-sized ones, to access cutting-edge digital solutions, overcoming resource constraints and technical expertise gaps.

Moreover, the discussion explores the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting water infrastructure from escalating cyber threats, as well as the impact of digital technologies on reducing the water industry's energy and climate footprints.



What you'll hear in this episode:


The broad spectrum of digital water tech, from legacy systems to emerging innovations


Innovative business models enabling utilities to access cutting-edge digital solutions


Cybersecurity's critical role in protecting water infrastructure from escalating threats


How digital tech reduces the water industry's energy and climate footprints


Emerging water quality issues like PFAS and microplastics, and potential digital solutions


Addressing the water industry's workforce challenges with digital tools



Eric recommends you read ⁠The Death and Life of the Great Lakes

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