#35 _ From Power to Water: Start‑ups Taking on Data Center Bottlenecks

Originally streamed live on February 3rd, 2026.  To participate in future sessions, live—and ask questions in real time—visit the Events – Infrastructure Masons page and register.   ------------  In this episode of the iMasons Innovation Committee series, we introduce a brand‑new format: ten‑minute spotlight presentations from cutting‑edge innovators shaping the future of digital infrastructure.  Hosted by Romain Trunchant, Chair of the Innovation Committee, this session features two start‑ups from the iMasons Incubator program—each tackling critical challenges facing data centers as the industry scales rapidly to meet AI-driven demand.  🔋 First, we hear from Dr. Hector Lancaster, co‑founder and CEO of SuperSix, who shares how next‑generation supercapacitors could transform short‑duration energy storage, improve power quality, reduce fire risk, and unlock new efficiencies across compute, grid interface, and backup power systems.  Hector breaks down why traditional batteries struggle with high‑power needs, how supercapacitors differ fundamentally, and how SuperSix’s breakthroughs in advanced materials could reshape data center power architectures.  💧 Next, Priyanka from Water From Air presents a radical rethinking of industrial cooling and water generation. Her team of mechanical engineers has developed a low‑energy atmospheric water extraction system powered by data center waste heat—producing ultra‑pure water for adiabatic cooling, reducing peak power demand, and offering new ways to manage water scarcity in hot and arid regions.  Following both presentations, Romain brings Hector and Priyanka back for a rich conversation on entrepreneurship, product‑market fit, working with the iMasons community, and the guidance and partnerships they’re seeking as they move toward pilots and real‑world deployments.  Whether you're passionate about energy innovation, sustainability, or the future of digital infrastructure, this episode offers fresh perspectives from two emerging technology leaders shaping what comes next.  Guests:  Hector Lancaster, CEO & Co-Founder at Super6 Ltd  Priyanka Kompella, Chief Operating Officer at Water From Air  Moderator:  Romain Tranchant, iMasons Innovation Committee Chair