Human-Centered Design & Water

"The problem with water wasn't technical. The problem was water was all around consumer issues, accessibility, affordability..." It is a no-brainer that clean water is a fundamental necessity for a healthy life, however, so many people do not have access to this. In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani speaks with Jonathan Levine, co-founder and CEO of Folia Materials and President of Folia Water, about providing affordable clean drinking water in developing countries. Jonathan explains how Folia creates a 20-cent antimicrobial water filter made of silver-coated paper and by pricing it like a can of soda rather than an expensive appliance, they aim to make safe water accessible for low-income consumers. He discusses the business model of partnering with major distributors to reach customers through existing grocery supply chains and talks about the challenge of convincing investors there are profits in water technologies. Interested in social business in emerging markets - this episode is for you! What you'll hear in this episode: Who is Jonathan Levine & what is Folia Materials: Insights into Levine’s background and Folia Materials' innovative water purification solutions. Universal Water Access Challenges: An exploration of the global challenges in ensuring safe drinking water, with a focus on low-income areas. Business Strategies in Water Purification : Discussion on Folia Materials' business approach, including distribution, partnerships, and affordability. Investment in Water Technology: Insights into the financial landscape of the water sector and strategies for attracting investment. Future Trends & Personal Motivation: A look into the future of water technology and Levine's personal drive towards global safe water access. Jonathan recommends you read ⁠Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.