Liquid Assets

One cubic meter of seawater holds enough deuterium to yield energy equivalent to 300 barrels of oil, and cold fusion may be the key to unlocking it. Cydian Kauffman, founder of Pure Water Northwest, traces the full arc from today's fragile water-energy grid to a future where coastal seawater simultaneously powers cities and produces drinking water as a byproduct. Along the way, he gets practical about what is actually in your tap and what you can do about it right now.What we cover:- Power and water are tightly coupled. A grid failure quickly becomes a water crisis, and most people who have spent their lives turning on a faucet have no backup plan.- Deuterium makes seawater a dual resource. At roughly 0.015% concentration, one cubic meter holds energy equivalent to about 300 barrels of oil. Cold fusion, recently achieved in a controlled lab environment, is the mechanism that could unlock power generation and deliver clean drinking water as a byproduct of the same process.- Cold fusion sidesteps the cooling constraint that conventional nuclear reactors face, dramatically reducing the water demand of power generation and opening the door to more distributed energy systems.- Reverse osmosis removes 85 to 99.9% of most contaminants, including microplastics, PFAS forever chemicals, chlorine byproducts, and oxidized arsenic. Units with a reservoir tank are the right call; the first draw from a tankless system is often not fully filtered.- Legal limits are not health limits. The EPA sets both a health limit and a legal limit for drinking water contaminants. For arsenic, the health limit is zero, but some level is legally permitted in tap water across most states. If you don't have a filter, your body is the filter.- Flint, Michigan's water crisis could have been addressed for roughly one million dollars using a government-backed coupon system to source and install 30,000 reverse osmosis units while infrastructure was repaired. The fact that it did not happen that way still puzzles Cydian.Cydian Kauffman is the Founder and CEO of Pure Water Northwest, a water treatment company based in Seattle. Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cydian-kauffman/Movie rec: The Matrix (The Wachowskis, 1999). Cydian's pick for a film that rewired how he thinks about perspective and communication, mapping directly onto how he translates complex water science into actionable decisions for homeowners.Also available on:Website: https://www.liquidassets.cc/

What does it actually take to do charity work that lasts?Ravi Kurani sits down with Dhwani Bhatt, a fourth-year chemical engineering student at Northeastern University and President of Engineers Without Borders, who grew up in Uganda and returned as a student engineer to build a solar-powered water distribution system for the village of Nakyenyi.In this episode:→ Why EWB surveys 50+ households before touching a shovel→ The 3-phase build: hand pump → solar pump → gravity-fed distribution→ The borehole siltation crisis that forced the team back to the drawing board→ The 5% community contribution model that creates real ownership→ Why broken, abandoned NGO boreholes line the same village roads→ Imposter syndrome as a second-year student presenting designs to a community in need→ Book pick: "Not the End of the World" by Hannah RitchieThis episode is sponsored by HASA, the leader in water treatment solutions. Learn more at hasa.comConnect with Dhwani Bhatt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dhwanikalbhattEngineers Without Borders USA: ewb-usa.orgFollow Ravi Kurani:→ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kuraniravi→ Website: liquidassets.cc

A working prototype means nothing if you can't manufacture it at scale.Brad Augustine — VP of Hardware Engineering at Inspiren, former VP of Hardware at Lululemon — is the engineer who scaled the Mirror connected fitness device from startup to a $500M acquisition. In this episode, he shares the product development playbook that water tech founders and engineers need to hear.Brad spent 20 years in hardware product development: building LED lighting and ergonomic furniture at Humanscale, leading the engineering team that cut Mirror's production costs by 40% before the pandemic supply chain crisis, and now building AI-powered senior care hardware at Inspiren.We cover:→ Why "hardware is hard" is actually "hardware is fun"→ The real gap between a working prototype and mass production→ How Brad's team cut 40% of Mirror's BOM cost — and why that saved them when the pandemic hit→ Why water industry engineers need to think like product managers→ The PFAS trap: are you building for wastewater or drinking water? Two very different customers.→ How AI is finally helping engineers navigate tangled regulatory requirements (UL, IEC, FCC, SCADA)→ Why "me-too" products die in hardware — you can't pivot a mold→ What's next: AR beauty tech, AI inside physical products, and solving problems in your own communityGuest: Brad Augustine→ VP, Hardware Engineering at Inspiren→ Former VP, Hardware at Lululemon (Mirror)→ Former Design Engineering Manager at Humanscale→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-augustineHost: Ravi Kurani, LiquidAssetsThis episode is sponsored by HASA — the leader in water treatment solutions. Keeping communities safe one drop at a time for over 60 years. Learn more at hasa.com.

Ravi Kurani sits down with Josh Dorfman, CEO and host of Supercool, to trace his journey from sustainable furniture startups to co-founding Plantd, a carbon-negative building materials company using renewable grass to replace plywood in homebuilding. Josh shares how Plantd landed a relationship with D.R. Horton (America's largest homebuilder) for 90,000 homes, why he left the CEO role to launch Supercool—a B2B media platform spotlighting real-world climate solutions—and the innovations he's most excited about, from AI-powered HVAC to recycling rare earth magnets.The conversation explores how two former SpaceX engineers moved to North Carolina to grow miscanthus grass and turned it into structural boards that are stronger than plywood in all directions—yet feel identical in a construction worker's hands. Josh breaks down three macro trends proving the low-carbon economy is scaling, spotlights companies like BrainBox AI (cutting building HVAC costs by 25% and carbon by 40%) and Zum (using AI to cut Oakland's school bus fleet from 140 diesel buses to 72 electric ones), and shares the remarkable story of Aeroseal—a 1990s duct-sealing technology shelved for a decade that became a $400M+ company when the right founder came along.In this episode, we discuss:From Furniture to Carbon-Negative Building Materials: Josh's path from running sustainable furniture companies in Brooklyn to co-founding Plantd with two former SpaceX engineers, a company that replaces plywood with boards made from renewable grass, grown by former tobacco farmers in North Carolina.Making Sustainability a Drop-In Replacement: Plantd's boards are designed to feel identical to traditional plywood for construction workers, same density, same nail behavior, so adoption requires zero behavior change. The result: a partnership with D.R. Horton across 90,000 homes.The Low-Carbon Economy is Scaling: Nearly 2,000 climate tech startups have raised Series B or beyond, the world's largest companies are investing heavily in the clean energy transition, and cities are becoming laboratories for climate innovation.AI as a Climate Solution: From BrainBox AI (cutting building HVAC costs by 25% and carbon by 40%, now acquired by Trane) to Zum (using AI to cut Oakland's school bus fleet from 140 diesel buses to 72 electric ones), Josh highlights how AI is accelerating decarbonization across industries.The Rare Earth Recycling Breakthrough: Cyclic Materials is the only company in the world to crack rare earth magnet recycling, attracting investment from Amazon, Microsoft, BMW, and Jaguar, critical for reducing dependence on China's 90% supply chain control.Timing is Everything: The story of Aeroseal: a duct-sealing technology invented in the 1990s, shelved by Carrier for a decade, then revived by a product manager who turned it into a $400M+ revenue company.Connect with the Guest:Josh DorfmanSupercoolFollow Liquid Assets:Website: https://liquidassets.cc/Full Blog Post & Transcript: https://liquidassets.cc/building-houses-from-grass-and-the-rise-of-climate-tech-media-2Host: Ravi KuraniThis episode is sponsored by Hasa, the leader in water treatment solutions for over 60 years. Learn more at https://hasa.com.

Ravi Kurani sits down with Rich Sloan, CEO of WAVR Technologies, to discuss a sobering reality: the era of abundant, subsidized water is officially over. From the "bathtub rings" of Lake Mead to the massive water footprint of the AI revolution, Rich explains why the next decade will be defined by the shift toward high-tech, point-of-use water harvesting.The conversation explores the biomimicry behind Waiver's tech—inspired by the skin of an Australian tree frog—which allows for the passive collection of high-purity water from thin air, even in the most arid climates. Whether it's cooling the data centers that power ChatGPT or providing ultra-pure water for kidney dialysis, Rich and Ravi map out a future where we stop relying on aging pipelines and start manufacturing our most critical resource at the source.The End of Abundance: We have exited the period where fresh water is abundant, free, and pure; it is now a tech-driven numbers game.The AI Thirst: Generating AI images consumes a staggering amount of water—roughly 10,000 Bellagio Lakes worth of evaporative cooling for daily GPU power.Frog-Inspired Tech: How Waiver uses a hypersaline solution and a proprietary membrane to "wick" moisture from the atmosphere.Industrial Point-of-Use: Why the first million dollars in revenue is coming from high-purity industrial needs like medical applications and semiconductor manufacturing.The Warrior's Flow: Rich’s philosophy on staying "fierce" but in a state of "flow" to drive world-class innovation.Links:Full Blog Post & Transcript: liquidassets.cc/the-end-of-free-water-in-las-vegas/WAVR Technologies: wavrtechnologies.com

Most of us don’t think twice about what happens after we flush, but Jay Bernas spends every waking hour thinking about it. As the CEO of the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), Jay oversees a "quasi-state" regional powerhouse that treats wastewater for nearly 2 million people. But this isn't your grandfather’s utility—HRSD is a world-class R&D incubator that holds global patents and collects royalties on its innovations.In this episode, Ravi and Jay pull back the curtain on the "invisible" infrastructure that keeps our communities safe. They dive into how HRSD is using Anammox bacteria and hydrocyclones to save hundreds of millions of dollars in construction costs, and why they are currently partnering with a National Particle Accelerator Lab to destroy "forever chemicals" (PFAS) using electron beams. Whether you’re a tech investor or just curious about the massive machine running beneath your feet, this conversation proves that wastewater is one of the most exciting frontiers in climate tech.In this episode, we discuss:The "Quasi-State" Advantage: Why independent governance is the secret sauce for innovation.Process Intensification: How to grow a utility's capacity without pouring more concrete.The Silver Tsunami: Why we need a new generation of "Engineer MBAs" to lead the sector.PFAS Destruction: Using particle physics to solve the world’s toughest chemical problem.Connect with the Guest:Jay Bernas: LinkedInHRSD: hrsd.comFollow Liquid Assets:Website: liquidassets.ccHost: Ravi KuraniThis episode is sponsored by Hasa, the leader in water treatment solutions for over 60 years. Learn more at hasa.com.

Sivan Zamir is the VP of Innovation & Venture at Xylem, a Fortune 500 leader in water technology. In this episode, Ravi Kurani and Sivan pulls back the curtain on the massive, invisible machine that keeps the modern world running. Sivan challenges the abstract concept of "the cloud," revealing that every data center, semiconductor chip, and cup of coffee relies on a complex, physical water infrastructure that operates "behind the fence." Her mission is to transform water from a silent, overlooked utility into a visible, investable asset, proving that the resilience of the Fortune 1000 depends entirely on the management of this finite resource.The conversation dives deep into the cultural psychology of water, contrasting the "scarcity mindset" of Israel, where Sivan witnessed traumatic drought campaigns, with the "invisibility" of water in the US. They explore the critical "Silver Tsunami" facing the industry as experts retire, and how Xylem is turning to Augmented Reality (AR) and AI to download "tribal knowledge" to a new generation. From the struggles of pitching water tech to VCs to the future of flood prediction, Sivan and Ravi map out why water is the ultimate unpriced asset in business resilience.Key Takeaways:The Invisible Backbone of Tech: Sivan dispels the myth of a purely digital economy. She explains that the "cloud" is actually a physical infrastructure of data centers requiring massive amounts of water for cooling and power, arguing that tech companies are just as water-dependent as agriculture.The 3% Investment Gap: Despite water being essential for life, only ~3% of climate tech venture capital flows into the sector. Sivan shares her past struggles as a founder having to rebrand water startups as "IoT" or "Climate Tech" just to get meetings, and how funds like Burnt Island Ventures are finally changing that landscape.Bridging the "Silver Tsunami": The industry faces a massive vacuum as operators with decades of experience retire. Sivan discusses using AI and AR tools—like smart glasses—to capture this institutional knowledge and guide Gen Z workers through complex, dangerous repairs in real-time.Cultural Visceralism: Sivan contrasts the American experience of water (out of sight, out of mind) with the Israeli experience, where drought awareness is culturally ingrained. She argues that to solve our water crisis, we must make infrastructure "visible" again.Innovation for Extremes: Xylem’s innovation strategy is categorized into "Too Much Water" (using AI for flood prediction) and "Too Little Water" (advanced reuse and digital twins), highlighting how extreme weather patterns are forcing utilities to become proactive rather than reactive.

Would you swap your fine wine for a bottle of water?In this episode, Ravi Kurani sits down with Ana Livi, Partner at O Amazon Air Water, to discuss a water source you’ve likely never heard of: the "breath" of the Amazon trees.Deep in the rainforest, O Amazon uses Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG) to harvest humidity from the "Flying Rivers" of the Amazon, creating a luxury water that sells for over €100 a bottle. Ana explains how this unique business model allows them to operate off-grid without cutting down a single tree, turning the preservation of the forest into a high-end asset.We also dive into Ana’s unique role as an "Energy Consultant" for the company, where she uses her background in humanitarian aid and spirituality to align business decisions with the invisible "energetics" of the rainforest.We cover:The Technology: How to make water from air in the middle of the jungle.The Design: The rescue jaguar that inspired their iconic bottle.The Market: Why water sommeliers call this the "celebration" water.The Energy: Managing a company through spiritual alignment and "corporate energetics".Movie Recommendation:Ana recommends Symphony of the Soil (referenced as the film about the "30cm layer of soil") for anyone interested in the fragility of our planet’s life support systems.LiquidAssets: liquidassets.ccAmazon Air: https://www.oamazonairwater.com/

Is climate mitigation just an expensive burden for water utilities? Alexis de Kerchove (Senior Director, Client Sustainability at Xylem) argues the opposite: the path to Net Zero is actually the key to operational efficiency and cost savings.In this episode, Ravi Kurani and Alexis de Kerchove break down how digital tools and machine learning are revolutionizing the water sector. We explore the "invisible" emissions of wastewater, fugitive nitrous oxide and energy-intensive pumping, and how AI is solving these problems without requiring massive new infrastructure.We discuss:The "Burden" Myth: Why sustainability is actually an efficiency strategy.Sponge Cities: Using data to optimize existing networks instead of building concrete.Fugitive Emissions: Tackling the silent climate impact of biological treatment.Smart Assets: How self-cleaning pumps and digital twins prevent failure.The Silver Tsunami: Turning the workforce shortage into a recruiting advantage.Sponsored by HASA: The leader in eco-friendly water treatment. Learn more at hasa.com.Links:Connect with Alexis de Kerchove on LinkedInVisit Xylem.comSubscribe to the Liquid Assets Newsletter at liquidassets.cc

Is there a safe level of "forever chemicals" in your water?PFAS are everywhere: from the non-stick pans in your kitchen to the contact lenses in your eyes, and even 92% of strawberries. They are the "super chemistry" that modern society relies on, but they are also a toxic legacy that refuses to break down.In this episode, Ravi Kurani sits down with Henrik Hagemann, the potato farmer turned deep-tech entrepreneur who is solving this crisis at the molecular level. As the CEO and Co-founder of Puraffinity, Henrik is engineering smart materials that target and capture PFAS with sniper-like precision, preventing them from entering our waterways and bloodstreams.In this episode, we cover:The PFAS Reality Check: Why "forever chemicals" are found in everything from pesticides to waterproof jackets.Beyond Activated Carbon: How Puraffinity’s "Lego-like" material science outperforms traditional filtration by 7x.From Farm to Founder: Henrik’s journey from processing potatoes in Denmark to leading a Series A deep tech company in London.The Business of Water: Navigating the "Valley of Death" in hardware and selling to risk-averse industries.Diversity as a Superpower: Why international, diverse teams are statistically safer and more profitable in engineering.🔗 Links & Resources:Learn more about Puraffinity: https://www.puraffinity.com/Connect with Henrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrikhagemann/Read the "Engine Plus" Report: https://raeng.org.uk/policy-and-resources/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-research-and-resources/edi-engine-benefits-of-equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-engineering/Liked this episode? Hit the "Follow" button so you never miss a drop.

Ravi Kurani sits down with Gregory Holliday, Director of the 50 Liter Home Coalition, to explore how global brands and cities are redesigning the way we live — creating homes that use just 50 liters of water a day, yet feel like 500. Gregory unpacks how companies like Procter & Gamble, Kohler, IKEA, and Electrolux are uniting to make sustainability invisible — embedding efficiency into every shower, dishwasher, and faucet without asking people to sacrifice comfort.He shares the coalition’s origins in the wake of Cape Town’s “Day Zero,” his own journey from U.S. diplomat to water advocate, and how behavior, design, and technology intersect to make conservation intuitive. The conversation dives into the data behind 50L’s pilot homes in Los Angeles, the lessons from real families living efficiently, and the long-term vision for water- and energy-smart homes worldwide.This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠HASA⁠⁠⁠⁠ (hasa.com).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Liquid Assets

Ravi Kurani sits down with Ramzi Bouzerda, founder and CEO of Droople, to explore how the Internet of Water is turning everyday plumbing into a data-driven network. Ramzi explains how sensors measuring flow, temperature, and pressure can map “water signatures” for toilets, faucets, and filters, revealing human behavior, maintenance needs, and efficiency opportunities.He shares Droople’s origin story, born at 3 a.m. while preparing a baby bottle, and his journey from banking and IT to building a company tackling global water scarcity. The conversation dives into how data transforms buildings into living systems, why the water industry is slow but lucrative, and how Droople’s vision could make “water inside” as common as “Intel Inside.”This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠HASA⁠⁠⁠ (hasa.com).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani sits down with Jose Castro, founder and CEO of Segura, to unpack how rapid diagnostics complement (not replace) lab confirmation, where multi-analyte testing pays off first—Lead & Copper Rule triage, treatment optimization, remote mining, beverage networks—and what validation and manufacturing at scale will take to make field diagnostics the new default.This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠HASA⁠⁠ (hasa.com).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

In this episode of Liquid Assets, we dive deep into the pressing issues facing the water industry with Clara Hallgarth, an environmental engineering student. As the workforce ages and a significant number of professionals near retirement, we explore the urgent need for new talent in this vital sector. Clara shares her insights on climate resilience, the importance of education, and how technology can shape the future of water management. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that reveals why the water industry is at a critical crossroads and what it means for all of us. Tune in now!This episode is sponsored by ⁠HASA⁠ (hasa.com).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Is Your Water Safe? In this episode, water engineer and SimpleLab Tap Score CEO Johnny Pujol joins host Ravi Kurani to expose what most people get wrong about tap water. From lead pipes to hidden contaminants, we dive into why government reports fall short—and how modern at-home testing is transforming the way we trust (or don’t trust) our water. Learn how Tap Score is empowering thousands to take control of their drinking water safety with science-backed diagnostics, and get practical tips on choosing the right filter for your home.🔍 A must-listen for homeowners, renters, and anyone who drinks water.This episode is sponsored by HASA (hasa.com).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Could the future of clean, reliable energy fit inside a shipping container? We sit down with nuclear physicist James Walker, CEO of Nanonuclear Energy, to explore the fascinating world of microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). Discover how this technology aims to power remote locations, potentially fuel AI data centers, enable desalination, and why James believes nuclear is far safer than you think. Dive into the nuclear renaissance.This episode is sponsored by HASA (hasa.com).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani dives into a game-changing approach to sustainable desalination with guest Bruce Crawford, CEO and co-founder of Nona Technologies. An MIT spinout backed by the U.S. Army, Nona is pioneering a new way to turn saltwater into fresh water at any scale. At a time when many countries are investing in large-scale desalination megaprojects to combat water scarcity – for example, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 program – Bruce’s vision is radically different: bring Desal to the people via small, flexible systems that can work anywhere.From decentralized water treatment units that fit on a pallet to innovations in reusing cooling tower water, Bruce’s story exemplifies how water tech startups are driving the future of water. This conversational yet insightful discussion explores how Nona’s novel Ion Concentration Polarization (ICP) technology makes desalination portable, efficient, and adaptable – unlocking resilient water solutions for a thirsty world.What you'll hear in this episode:A breakthrough in desalination technology: How ICP (Ion Concentration Polarization) works to separate salt from water without high pressure or heat, and why it’s a leap beyond traditional reverse osmosis.Decentralizing water treatment: Why moving desalination from massive plants to modular, on-site systems can bring water to remote communities, disaster relief operations, and even military field camps.Water reuse in cooling towers: How Nona’s compact desal units can recycle blowdown from industrial cooling towers (like those in data centers and power plants), saving huge volumes of water amid the booming demand for AI and cloud computing.Challenges and rewards for water tech startups: Insight into Nona’s journey from an MIT lab project to an award-winning startup, and how it fits into a larger wave of innovation in the water industry.The future of sustainable water innovation: Bruce’s vision of a world using less water – from household-sized desalination appliances to industry-scale water savings – and how physical technologies and digital water solutions together can secure our water future.Check out the episode's sponsor, the leader in water treatment solutions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠HASA⁠⁠⁠Connect with Us:⁠⁠⁠⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What if the secret to cleaner water isn’t more chemicals, but smaller bubbles? In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani chats with Natsumi Ito, co-founder of Water Design Japan, about a breakthrough in nano bubble technology. This innovative approach transforms the air already in your water into microscopic cleaning agents—cutting chemical use by up to 60% without a single additive. Discover how these tiny, vibrating bubbles are revolutionizing cleaning in hospitals, semiconductor factories, and even your home. Natsumi also shares her inspiring journey—from her global roots to spearheading one of Japan’s most innovative water startups, and how a technology born from Hiroshima’s oyster farms might soon render traditional chemical cleaning obsolete. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of safe, sustainable water cleaning.Check out the episode's sponsor, the leader in water treatment solutions - ⁠⁠⁠HASA⁠⁠Connect with Us:⁠⁠⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠Connect With Natsumi Ito  ⁠LinkedIn

Every second, our oceans undergo rapid transformation due to climate change, pollution, and human intervention. While coral reefs may seem like distant, beautiful ecosystems, they play a crucial role in protecting our coastlines, regulating marine biodiversity, and supporting economies across the world.In this episode of Liquid Assets, we sit down with Patrick Clasen, co-founder of Ecotech Marine, an innovator in marine technology and coral reef restoration. From his early days as an engineering student designing aquarium equipment to leading advancements in coral restoration technology, Patrick shares his journey into the world of marine conservation and innovation.We discuss the dire state of coral reefs, the growing threat of ocean acidification, and how cutting-edge technology is being leveraged to protect and restore marine ecosystems. Patrick also dives into the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability, sharing lessons from scaling Ecotech Marine and collaborating with research institutions to tackle some of the ocean’s biggest threats.What You'll Hear in This Episode:The importance of coral reefs – Why they matter beyond aestheticsWhy 98% of Florida’s reefs are nearly dead – And what’s being done about itThe role of ocean acidification – How pH levels are affecting marine lifeHow DARPA and marine institutions are working – Efforts to reverse coral declineThe fascinating technology behind reef restoration – Innovations in coral farmingHow Ecotech Marine developed groundbreaking tech – Advancements in aquarium and ocean monitoringWhat individuals and businesses can do – Steps to support ocean sustainabilityCheck out the episode's sponsor, the leader in water treatment solutions - ⁠⁠HASA⁠Book Recommendation:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠The Rational OptimistConnect with Us:⁠⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠⁠⁠InstagramConnect With Patrick ClasenLinkedIn

With water scarcity becoming an ever-growing challenge across the globe, many countries are turning to desalination, wastewater treatment, and sustainable water management as solutions. But how viable are these technologies? Can desalination truly provide affordable, large-scale drinking water? And how does Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan factor into the future of water innovation?In this episode of Liquid Assets, we sit down with Ramon Rubio, founder of The Water MBA, who has spent over a decade in the water sector, specializing in desalination, wastewater treatment, and infrastructure development. Ramon shares his insights on the global water crisis, the economics behind desalination, and the future of water sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa.Having worked extensively in Saudi Arabia, Ramon also provides an inside look at the country’s massive investment in water infrastructure, its push toward renewable energy, and how sustainability is shaping the future of water access across the region. With Vision 2030 driving innovation in smart cities, desalination plants, and water reuse projects, Saudi Arabia is setting a global precedent for water management. But are these projects truly sustainable?We also explore how Ramon’s personal journey in engineering led him to create The Water MBA, a program dedicated to educating water professionals on project management, business development, and technical expertise.What You'll Hear in This Episode:Why desalination is a crucial but controversial solution to water scarcityThe real cost of desalination and whether it can scale affordablyHow Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is revolutionizing water managementThe challenges of implementing large-scale water infrastructure projectsWhat makes sustainable water solutions actually sustainable?Ramon’s journey from engineer to water industry leader and why education is key to fixing global water issuesCheck out the episode's sponsor, the leader in water treatment solutions - ⁠HASABook Recommendation:⁠ Skin in the GameConnect with Us:⁠Liquid Assets⁠⁠Instagram

Every year, California faces a brutal cycle of wildfires, but this time, the stakes are higher than ever. The Palisades and Eaton Fires have destroyed over 12,000 homes, burned 40,000 acres, and displaced 100,000 people. But beyond the visible destruction, there’s another crisis unfolding—one that remains largely unseen: the failure of our water infrastructure.In this episode of Liquid Assets, we sit down with Reuben Vollmer, CEO and Co-Founder of Spout Water, to discuss how California’s water mismanagement played a pivotal role in fueling these wildfires—and how it’s now impacting the drinking water of thousands. With fire hydrants running dry, plastic pipes melting into the water supply, and entire communities left with "do not drink" advisories, we explore the connection between fire, climate change, and water security.Reuben shares his personal experience of being evacuated due to the fires and the devastating loss of not just homes but the memories tied to them. He explains how a decade in the water industry led him to develop Spout, an innovative device that pulls clean drinking water from the air, offering an alternative for those who can no longer rely on traditional water infrastructure.We also dive into the controversial use of fire retardants—why they're necessary, but how they may also be accelerating the growth of invasive species, setting the stage for even bigger fires in the future. And, as bottled water shortages rise, Reuben unpacks why one in five Americans already rely on bottled water and what that means for our environment.What you'll hear in this episode:Why LA’s fires arebookended by water mismanagement—from drought-driven fuel loads to water contamination post-fireThe shocking reality offire hydrants running dry and themelting water system polluting local drinking waterHowfire retardants may be unintentionally fueling future firesThehidden costs of bottled water and why its overuse is creating an environmental crisisThescience behind Spout, a device that generatespure drinking water from the airHow Reuben’spersonal story of water scarcity inspired his mission to make clean water accessible to allBook Recommendation:Cutting Through Spiritual MaterialismConnect with Us:Liquid AssetsInstagram

Every two minutes, a sewer main breaks in the United States, creating an unprecedented challenge for businesses and municipalities alike. As our aging water infrastructure continues to crumble, companies are taking matters into their own hands, leading to a revolutionary shift in how we approach water treatment and management. In this episode of Liquid Assets, we sit down with Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginClear, who brings a unique perspective from his journey through tech disruption to water innovation. From his early days as a ship captain to leading software companies and eventually pioneering "Water as a Service," Eckelberry shares how his diverse background helped shape a new approach to solving America's water crisis. Through OriginClear, he's transforming the traditional hardware-focused water treatment industry into a service-based model, making clean water accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. The conversation delves into how decentralized water treatment is becoming the new normal, with businesses bypassing failing municipal infrastructure to ensure their survival. Eckelberry explains the parallels between the solar industry's power purchase agreements and OriginClear's innovative water purchase agreements, showing how financialization of water treatment could be the key to solving our infrastructure challenges. As the company prepares for its NASDAQ debut, we get an inside look at how this small company's disruptive approach could reshape the future of water treatment. What you'll hear in this episode: How every two minutes, a sewer main breaks in the United States, creating an urgent need for innovative solutions The transformation of water treatment from a hardware-based industry to a service-based model Why businesses are increasingly taking control of their own water treatment The parallels between solar power purchase agreements and water treatment financing How decentralization and modular systems are revolutionizing water treatment The journey of taking a water technology company from penny stocks to NASDAQ Follow Liquid Assets on: Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Did you know that water isn't just vital for life but also has its own story to tell—a story that could solve some of the world’s biggest challenges? Yet, this narrative often goes unheard, leaving opportunities for change untapped. In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani dives deep into the transformative potential of storytelling in the water industry with Jim Lauria, VP of Sales and Marketing at Mazzei and a passionate water advocate. Together, they explore the art of weaving data, emotion, and engagement to highlight water’s vital role across industries and everyday life. From unraveling Leonardo da Vinci’s ingenious water-inspired designs to modern technological innovations, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. Jim shares how effective storytelling can bridge the gap between awareness and action, showcasing his success in integrating storytelling into Mazzei’s projects, from mining archives for compelling data to creating impactful presentations that resonate globally. He emphasizes the role of humor, emotion, and meticulous audience understanding to craft narratives that inspire. Whether it’s turning data into engaging stories or using clever analogies, Jim’s insights are a masterclass in connecting hearts and minds. This episode is not just a conversation but a call to action—encouraging entrepreneurs, innovators, and water professionals to reimagine the power of narrative in creating solutions. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: How Leonardo da Vinci’s fascination with water inspires modern innovation. The role of storytelling in solving water industry challenges. Why integrating data and emotion creates compelling narratives. Tips for entrepreneurs in the water sector to engage effectively with their audience. How Mazzei uses storytelling to transform global water projects. A surprising connection between steam engines, coal mining, and water. Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

Did you know that the water industry is grappling with a looming talent crisis that threatens critical services we take for granted every day? With seasoned professionals nearing retirement and a disheartening lack of newcomers, this episode of Liquid Assets dives deep into the root causes and innovative solutions to this pressing issue. Ravi Kurani hosts Max Fraser-Krauss, a water industry recruiter from Charlton Morris, as they dissect the recruitment challenges and brainstorm actionable strategies to close this generational talent gap. The discussion uncovers the unique dynamics shaping the water industry's workforce. From the high demand for municipal operators to the role of flexible work arrangements and cutting-edge technologies like digital twins, it explores how to attract and retain the next generation of water professionals and it also highlights how Gen Z’s eco-conscious mindset can be leveraged and why the industry’s storytelling is key to attracting new talent. This episode not only identifies challenges but also sparks hope with innovative ideas like gamification and redefining work cultures. Whether you're curious about water’s pivotal role in combating climate change or looking for inspiration to solve retention challenges in any industry, this episode offers something valuable. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The Talent Gap Defined: Why the water industry faces a massive shortage of skilled workers. The Generational Challenge: Insights into why Gen Z could be the solution—and the roadblocks standing in the way. Technology’s Role: How innovation can make water industry jobs more attractive and efficient. Retention Strategies: What’s missing in workplace culture, pay, and recruitment that causes talent to leave. Long-Term Solutions: Gamification, education, and messaging to spark interest in water careers early. Real-Life Stories: Anecdotes from Max’s experience recruiting in water and lessons from other industries like oil and gas. Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, threatening the very fabric of our planet's ecosystems and human civilization. But what if we already possess 80% of the solutions needed to combat this crisis? Ravi Kurani sits down with Ryan Kushner, co-founder of Third Derivative, a climate technology accelerator, to explore the future of clean energy, carbon capture, and how startups are driving innovation in the fight against climate change. Ryan Kushner brings his wealth of experience in climate tech acceleration to the table, sharing insights from his journey with organizations like Elemental Accelerator and his book, "Accelerate This: A Super Not Boring Guide to Startup Accelerators and Clean Energy Entrepreneurship." He discusses the evolution of climate solutions, from having only 60% of the necessary technologies a few years ago to now possessing 75-80% of what we need to address the climate crisis. Kushner also delves into the role of accelerators in nurturing startups and fostering partnerships between entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors to drive meaningful impact. The conversation takes a deep dive into the structure and goals of Third Derivative, a program of the Rocky Mountain Institute, which aims to support and scale the most promising climate tech startups worldwide. Kushner explains how their 18-month program offers financial support, mentorship, and crucial connections to a network of corporate partners and venture capital firms. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the water sector, highlighting the need for innovation in areas such as agriculture, water reuse, and decentralized water systems. What you'll hear in this episode: The current state of climate tech solutions and the rapid progress made in recent years How accelerators like Third Derivative are shaping the future of clean energy and carbon capture The structure and benefits of climate tech accelerator programs for startups Insights into the challenges and opportunities in the water sector The importance of decentralization and innovation in addressing water scarcity A glimpse into the most promising water technologies and the obstacles facing desalination Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

Construction is one of the largest global industries, driving urban transformation and environmental challenges; and water is at its heart. Every day, construction sites around the world consume millions of gallons of fresh water and generate toxic runoff, silently contributing to water scarcity and pollution. From paintbrushes to power tools, the process of cleaning construction equipment has long been an environmental blind spot, with contaminated water often finding its way into our sewers and waterways. This hidden menace not only wastes precious water resources but also poses significant risks to ecosystems and public health. As urban areas densify and the need for sustainable building practices grows, the construction industry faces mounting pressure to address its water footprint. In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani delves into an innovative solution that's reshaping the construction landscape. Andrew Crimston, founder of Washbox Global, joins us to unveil a revolutionary closed-loop system that's transforming how the industry manages its liquid waste. What started as a simple idea to wash paintbrushes more efficiently has evolved into a game-changing technology now deployed on hundreds of projects worldwide. From the bustling construction sites of New York to the urban renewal projects of London, Washbox is helping dense metropolitan areas reduce their environmental impact while simultaneously boosting construction productivity. Crimston shares the journey of developing a filtration system capable of handling unknown contaminants, a challenge that many experts deemed impossible. Learn how this Australian innovation is saving both water and money for some of the biggest names in building, and discover the ripple effects of improved water management on project timelines, worker efficiency, and urban sustainability. What you'll hear in this episode: The shocking scale of water waste and toxic runoff generated by traditional construction practices An in-depth look at Washbox's closed-loop system and how it cleans and recycles water indefinitely The technical challenges of developing a universal filtration system for diverse construction contaminants Insights into how urban densification and building retrofits are driving growth in the construction industry Real-world examples of Washbox adapting to various construction environments, from skyscrapers to hotel renovations A forward-looking discussion on the future of sustainable construction and Washbox's role in industry transformation Book recommendation by Andrew: Zero To One Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

As the world grapples with an escalating water crisis, the need to rethink our approach to water management has never been more urgent. With approximately 75% of the world's wastewater going untreated, the implications for both the environment and human health are staggering. Urban areas, in particular, face unique challenges as population densities rise and climate change intensifies. In this context, the concept of urban water reuse emerges not just as a solution, but as a transformative opportunity to redefine our relationship with this vital resource. In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kyle Pickett, co-founder of the William J. Worthen Foundation. Together, they explore the innovative strategies and technologies that are reshaping urban water reuse, turning what was once considered a niche practice into a mainstream solution for sustainable living. Kyle's journey into the world of water reuse began with a passion for sustainability and a desire to make complex water concepts accessible to everyone. He emphasizes that the future of water management lies in demystifying reclaimed water and breaking down the barriers that prevent communities from embracing it. The “yuck factor” often associated with recycled water can deter even the most environmentally conscious individuals. However, Kyle argues that education and transparency are key to overcoming these misconceptions. By showcasing successful projects, such as the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, which saves over 7 million gallons of potable water annually, he illustrates how luxury developments can lead the way in sustainable practices. Listeners will find themselves captivated by the discussions surrounding the integration of innovative technologies in water reuse systems. Kyle highlights the importance of advanced filtration and monitoring systems that ensure reclaimed water is safe and effective for various uses, from irrigation to toilet flushing. These technologies not only enhance the efficiency of water management but also contribute to a circular economy where water is treated as a valuable resource rather than a disposable commodity. What you'll hear in this episode: The critical need for urban water reuse in the face of growing scarcity Strategies for overcoming the "yuck factor" and educating communities on sustainability The role of technology in advancing greywater and blackwater reuse systems The interconnectedness of water, energy, and carbon in fostering sustainable urban environments Visionary ideas for the future of water management and community engagement Listen On: Spotify Apple Podcast Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

The global water crisis is more pressing than ever, with 75% to 80% of the world's wastewater going untreated. This shocking statistic contributes to water scarcity and poses significant environmental and health risks. As urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies, finding innovative solutions to manage and recycle wastewater has become crucial. In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani sits down with Mansi Jain, CEO of DigitalPaani, to explore groundbreaking approaches to wastewater management. Mansi shares her journey from a passion for sustainability to developing cutting-edge technology aimed at revolutionizing wastewater treatment operations. She explains how DigitalPaani is tackling the overlooked problem of defunct wastewater infrastructure, which is key to addressing water scarcity. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of decentralized versus centralized wastewater systems and how DigitalPaani is using advanced automation and real-time monitoring to transform operations, and processes that are transferable. The episode how these solutions are being scaled to impact not only small facilities but larger municipal systems as well, potentially reshaping the future of water management in rapidly urbanizing areas. What you'll hear in this episode: The shocking reality of global wastewater treatment and its impact on water scarcity How DigitalPaani is using technology to revive defunct wastewater infrastructure The challenges and opportunities in decentralized vs. centralized wastewater systems Insights into DigitalPaani's innovative approach to wastewater treatment automation The importance of holistic operations management in wastewater treatment How these solutions are being scaled to impact both small and large-scale facilities Book recommendation by Jain Mansi: https://amzn.to/4gc6PtK Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

Innovative financing models are essential for the development and scaling of sustainable infrastructure, particularly in the climate tech sector. Traditional funding methods often fall short, leaving breakthrough technologies struggling to achieve large-scale deployment. To address this challenge, new approaches are emerging that enable climate tech innovators to retain more equity while accelerating their projects' growth, especially those ready for commercial deployment beyond the pilot stage. In this episode, Liquid Assets host, Ravi Kurani speaks with Wayne Byrne, a seasoned entrepreneur with 19 years of experience in cleantech and climate tech. As the founder of Method Capital, Byrne shares his insights on bridging the gap between promising technologies and their wide-scale adoption. His company’s unique financing model emphasizes the importance of building strong teams, fulfilling investor commitments, and positioning technologies as the least risky options in conservative markets. This strategy has proven particularly effective in risk-averse sectors like water treatment. The discussion also delves into the unique challenges faced by the water sector, where scaling innovative technologies often encounters resistance. Byrne shares the success story of a wastewater treatment solution that pivoted from a containerized approach to a drop-in application, enabling rapid capacity increases with minimal infrastructure changes. Additionally, emerging contaminants in water treatment, such as PFAS and other hard-to-detect pollutants, are identified as critical issues. Throughout the conversation, the importance of innovative thinking and a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex environmental problems is emphasized. By leveraging creative financing and strategic pivots, climate tech solutions can overcome barriers and achieve meaningful impact on a global scale. What you'll hear in this episode: The challenges of scaling climate technologies, especially in the risk-averse water sector How Method Capital is bridging the gap between innovation and large-scale deployment The importance of team building and making credible promises in early-stage startups Strategies for becoming the "least risk option" in conservative markets The future of emerging contaminants and water treatment technologies Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

In this special crossover episode, our very own Ravi Kurani, host of The Liquid Assets Podcast and founder of water diagnostics company Sutro, shares his journey from pool boy to water tech entrepreneur on The CleanTechies Podcast. Ravi discusses the complexities of the water industry, highlighting its fragmentation, slow-moving nature, and the challenges of long sales cycles. He emphasizes the critical importance of water across various sectors, from agriculture to industrial processes, and the often-overlooked nature of water-related issues in comparison to other environmental concerns. The conversation delves into the unique aspects of water technology, including the water-energy nexus, policy challenges, and the need for innovative solutions. Ravi points out the discrepancy between antiquated water laws and modern usage patterns, particularly in places like California. He also discusses the concept of "day zero" issues, where regions face the possibility of completely running out of water, and the urgent need for better water management and recycling systems. Looking towards the future, the importance of distribution in water tech startups and the need for decentralized solutions is echoed by Ravi. He suggests that the industry might benefit from a hybrid VC-PE financing model to support water technologies through different stages of development. The episode also touches on the global nature of water challenges, with potential hubs for water tech innovation emerging wherever critical water issues arise. Overall, the discussion underscores the complexity of water-related problems and the vast opportunities for innovation in this space. What you'll hear in this episode: The overlooked crisis: Why water scarcity is the next big climate challenge From pool boy to water tech innovator: Ravi Kurani's entrepreneurial journey Breaking down barriers: Overcoming challenges in the fragmented water industry Policy vs. progress: How outdated water laws impact modern solutions The future of water tech: Innovative financing and emerging global hubs Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

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 Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

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. Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

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 Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

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. Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

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 Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

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 Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

In the ever-evolving world of water treatment, innovation is the driving force behind efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This captivating episode of the Liquid Assets podcast takes listeners on a remarkable journey through the lens of industry veteran Chris Morrison, exploring his illustrious career spanning decades at Nalco (now part of Ecolab) and his current role as the founder of Morrison Water. From his early days at Nalco, where he championed groundbreaking technologies like reverse osmosis to drive significant energy and water savings, to his strategic account management approach that forged long-term partnerships with corporate clients worldwide, Chris shares his wealth of knowledge and experience. His insights shed light on the evolving landscape of water treatment, including the pressing challenge of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination and the critical need for effective remediation technologies. Whether you're a water professional, industry stakeholder, or simply curious about the future of water treatment, this podcast episode offers a captivating exploration of the key trends, innovations, and sustainability initiatives shaping the industry. Join Ravi Kurani and Chris Morrison as they delve into the quest for efficient, cost-effective solutions to the world's water challenges, including novel chemistries, sensors, membranes, and cutting-edge water treatment approaches. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from a true pioneer in the field. What you'll hear in this Water Treatment episode: How Nalco (now Ecolab) pioneered water efficiency and scale management solutions for manufacturing in the 1980s and 1990s. Veteran water expert Chris Morrison's journey from Nalco to founding Morrison Water - lessons and advice spanning decades in the industry The revolutionary impact of reverse osmosis membranes and Morrison's role in driving adoption for energy and water savings. Insights into strategic water treatment account management for long-term corporate partnerships and tailored solutions globally. Emerging innovations in water treatment like novel chemistries, IoT sensors, and advanced membrane technologies for sustainability. The widespread PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination challenge and need for effective remediation technologies Chris recommends you read Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

"Every great movement must experience three stages "ridicule, discussion, and adoption". And right now, when it comes to harvesting invisible water from the sky, we are at the early stage" What if we could harvest an unlimited supply of water from the sky itself, then purify and recycle it in a constant loop? On this mind-expanding episode of Liquid Assets, Professor Jeffrey Langholz shares his radical vision for solving the global water crisis through the ultimate decentralized system. Langholz is a professor at the Middlebury Institute who has spent over 20 years studying sustainable management of precious natural resources like water, forests and fisheries worldwide. He paints a compelling picture of why our current centralized, pipeline-based model of water distribution is unsustainable across economic, environmental and social dimensions. But a local, circular model of pulling water from the air and continuously recycling it could mitigate crises like scarcity, pollution and climate impacts. His bold four-part framework revolves around the Passive collection from rain, fog and dew, Active harvesting using atmospheric generators, Purifying graywater from sinks and laundry and Recycling blackwater from toilets. Langholz details cutting-edge examples of these technologies being piloted globally, from solar-powered generators to office towers recycling their wastewater. He draws insightful parallels to how other utilities like electricity, telecoms and entertainment inevitably transitioned from centralized to decentralized, consumer-level systems. Is water simply the next utility ripe for that disruptive shift? While the idea may sound far-fetched today, so did concepts like streaming movies or ordering an Uber from your phone not long ago. Whether you find Langholz's ideas ridiculous or inspiring, this fascinating discussion will make you rethink humanity's ancient relationship with our most precious resource. Join us for a glimpse of a future where households and businesses could be self-sustaining water microgrids - a bold new paradigm as revolutionary as any other game-changing technology. What you'll learn in this episode: The Unsustainability of Our Current Water Systems: Why centralized water distribution is struggling on environmental, economic and social fronts. A Decentralized Model for Harvesting Skywater: The four pillars of Jeffrey's vision for hyper-local water collection, purification and recycling. Cutting-Edge Water Technologies: Real-world examples of fog harvesters, atmospheric generators, graywater recyclers and more. Parallels to Electricity, Telecoms and Movies Going Distributed: How water is following other disrupted utilities towards decentralization. Jeff recommends you read The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

Water is the lifeblood of human civilization – yet its critical importance is often overlooked. In this thought-provoking episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani has an in-depth discussion with Peter Gleick about humanity’s past, present and future relationship with that precious resource. Peter is co-founder of the Pacific Institute and author of “The Three Ages of Water,” a sweeping look at how water enabled the growth of early agricultural societies, and led to major infrastructure in the industrial age, but also unintended consequences like pollution and scarcity. He argues we’re at a crossroads where solutions exist to major crises like persistent water poverty and ecological destruction, but lack the political will to implement them at scale towards a “third age” focused on efficiency and sustainability. Delving into his lifelong passion for environmental issues, Peter shares insights from decades of research on the inextricable links between water, climate, and society. He makes a compelling case that if we hope to build flourishing civilizations in the 21st century, we need a fundamentally more conscious and equitable approach to managing scarce freshwater resources. Tune in to hear solutions-focused ideas around everything from wastewater recycling to international governance reform. This is a clarion call to action for everyone from policymakers to scientists, business leaders, and citizens – our collective future depends on evolving our relationship with water. What you'll hear in this episode: The Three Ages of Water in Human History: Peter outlines his concept of the three ages of water spanning early agricultural societies, the modern industrial revolution, and a potential sustainable future. Water's Role in the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations: Peter explores how harnessing water resources enabled the growth of early empires in places like the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia. Unintended Consequences and Water Crises Today: Peter delves into major issues we now face including persistent water poverty, ecological destruction of rivers and wetlands, and conflicts driven by supplies. Optimistic Solutions for the Future: Peter argues solutions exist for major water crises, but lack the political will and institutions to implement them at scale towards a sustainable "Third Age." Peter recommends you watch the 1974 film Chinatown Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

As global populations expand rapidly, water demand is projected to exceed supply by over 30% in 20 years. Yet today, just 5% of wastewater is recycled worldwide, representing a massive lost opportunity. In this episode of Liquid Assets, Aaron Tartakovsky explains how his startup Epic Cleantec aims to catalyze a “water reuse revolution” to close this gap. Sitting with host Ravi Kurani, Aaron highlights the antiquated, centralized approach that has dictated water infrastructure design for over 200 years. With global urbanization accelerating and climate impacts intensifying, he makes the case that we need to transition toward more decentralized, distributed systems. Epic deploys advanced filtration systems to capture and treat wastewater within residential and commercial buildings themselves. Listen in to learn how their localized treatment model allows for onsite water recycling rates upwards of 95% for non-potable reuses. Beyond water provision, Aaron discusses how Epic’s systems also recover nutrients and energy from wastewater through soil amendments and heat capture. Tune in to hear how smart science communication helps combat public perceptions around water reuse. By taking a systems approach to the built environment, Aaron aims to showcase how we can build resilience into our water systems to ensure adequate supply for all, despite the environmental changes ahead. What you'll hear in this episode: How decentralized water reuse systems can recycle over 95% of water within buildings themselves The case for transitioning from antiquated centralized infrastructure to distributed models How Epic's filtration process works to capture wastewater onsite and purify it for non-potable reuse The unexpected benefits: nutrient & soil recovery and heat recapture from drains The role of smart science communication to combat negative public perceptions How a water reuse approach builds resilience amidst climate pressures Why Aaron entered the industry lacking water expertise but found "naive" optimism to be an asset How to embrace imposter syndrome and get comfortable not knowing the answers How water infrastructure may transform by 2060 if decentralized systems scale Aaron recommends you read Water 4.0 Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

"Trust, understanding, and quality are the cornerstones of successful sales in the world of water testing" Exploring the intricacy of water treatment and customer engagement, this episode of Liquid Assets delves into the crucial role of technical expertise and relationship-building in navigating the complex waters of the water industry. Host Ravi Kurani engages with Chris Golden, Senior Director of Sales at Taylor Technologies, exploring his diverse experiences in the water industry. Golden recounts his journey from a chemical engineering graduate to a seasoned professional in industrial water treatment, sales, and marketing. His tenure at prominent companies like Ecolab, Nalco, and Taylor Technologies highlights his adeptness in aligning products and solutions with customer needs. Golden emphasizes the importance of customer understanding and trust in technical sales, advocating a consultative approach. Delving deeper, the conversation shifts to the specifics of water testing and treatment. Golden shares his in-depth knowledge of balancing water chemistry in various environments, from swimming pools to industrial settings. He underscores the significance of precise water testing in maintaining equipment health, ensuring public safety, and enhancing the effectiveness of chemical treatments. Golden’s blend of professional anecdotes and practical advice offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and professionals in the water industry, making this episode a must-listen. What you'll hear in this episode: Real-world Insights from Sales to Water Testing: Chris Golden recounts his career journey, reflecting on his evolution from a chemical engineering graduate to a leader in industrial water treatment and sales. He shares anecdotes from his experiences at various companies including Ecolab and Nalco. Deep Dive into Water Testing and Treatment: The conversation delves into the specifics of water testing and its critical role across different environments. Golden emphasizes the importance of precise water testing in maintaining equipment, ensuring safety, and optimizing chemical treatments. Golden's Approach to Technical Sales and Customer Engagement: Golden discusses the significance of understanding customers and building trust in technical sales, advocating for a consultative approach to aligning solutions with customer needs. Taylor Technologies' Impact and Quality: Golden highlights Taylor Technologies' reputation for quality in their products, explaining how this fosters customer trust and satisfaction. Chris recommends you read The 6 Types of Working Genius Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

"How do we mass manufacture civilization? It's through figuring out how to build cities in chunks that are distinct modules, like cells in a body and that is what water decentralization is." Buckle up for a cerebral joyride stretching possibilities for water, technology, business and beyond. Our latest Liquid Assets features Dr. Michael Stanley Gallisdorfer known colloquially as MSG, whose innovative insights are reshaping our understanding of water's role in society and the economy. MSG's discussion with host Ravi Kurani focuses on the transformative potential of water as not only a vital resource but also as a catalyst for economic and environmental regeneration. His concepts of decentralized water systems and ecological engineering offer a provocative vision of a sustainable future. Delving deeper, MSG elaborates on the cutting-edge ideas of using water for carbon sequestration and biomaterial production. Our conversation is not just an exploration of technological advancements; it's a journey into a new paradigm where water becomes a key player in addressing global challenges. The episode promises to broaden your horizons, challenging conventional views and igniting a profound conversation about the essence and future of water in our lives. What you’ll hear in this episode: Water Freedom via Decentralization & Democratization: MSG explains how centralized water systems constrain freedom and shares his vision for modular, small-scale infrastructure enhancing choice. Hacking Ecosystems as Infrastructure: MSG introduces cutting-edge concepts like assistive ecology using technology to create cybernetic ecosystems that support human systems. Water as an Economic Medium: MSG makes the case for growing bioproducts in water to replace mining, unlocking a blue economy centered around aquatic resources. Optimizing for Edge Thinking: MSG analyzes how modern systems optimize for reliability and risk mitigation rather than creativity. He advocates embracing edges and uncertainty. MSG recommends you read ⁠Energy and Form: An Ecological Approach to Urban Growth by Knowles Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

"2 billion people, one in four, live without access to clean water, with women and girls spending 200 million hours every day walking miles for it." New York Fashion Week features cutting-edge clothing against a backdrop of glitz and glamor. But behind the scenes, millions of women and girls walk miles daily to secure basic water needs. The contrast between catwalks in the spotlight and walks for water in the shadows inspired the Runway for Water campaign. This powerful initiative from Water for People aimed to grab attention and underscore the urgency of the global water crisis. As Katherine Williford, Chief Growth Officer, and host Ravi Kurani discuss in this episode, the campaign video spotlights Indian women fetching water while dressed in traditional outfits, overlaid with fashion show music. This stark juxtaposition highlights an often overlooked yet critical factor undermining basic rights, health, and advancement worldwide. Beyond the creative concept, Williford explains Water for People’s innovative model to drive progress on universal access through collaboration, monitoring, and adaptation. With substantial funding gaps persisting, Runway for Water also calls for more influential voices to advocate around this human rights issue impacting billions daily. What you’ll hear in this episode: The Runway for Water Campaign: Learn about the eye-opening campaign connecting fashion and lack of water access. Water for People's Model: Understand Water for People's "Everyone Forever" approach to sustainable water services. The Walk for Water: Grasp the contrast between fashion shows and women's long walks for water daily. Collaboration for Access: Discover why cross-sector collaboration is key to achieving universal access. Monitoring and Adaptation: Appreciate the importance of monitoring programs and adapting approaches. Addressing Investment Gaps: Realize the critical need for increased funding and political commitments to the water crisis. Water as Opportunity: Recognize how securing water access unlocks potential for women and girls worldwide. Katherine recommends you read Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

"We're designing New York City over and over like it was back in the 1900s. This needs to change" The infrastructure underpinning our modern lives often goes unnoticed, yet fundamental systems like water, energy, and transportation require constant innovation. On this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani speaks with Adam Tank, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer of Transcend, about their mission to transform infrastructure design through technology. With experience across microbiology, consumer goods, and robotics, Adam brings a unique perspective to improving the water sector. Seeing inefficiencies in engineering firms firsthand, Transcend overhauls the conceptual design process for critical assets like wastewater treatment plants. Their software integrates calculations and automates generating documentation, 3D models, and other preliminary outputs. This empowers engineers to focus their time on innovation and optimizing for sustainability, equity, and more. Adam shared insights on starting a company and the importance of nailing product-market fit early on. Tune into the episode to hear how Transcend's technology enables engineers worldwide to transcend the status quo. What you'll hear in this episode: Adam's Journey: Adam's unique background across microbiology, consumer goods, and robotics. Transcend's Mission: How Transcend's software transforms infrastructure design through automation. Empowering Engineers: Understanding how Transcend gives engineers time to focus on innovation. Startup Insights: Adam's perspectives on starting a company and finding product-market fit. Global Impact: Discovering how Transcend's technology impacts millions around the world. Optimizing Design: Seeing how integrated calculations optimize preliminary design. Purposeful Entrepreneurship: Finding inspiration in startups using technology for good. Envisioning the Future: Adam's vision for more sustainable and equitable infrastructure. Adam recommends you read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Sponsored Amazon Affiliate links.

"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.

"PFAS are known as the forever chemical because they don't degrade. They don't degrade in the environment, and they don't degrade in your body." PFAS chemicals are an emerging environmental threat, yet these toxic "forever chemicals" persist worldwide. In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani speaks with Julie Bliss Mullen, founder of Aclarity, a startup tackling PFAS contamination. Julie shares her journey from researching PFAS during her PhD to becoming an entrepreneur. She explains how novel electrochemical systems can destroy PFAS compounds at landfills and industrial sites to prevent further pollution. Julie also discusses key lessons around focusing on customers, rapid prototyping, and finding advocates. With evolving regulations driving momentum, companies like Julie's aim to scale up sustainable technologies that eliminate PFAS from water sources. Overall, an inside look at innovative solutions and business models addressing the urgent PFAS crisis. What you'll hear in this episode: Dive into an enlightening conversation that unravels the intricacies of PFAS in water treatment. Trail on Aclarity Water's transformative journey, witnessing its evolution from a budding idea to a beacon in water purification. Understand the pivotal role of strategic focus in technology and market strategy, a theme that resonates deeply throughout the episode. Gain insights into the broader implications of PFAS, emphasizing its environmental and public health urgency, and look ahead at Aclarity's future aspirations. Julie recommends you read Who: A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street and The Lean Startup by Eric Reis Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Subscribe at ⁠⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Music by ⁠Oleksii Kaplunskyi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ & Sponsored Amazon Affiliate link

How is Stuart Rudick's 'Hydro sapiens' perspective and emerging tech trends redefining the future of water management and conservation? Stuart Rudick, an advocate for water, emphasized its central role in life and his journey from a windsurfer concerned about pollution to an investor in water-focused firms like HydroDAO and Ever Blue Venture Fund. He stressed the significance of viewing water as a connector, the value of team dynamics in water companies, and the urgency of addressing water challenges. What you'll get from this episode: 🌊 Water Connection. Stuart highlighted our deep connection with water, describing humans as 'Hydro sapiens'. 💼 Activist to Investor. He discussed his transition from a beach-cleaning activist to a water industry investor, emphasizing the significance of water in multiple sectors. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Importance. Stuart emphasized the role of a strong team in successful water companies. 🚰 Water Challenges. He stressed the need to tackle pressing water challenges, including desalination and infrastructure. 🌍 HydroDAO Vision. Stuart introduced HydroDAO, a global platform for water professionals to unite and collaborate. Stuart recommends you read Universal Water: The Ancient Wisdom and Scientific Theory of Water. Follow Liquid Assets on: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Subscribe at ⁠LiquidAssets.cc⁠ to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay & Sponsored Amazon Affiliate link

What role does synthetic biology play in ensuring the safety and quality of our water supply? David Lloyd, the CEO and co-founder of FREDSense Technologies, and host Ravi Kurani discuss FREDSense's mission and the role of synthetic biology in their work. He explains how FREDsense uses synthetic biology to develop sensors that analyze water and generate actionable data, helping bridge the gap between existing analytics solutions and the needs of boots-on-the-ground personnel. He also talked about the company's iterative customer discovery process, which involved extensive interviews and market testing to ensure the sensors met users' needs. David also touches on the issue of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as "Forever Chemicals," and the importance of understanding their presence in water to treat and eliminate them effectively. 🔬 FREDsense uses synthetic biology to develop sensors that analyze water and provide valuable data for decision-making. 🌉 They aim to bridge the gap between the capabilities of existing analytics solutions and the day-to-day needs of field personnel. 🔄 The product development process at FREDsense involved extensive customer discovery, including interviews and market testing, to ensure the sensors meet users' needs. 💧 The company is actively involved in addressing the issue of PFAS, or "Forever Chemicals," in water and understands the importance of detecting their presence for effective treatment. Follow Liquid Assets on: LinkedIn Instagram Subscribe at LiquidAssets.cc to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Solomon Vimal from Geothara and Liquid Assets host, Ravi Kurani, discuss Solomon's journey in using satellite imagery and data science to address water security challenges. He shared insights into his experience in high-performance computing and his work in the automotive industry. Solomon explained how his passion for water conservation led him to found Geothara, a data science company focused on developing algorithms and insights for water security. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure design and effective problem-solving in this domain. Throughout the conversation, Solomon highlighted the value of satellite imagery in identifying water resources and optimizing water management strategies. 🌍 Satellite imagery and data science can play a crucial role in addressing water security challenges. 🚀 Geothara aims to provide insights and algorithms for water security, focusing on infrastructure design problems. 💡 Effective problem-solving and clear storytelling are essential in developing a successful startup. 🌊 Solomon's work demonstrates the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact in the realm of water conservation. Follow Liquid Assets on: LinkedIn Instagram Subscribe at LiquidAssets.cc to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode.

Professor Shon Hiatt (USC Marshall School of Business) and host Ravi Kurani navigate the intricate nexus between energy, agribusiness, and water's pivotal role. Highlighting the urgency of sustainable practices, he critiqued traditional lithium extraction methods that rely on vast water evaporation in deserts. Instead, Hiatt championed harnessing geothermal energy, spotlighting the innovative approach of extracting lithium from geothermal brine, currently under trial in the Salton Sea area. He introduced the concept of binary geothermal energy production and elucidated the 'pumped storage' technique for energy conservation. Navigating the complex realm of water laws, he underscored the disparities in regulatory approaches across states and emphasized the need for a balanced energy portfolio. In conclusion, Hiatt shared insights about an upcoming energy innovation initiative at the University of Southern California, aiming to foster collaboration and address challenges in the energy sector. 💧 The importance of water sustainability: Hiatt highlighted the crucial role of water in the energy sector and the need for sustainable practices given increasing water scarcity. 🌋 Geothermal energy potential: He discussed the potential of geothermal energy, particularly through binary geothermal energy production and lithium extraction from geothermal brine. ⚖️ Complexities of water laws: Hiatt pointed out the complexities and variations in water laws across different states like California, Texas, and Utah, and their impact on the energy sector. 🚀 Upcoming USC Energy Innovation Initiative: Hiatt shared information on the forthcoming energy innovation initiative at the University of Southern California, aimed at fostering collaboration and discussion among entrepreneurs, scientists, and stakeholders in the energy sector. Follow Liquid Assets on: LinkedIn Instagram Subscribe at LiquidAssets.cc to follow the larger conversation and never miss an episode. Intro Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay