Flowing Forward: Sustainable Water Innovation

March 22, 2021

Read WIPO GREEN’s special feature on innovation in water management – a topic that affects food security, health, economy, the environment, and all other spheres of social functioning.

Innovation in the WASH sector

In 2020, WIPO GREEN released a Global Challenges Brief titled Innovative Technology in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector. The publication focuses on innovation and technology to improve the water management process throughout its various components, including reserves replenishment, sustainable extraction, transport and distribution, as well as treatment and disposal of wastewater.

It also addresses several ways in which innovative water-management technologies have evolved, for example: early warning systems, remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS), satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (or drones), blockchain technologies, and water loss and sensor-based management systems. The publication specifies advantages and limitations of these solutions and includes real-world, practical examples; it also includes innovations in development, such as desert water harvesting technologies, for example.

Wastewater treatment – an inclusive process

Meet Prof. Merlinda A. Palencia, a researcher at Adamson University in the Philippines, who invented an organic process to turn wastewater into clean water that can be used for irrigation purposes. Her invention, Vigromin, is a fully organic and eco-friendly powder, composed of a blend of minerals and other natural components. The technology differs greatly from traditional products for water purification typically found on the market, many of which are highly chemical or highly mechanized, making it challenging to use for small enterprises and individual households.

(Photo: Courtesy of Dr Palencia)

Vigormin can be used by anyone, making water treatment a participative and inclusive process. After regular application of Vigormin for at least 60 days, the treated water that would otherwise be wasted can be safely reused for drip irrigation of crops.

Vigormin is currently protected as a trade secret by Adamson University and registered with the Bureau of Patents of the IP Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) as a utility model. In 2020, Prof. Palencia launched a start-up company – Envigor – to make the treatment accessible to everyone. The names Vigormin and Envigor are registered as trademarks in the Philippines.

Water innovation on the WIPO GREEN database

The WIPO GREEN database is a catalogue of sustainable solutions and needs from across the world. It offers technologies from prototype to marketable products, available for license, collaboration, joint ventures, and sale. It also contains needs as defined by companies, institutions, non-governmental organizations and governments looking for technologies to address specific environmental, food security, or climate-change related challenges.

Over 200 technologies and 30 needs relating to water can be found on the WIPO GREEN database, sub-divided into categories such as water treatment, desalinization, and water reserves assessment, monitoring, and control. The database entries come from a total of 37 countries across five continents, the highest numbers of contributions originating from Israel (59), the United States (56), and Kenya (32).

Featured Technology

Water purification device using solar energy, by Toyo Aluminium Ekco Products Co., Ltd., Japan

Toyo Aluminium Ekco Products have developed a water purification device that uses solar energy easily and inexpensively without requiring large facilities. Through the combination of a concave condensing mechanism, a heating container, and a distillation pipe, this small-scale solution will allow access to clean water to be a reality for more people around the globe.

Featured Need

New irrigation technology to mitigate water scarcity in Argentina, by National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA), Argentina

Due to an increase in water consumption in Argentina, water scarcity is becoming critical, particularly under conditions of climate change. Improving water usage efficiency, employing new technologies and automated systems for irrigation are critical needs.

Water related technologies can also be found in the following categories:

Interested in learning more about green technologies? Register as a WIPO GREEN user for free, unlimited access to the database.

About WIPO GREEN

WIPO GREEN is a global marketplace for sustainable technology, supporting global efforts to address climate change. Through its online database and regional activities, WIPO GREEN connects green tech seekers and providers in order to catalyze green innovation and accelerate green tech transfer and diffusion. Subscribe to the monthly WIPO GREEN newsletter.