SolarDew, a Dutch startup, raised €800,000 to expand its solar-powered drinking water technology. The funds come from Connect the Drops and Oost NL, both focused on water-related innovations. The company aims to supply one million people with clean water by 2035. This follows a growing global challenge: 80% of rural populations lack safe drinking water, according to CFR.
Water sources are becoming saltier and more polluted, worsening the crisis. Alexander van der Kleij, SolarDew’s CEO, noted that over 100 million people may need alternative solutions by 2030. Current options like bottled water or long-distance transport are unsustainable. Large-scale purification systems are also too complex for remote areas, leaving smaller communities underserved.
SolarDew’s technology uses solar thermal energy and gravity to purify water through evaporation and condensation. No electricity, chemicals, or high pressure are required. A station with 32 units can produce 100 liters daily. Maintenance is minimal, making it ideal for schools, clinics, and businesses in arid or coastal regions.
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After successful pilots, the company began industrial production last year, manufacturing 150 units. Partnerships with European manufacturers and a patent in the Netherlands support scaling. Additional European and international patents are expected by year-end. The funding will accelerate production, which started this year.
Projects in Chile and Greece have already been completed. In Chile, SolarDew worked with a hydroponics entrepreneur. In Greece, the Technical University of Crete collaborated on the initiative. More commercial installations are planned for 2026. The company now seeks further investment through a crowdfunding campaign on Republic Europe.
Jan Otto Ooms, founder of Connect the Drops, called SolarDew’s approach “a natural addition” to global water efforts. The startup’s focus on scalability and partnerships has laid a strong foundation. Van der Kleij emphasized the need to continue scaling, aiming to improve living conditions and economic growth worldwide.
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The technology’s simplicity addresses gaps in existing systems. Unlike traditional desalination, it avoids high costs and technical barriers. This makes it accessible for regions where infrastructure is limited. SolarDew’s model relies on solar energy, reducing dependency on external power sources.
Challenges remain, including ensuring long-term maintenance in remote areas. However, the startup’s focus on minimal upkeep and local partnerships may help. The company’s success in Chile and Greece suggests potential for replication in other regions facing similar water shortages.
The crowdfunding campaign highlights SolarDew’s push for broader participation. While the €800,000 round is a step forward, scaling globally will require more investment. The startup’s goal of reaching one million people by 2035 hinges on securing resources and expanding its supply chain.
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Environmental factors also play a role. SolarDew’s reliance on solar energy aligns with sustainability goals. This could attract additional support from organizations prioritizing green solutions. The technology’s potential to reduce waterborne diseases in underserved areas adds to its appeal.
The startup’s progress shows the growing interest in decentralized water systems. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, solutions like SolarDew’s may become increasingly vital. The company’s focus on simplicity and affordability positions it as a contender in a rapidly evolving sector.