Since 1959 when Reverse Osmosis was invented, there has been no substantial technological innovations to it. Yes, membranes have improved with the growth in the research and development of synthetics, but the RO system today is the same fundamentally as it was all those years ago.

Except this is not true, because there is a new RO system which generates 30-50% energy savings and extends membrane life by 3-4 times (not something membrane manufacturers will want to hear. Stay tuned (and you heard it first, right here!).

adam

Great pick-up and reference to the roundtable discussion. WSJ performs a good analysis, but makes a characteristically similar leap that most have been making as of late from “huge market need and global trends” to “safe investment and tremendous opportunity.” Unfortunately it’s not that easy and straightforward. The discussion needs to be focused not on any particular technology, but finding the right team to commercialize it, the right investors to open doors to customers, and the right strategies to convince the big players to adopt and scale a new technology. This requires a very specific, experienced VC/PE team more than just a compelling technology play. While I am witnessing VC/PE firms increasing their water technology exposure and acquiring more water expertise and experience at their management levels (not just advisory boards!), the barrier still remains high. Thanks again for posting and soliciting comments.

Rob