Global Center for Water Technology
Pioneering and advancing innovative technologies for fit-for-purpose water augmentation and generating new sustainable water sources for a water-secure Arizona
The Global Center for Water Technology (GCWT) at Arizona State University, under the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative (AWII), tackles Arizona’s current and future water quantity and quality challenges by accelerating the development, commercialization, and deployment of advanced technologies for water augmentation, conservation, treatment, and reuse. Partnering with industrial, municipal, agricultural, tribal, and international stakeholders, GCWT connects world-class researchers and students with industry leaders to address water-related needs in sectors such as energy, microchip manufacturing, information technology, industrial cooling, agriculture, and tourism.
Our vision is to pioneer innovative technologies that enhance water quality while generating an additional 250,000 acre-feet of sustainable water annually within a decade.
We achieve this through our four primary activities:
- Collaborating with stakeholders and industry partners to create Arizona-specific technology roadmaps that prioritize research and demonstration opportunities.
- Discovering novel materials and processes to drive patents, technologies, and companies that transform water production and use in Arizona.
- Developing demonstration testbeds in Arizona to test and refine cutting-edge solutions to accelerate their adoption.
- Cultivating talent and creating employment opportunities to strengthen Arizona’s water-related workforce.
Director, Global Center for Water Technology
Our Solutions-Focused Approach & Focus
The Global Center for Water Technology (GCWT) drives value across Arizona’s water technology sector by addressing unmet stakeholder needs, advancing early-stage discoveries in materials, green energy, and processes for water acquisition and purification, and accelerating the demonstration of emerging water treatment technologies tailored to Arizona’s unique needs and challenges. By leveraging stakeholder expertise and securing partner financing, GCWT identifies critical opportunities for innovation, ensuring rapid progress in the water sector.
Since 2023, GCWT has pursued technology breakthroughs in:
- Atmospheric Water Capture: Creating new water sources for high-quality needs, like drinking or manufacturing.
- Chemical-Free Treatment: Using light and electrified technologies to produce fit-for-purpose water at the point of use
- Industrial Water Reuse: Improving filtration to remove organic compounds and salts, enabling sustainable reuse.
- Green Energy and Food Systems: Integrating water technologies with greenhouse gas reduction, hydrogen production, and alternative food production.