Demonstration Testbeds

To accelerate water solutions, we have deployed various demonstration testbeds, which are real-world facility sites that test and refine cutting-edge technologies to ensure they meet Arizona’s needs before scaling up. These testbeds enable small- to mid-scale trials of innovative methods, reducing risks, accelerating adoption, and attracting potential investors and collaborators. Located at partner sites, including Nestlé, TSMC, and Homer Farms, our testbeds evaluate technologies from GCWT/Arizona startups, advancing their capability for real-world use. These facilities, supported by engineering staff and students, are accessible to GCWT collaborators and external companies via a fee structure. GCWT also envisions creating digital twins of currently operating full-scale desalination or other treatment systems aligned with GCWT roadmaps. Our testbeds deliver actionable insights for partners and drive sustainable water solutions across industries.

Our Testbed Initiatives

Manufacturing & Water Technology Testbed (Partner: TSMC): Develops and deploys water treatment and reuse technologies to support energy production, microchip manufacturing, information technology, and industrial cooling.
Desalination and Brine Management Testbed (Partner: Nestlé): Creates solutions for desalinating brackish groundwater or Gulf of California water and transforms brine waste streams into viable chemicals or products.
Groundwater Treatment Technology Testbed: Enhances cost-effective desalination of brackish groundwater and PFAS destruction for safer water supplies/to make water reuse feasible.
21st Century Ag Technology Testbed (Partner: Homer Farms): Advances agricultural innovations, including irrigation, waste management, and treated wastewater use in farming, food processing, and vertical farming.
Rural Water Treatment Testbed: Develops technologies to treat pollutants in rural community water systems or private well water, ensuring clean water at the point of entry or use.