Turning ideas into ventures that reach beyond academia
Emphasizing start-up creation
Research can remain silo-ed in academia because of a lack of connection to stakeholder and end-user needs, making it difficult to advance. To avoid this, each project begins with the NABC approach in mind, creating an informed mission and an achievable end goal. As research progresses, the team can identify new areas of opportunity and untapped markets, setting a prime foundation for start-up creation.
The Global Center for Water Technology jumps in to support as research teams discover market needs. From this point, each project is encouraged to pursue emerging ventures by connecting them with the best-suited contacts and relevant resources. The aim is to assist research groups strengthening their intellectual property, guide them through early-stage company formation, facilitating access to test-beds and pilot sites, and connecting founders with end users, investors, and technical talent.
Through these partnerships, our Center works to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where innovation in water technology can rapidly move from concept to application, benefiting communities, industry, and the regional economy.
How we support
Great ideas need support to make an impact. To clear the path forward for early-stage ventures, we have curated a vast network of resources to aid start-ups generated from our projects. These are drivers that will directly accelerate technology development and commercialization.
Intellectual Property Development & Patent Support
Development support on IP invention disclosures, navigating ASU’s IP process, and shaping commercially relevant patent strategies.
Market Discovery & Value Proposition Development
Assistance in identifying target markets, refining customer segments, and defining high-value use cases for early-stage technologies.
Business Formation & Early Company Structuring
Through our network, we support legal entity formation, establishing operating structures, securing domain names/emails, and preparing investor-facing materials.
Access to Water-Sector Networks
Introductions to utilities, municipalities, engineering firms, industry partners, and other water-tech stakeholders for potential pilots and partnerships.
Startup Pitch & Communication Coaching
Training on pitch decks, messaging, investor communication, and presentation delivery for competitions, conferences, and accelerator events.
Test-Bed & Pilot Project Facilitation
Coordination with ASU labs, municipal partners, or industry collaborators to design early proof-of-concept tests and secure real-world validation sites, including access to and leveraging of industry-specific ASU test beds.
Commercialization & Go-to-Market Strategy
Strategic planning for initial product development, early sales pathways, pricing models, partner engagement, and long-term commercialization roadmaps.
Visibility Through Events & Showcases
Opportunities to present at the Water Innovation Technology Showcase, the Atmospheric Water Harvesting Summit, ASU Demo Days, industry conferences, and curated investor events.
Ongoing Mentorship & Program Navigation
Long-term advising on milestones, commercial readiness, regulatory considerations, and strategies to advance TRL and commercial maturity from seasoned environmental and water industry professionals.
Our portfolio
Water technology startups emerging from GCWT demonstrate our commitment to advancing innovative inventions. Early-stage ventures span from advanced filtration for contaminant removal, atmospheric water harvesting, wastewater recovery, and beyond, and are translating cutting-edge ASU research into practical, market-ready solutions that address real-world water challenges in Arizona and globally.
We are always open to connecting with potential collaborators who share our vision for a water-secure future. Reach out to talk next steps, explore opportunities, or learn how we can support ideas: contact us today and help shape the next wave of water innovation!