cleanwater1 Pledges Investment to Solve Global Water Challenges
At the 2023 UN Water Conference, Baird Capital portfolio company cleanwater1 (formerly known as UGSI Solutions) was one of 18 organizations joining forces, pledging to invest $11 billion in water innovation over the next five years.
The funds will be directed toward water-related research and development, start-up companies commercializing innovative water management approaches, and deploying new water technologies. The organizations will also commit to ongoing engagement with development agencies, governments, and other stakeholders to facilitate more cross-sector action to solve water challenges.
“Most of humanity’s challenges today stem from our reliance on water, whether for human life or, on a larger scale, economic well-being and prosperity of society,” said Henk Ovink, Water Envoy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. “We all need it, but in some places, there is too much and in other places there isn’t enough. As significant water investors and users, the private sector has a pivotal role to play. The organizations pledging their commitment today are at the forefront of bringing new innovations to water use, treatment, and recycling. This type of collective action is essential to tackling major water challenges, and to creating a sustainable planet for future generations.”
Organizations contributing to the pledge alongside cleanwater1 include Acciona, Autodesk, BlueTech, Burnt Island Ventures, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Evoqua, Grundfos, Hansgrohe, Hydraloop, Idexx, Veolia, Water Foundry Ventures, Wavin, Westly Group, XPV and Xylem.