How This Deeptech Startup Is Solving Water Scarcity with Air
In a world that is increasingly threatened by water scarcity, Chennai-based Aeronero Solutions is pioneering an innovative way to generate water directly from the air. Founded in 2019 by Durga Das, a Silicon Valley technologist and former national-level cricketer, the company is tackling one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: access to clean, sustainable water.
According to a study published in Nature Communications, around 1.7 to 2.4 billion people worldwide are projected to face water shortages by 2050 due to urban growth, uneven rainfall, and falling groundwater levels, nearly doubling from 933 million in 2016. When Cape Town faced its “Day Zero” water crisis in 2018, Das realised how serious the global water problem was. “It was staring me in the face. I had to do something about water,” Das says. With over 30 years of tech experience in Silicon Valley, he founded Aeronero. This deep-tech company uses science and innovation to create a reliable source of water from the atmosphere itself.
Solution Overview: Hybrid Atmospheric Water Generation
Aeronero’s products use atmospheric water generation (AWG) to extract moisture from the air and convert it into potable water. Most conventional AWG systems work only under specific temperature or humidity levels. Aeronero’s hybrid system, which combines condensation and desiccation technologies, can operate efficiently in diverse climatic conditions, including low-humidity regions.
The company manufactures all its products in-house in Chennai and currently employs 22 people. Its product range spans from compact home units to industrial-scale systems, with modular designs capable of producing anywhere between 5,000 and 50,000 litres of water per day.
Aeronero’s products start at around ₹75,000 for smaller home units and scale upward for larger systems. The technology produces water at a cost of just ₹4 per litre, one of the lowest in the world. When powered by solar energy, the operating cost of water becomes zero, making it both affordable and sustainable. This positions atmospheric moisture as a practical source of water even in areas where traditional infrastructure is unreliable or expensive.
From Ideation to Commercial Launch
Starting from a prototype in 2019, Aeronero has developed and deployed its Version 2.0 models, scaling from home units to community-level systems. The company now operates under a B2B and B2G model, supplying builders, industries, and government projects. It also follows a B2B2C approach by integrating its systems into large housing projects through developers.
This multi-channel strategy has allowed Aeronero to move beyond early pilots into sustained commercial deployments. The focus remains on delivering clean water without relying on groundwater extraction, surface water bodies, or long-distance pipelines, making air itself a dependable source of water.
Clients and Growing Market Presence
Aeronero has served over 300 clients, with most remaining active users. Its flagship partnerships include Prestige Group, which is deploying Aeronero systems across 35,000 homes in 30 upcoming projects. The company also works with Kohinoor Builders in India and has secured contracts for a million homes in Mexico City.
Globally, the AWG sector includes players such as Watergen (Israel), Aquaria (US), Cumulus, Genesis Systems, and India’s Aero Water. Aeronero differentiates itself through the hybridisation of condensation and desiccation, enabling consistent production in regions where traditional single-technology systems often fail.
Expansion Plans and Future Ambitions
Aeronero has raised about ₹8 crore ($1 million) and is currently closing its pre-Series A round. From ₹4 crore last year, the company’s revenues have grown to ₹40 crore in FY25, reflecting strong expansion momentum.
By March 2026, Aeronero aims to reach 5,000 clients and launch AQUAIR, a bottled-water brand produced entirely from air, targeting the hospitality industry. The brand will debut in 10 Indian cities and Cabo, Mexico, where it plans to serve 500 hotels.
The company is setting up a new manufacturing unit in Mexico, scheduled for launch by the end of the month, and plans to open another facility in the Middle East (UAE) next month. These regional units will enable local production and faster supply for each market, further strengthening air as a scalable source of water across geographies.
Why Atmospheric Water Matters Now
Traditional sources of freshwater rivers, lakes, and aquifers are under increasing pressure from climate change, urbanisation, and over-extraction. Atmospheric water generation offers a decentralised alternative that does not deplete existing reserves. For real-estate developers, industries, and municipalities facing unreliable municipal supply or groundwater restrictions, systems like Aeronero’s provide an independent and controllable option.
The ability to produce water at ₹4 per litre, or essentially free when solar-powered, improves the economic case for adoption. Modular capacity ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of litres per day allows the same core technology to serve individual homes, housing societies, factories, and large institutional campuses.
FAQ
Q: How does Aeronero generate water from air?
A: It uses a hybrid atmospheric water generation system that combines condensation and desiccation technologies to extract moisture and convert it into potable water across a wide range of climatic conditions.
Q: What is the cost of water produced by Aeronero systems?
A: The technology produces water at approximately ₹4 per litre. When the system is powered by solar energy, the operating cost can drop to zero.
Q: Who are Aeronero’s main customers?
A: The company serves builders, industries, and government projects under B2B and B2G models, and also integrates systems into large housing projects through developers (B2B2C).
Q: What makes Aeronero different from other atmospheric water generators?
A: Its hybrid condensation-plus-desiccation approach allows efficient operation even in low-humidity regions where many conventional systems struggle.