AQUAPRENEURS RISING

Turning scarcity into opportunity, a new wave of water innovators is making every drop count through technology, sustainability, and purpose

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India’s water crisis is no longer a distant threat.

It is a daily reality for millions. With 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater resources, the country faces a severe imbalance. Groundwater levels are plummeting, rivers are increasingly polluted, and erratic monsoons are making water availability unpredictable. Amid these challenges, entrepreneurs are blending technology, sustainability, and community engagement to secure the nation’s water future.

Government estimates warn that total water demand will exceed 1,093 billion cubic metres by 2025, with irrigation alone consuming nearly 80%. Urban demand is expected to double by 2030, driven by rapid urbanization and population growth. These trends underline an urgent truth: India needs systemic innovation.

In response, over 100 startups across India are tackling water challenges head-on, with at least 37 focused on cutting-edge technologies like wastewater recycling, desalination, smart metering, and even water-from-air systems. Their work is attracting global investors, accelerators, and development agencies eager to support scalable solutions. Platforms such as Water Innovation Summit 2025 have spotlighted these “waterpreneurs” as central to India’s water security and resilience agenda.

India’s water entrepreneurs are showing that water innovation is not just an environmental necessity — it’s a strong business opportunity. The country’s water and wastewater management market, valued at ₹92.44 billion in 2024, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.72%, reaching ₹353.50 billion by 2030. This rapid growth is being fuelled by rising water scarcity, greater awareness of conservation, and a surge of private sector innovation.