Waqua

Waqua, formerly known as Y's Global Vision, is a Japanese deep-tech company founded in 2012 by Yoshifumi Yanase. Headquartered in Uruma, Okinawa, the company specializes in manufacturing and developing compact, low-energy desalination equipment and other water-related infrastructure. Its mission is to increase the amount of usable water globally by creating a "smart water grid" and promoting the local production and consumption of water.

The company's core products include portable desalination units, like the MYZ series, and circular hand-washing units, which can be powered by solar energy or standard household power supplies. These devices are designed for use in various settings such as construction sites, remote islands, and areas with limited or no existing water infrastructure. Waqua has patented key components of its technology, including a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane storage container, which allows for smaller, more efficient devices. The company is also developing an IoT platform to connect its decentralized devices, aiming to build a new micro-infrastructure for water.

Waqua serves a diverse client base, including the marine, civil engineering, and construction industries. Its business model involves the development, manufacturing, and sale of its water treatment equipment and related IT services. The company has received multiple accolades, including the Good Design Award TOP100 for its MYZ α-4 desalination unit, and was selected for the Japanese government's "J-Startup 2023" program. Waqua has secured venture capital funding from investors such as Daiki Axis Company, Japan Green Investment Corporation for Carbon Neutrality, and Kyushu Electric Power to support its growth and expansion.

Keywords: water purification, desalination equipment, deep-tech, smart water grid, reverse osmosis, water infrastructure, CleanTech, sustainable water, decentralized water systems, IoT water platform, water treatment, circular economy, remote water access, disaster relief water, construction site water