Irvine Startup Develops Technology to Extract Water from Air Amid Growing Scarcity
Irvine Startup Develops Technology to Extract Water from Air Amid Growing Scarcity
US · Published May 20, 2026
An Irvine-based startup, Atoco, has developed a groundbreaking technology to extract water from the air using metallic organic frameworks (MOFs).
These nanocrystalline structures are engineered to attract and store water molecules from the atmosphere.
The technology, which can operate in arid climates, is seen as a potential solution to global water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.

Why It's Important?

The technology addresses critical water shortages affecting millions globally. In the U.S., declining Colorado River flows threaten water supplies for 40 million people, while nearly a million Californians lack access to safe drinking water. Communities like Corpus Christi, Texas, face the risk of running out of water due to prolonged droughts. Atoco's atmospheric water harvesters could alleviate these pressures, particularly in water-stressed areas and industries like data centers and hospitals. However, the technology is not a complete replacement for large-scale desalination and may face challenges in scaling production to meet demand.

Related News