Water Innovation Fund Hits €100M to Fight Global Crisis

Clean, accessible water for everyone just got a major boost from investors betting on innovation to solve one of humanity's biggest challenges.

Emerald Technology Ventures, a Zurich-based firm with 20 years of water expertise, reached €100 million for its Global Water Fund II. The milestone brings together heavyweight backers including Singapore's Temasek and Denmark's Grundfos Foundation to support startups revolutionizing water technology.

The fund targets companies developing solutions across the entire water system. That includes smarter infrastructure, advanced treatment methods, water reuse technologies, and AI-powered monitoring systems that predict problems before they become crises.

"Within the water sector, we are convinced that doing business goes hand in hand with doing good," said Kim Nøhr Skibsted, Executive Director at Grundfos Foundation. "Our investment is a bid to help more water startups grow strong and address global water and climate challenges."

This announcement caps a remarkable surge in water innovation funding. In January alone, Luxembourg's Hydrosat raised €51 million for thermal satellite technology that monitors water resources from space, while Amsterdam's PureTerra Ventures secured backing toward a €150 million fund focused on water efficiency.

Emerald's track record shows real results. The firm's first water fund helped launch companies that were later acquired by industry giants like Xylem and BASF, proving that solving water challenges can scale globally.

The Ripple Effect

This wave of investment reaches far beyond boardrooms and balance sheets. Every dollar flowing into water innovation supports technologies that could provide clean drinking water to communities in need, help farmers grow food more sustainably, and protect ecosystems from drought and contamination.

The fund aims to grow to €180 million total, creating a platform where breakthrough startups connect with industrial partners and long-term capital. That combination accelerates the journey from lab prototype to real-world impact.

With over €1 billion in assets under management and offices spanning three continents, Emerald brings serious firepower to a crisis that affects billions. The firm has completed hundreds of venture deals and supported over 100 startups through various programs.

Water scarcity already impacts four out of ten people globally, and climate change is making the challenge more urgent every year. But this flood of smart capital and innovative thinking shows the world is finally treating water solutions with the seriousness they deserve.

Every breakthrough in water technology creates a ripple effect that touches lives, economies, and ecosystems worldwide.