Next-Gen Water Filtration for Urban Sustainability

A cleantech startup developing nanomaterial-based filters set out to address a growing environmental challenge: heavy metal contamination in urban stormwater systems. Their innovation showed promise in early trials—but without verified performance data, they faced barriers to regulatory approval, funding, and public-sector partnerships.

We partnered with the team to validate their product under real-world conditions and help them position it for large-scale deployment. Through rigorous testing and certified reporting, we helped them unlock a major contract—and their next stage of growth.

The Challenge

The startup’s technology had strong internal results but lacked third-party data, regulatory documentation, or scientific credibility to enter the municipal water market. Without certified lab validation, procurement and environmental approval remained out of reach.

Solution

We designed a full-spectrum validation strategy including:

• ICP-MS testing for trace metal removal (lead, mercury, cadmium)
• Flow-rate and pressure analysis under urban runoff simulation
• Lifecycle durability testing over 100+ filtration cycles
• Benchmarking against EPA standards and existing filtration solutions
• Scientific reporting aligned with city procurement documentation needs

Our team worked closely with the founders, adapting the protocol to regulatory expectations and public sector requirements.

Result

Awarded in municipal supply contracts following certified performance validation and submission-ready documentation.

Their solution was approved for initial rollout in 3 districts, with potential to scale citywide. In parallel, the validation data supported a successful funding milestone and positioned them as a market-ready cleantech provider.

“We came to the lab with a breakthrough concept. They gave us the credibility, data, and confidence to turn it into a funded, city-backed solution. This partnership was the turning point for our company.”— Ava Kim, Co-Founder & CEO, Hydralite Technologies