Shows
BlueNotesBlueTech’s summer stack: from Unicorns to PFAS, Plasma and moreAutonomous water plants are here—and 49 of them are already running in China, serving 17 million people with no one on-site. Dr. Kim Wu unpacks this jaw-dropping stat and what it signals for digital twins, smart networks, and the new edge of AI in water. She also flags the rise of low-power IoT and how cybersecurity is shifting from afterthought to core infrastructure need. Later, we welcome Dr. Rick Woodling, the newest member of BlueTech’s TAG team, dialing in from Hawaii. He’s keeping a close eye on next-gen RO, new moves in ZLD, and a mass...2025-07-1832 min
BlueNotesFrom CO₂ to CPUs: what net zero and AI are doing to waterDid you know there are at least 16 different ways to capture carbon—and some of them actually generate water? Others, however, could increase water consumption at power plants by up to 30%. In this episode, Rhys and Divya unpack the complex relationship between water and carbon capture technologies, where scale-up is accelerating and trade-offs are becoming harder to ignore.They also turn their focus to AI: data centers powering tools like ChatGPT are guzzling up to 5 million gallons of water a day. Every prompt has a footprint—and it’s not just digital. From ceramic membra...2025-06-0613 min
BookClubPilot: Why books, why now?What if water had its own bookshelf? In this special pilot episode, Lily Chen joins Paul O’Callaghan to launch The BlueTech Book Club Podcast—a new space dedicated to books about water. Not just another water podcast, this one’s for the curious and the committed: whether you’re knee-deep in water innovation or just dipping your toes in. Paul shares why books matter in shaping how we think about the sector, how stories move ideas forward, and what inspired him to take the mic. We reflect on...2025-04-2315 min
BlueNotesWater efficiency: the next frontier in cooling techDr Vishal Wagholikar joins Rhys and Divya to break down findings from his new Horizon Scan on cooling technologies. As data centres grow more power-hungry, water use is emerging as a blind spot—and a growing concern. The trio unpacks liquid cooling breakthroughs, water use effectiveness metrics, and shifting industry priorities. If you’re in cooling, water, or digital infrastructure, don’t miss this. The full report is now available on the BlueTech Intelligence platform. Download here or request access.--Presented by BlueTech Research®...2025-04-1215 min
BlueTech around the worldThe most efficient way to farm seafood? How RAS, AI & bluetech are reinventing aquaculture🎧 Can smart RAS systems revolutionize aquaculture? 🐟Aquaculture already produces over 50% of the seafood we eat, and by 2050, we’ll need it to feed billions more.But how can we scale aquaculture while reducing its environmental impact?In this episode of BlueTech Around the World, we dive into Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and explore how they can support sustainable food production, climate resilience, and digital innovation, with Cristóbal Aguilera, Innovation Manager at IRTA and long-time leader in aquaculture innovation.🔹 In...2025-03-2349 min
BlueNotesFrom PFAS to atmospheric water: industry shifts in January 2025January 2025 brought significant changes to the water industry. From extreme weather events affecting Cork, Australia, and LA, to the EPA's withdrawal of proposed PFAS limits following the new Trump administration. Bluetech will host a press briefing on the implications of these PFAS regulatory changes, particularly for biosolids management.New research reportsBluetech's latest research covers critical water sector challenges: stormwater management with digital and nature-based solutions, innovations in water conveyance addressing aging infrastructure, and advances in water treatment materials. The team has also analyzed emerging contaminants beyond PFAS, forecasting future regulatory trends.2025-02-0610 min
BlueTech around the worldExploring ocean innovation 🌊 | Welcome to "BlueTech Around the World" Podcast🎧 Welcome to the first-ever episode of "BlueTech Around the World"! 🌊If you're passionate about ocean innovation, cutting-edge technology, and bold ideas transforming our blue planet, you’re in the right place.🔹 In this episode:Introduction: Get to know me, Marilou, an entrepreneur and ocean advocate, and learn why this podcast is my way of giving back to the incredible ocean community.The ocean's power: Discover the countless ways the ocean feeds us, cures us, powers us, and connects us, all while driving innovation for a sustainable future....2025-01-0609 min
BlueNotesThe Last Drop of 2024: Blue Notes Into 2025’s WatersIn this finale episode, Rhys and Divya reflect on the year's achievements, including the launch of a Market-creating Legislation and Regulation Tracker and a review of photodynamic disinfection technology. They also delve into BlueTech's Top 10 Patent Applications for 2024 and share a sneak peek at the exciting topics slated for 2025. Stay tuned for updates on Bluetech Forum Unplugged, a new event format that promises more intimate and focused discussions. Happy holidays and see you in the new year! ✨--Presented by BlueTech Research®, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence. Watch the trai...2024-12-1812 min
BlueNotesPFAS Destruction: Innovations and Insights from BlueTech’s Horizon Scan with Jacob SteeleIn this special episode of the BlueNotes Podcast, hosts Rhys Owen and Divya Inna are joined by Jacob Steele, Senior Research Analyst and author of BlueTech’s latest Horizon Scan on PFAS Destruction Technologies. This episode builds on the recent client-only web briefing, broadening the conversation to the wider water community about the persistent challenge of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and the technologies driving change.Jacob dives deep into the cutting-edge technologies reshaping the landscape of PFAS destruction. From electrochemical oxidation and supercritical water oxidation to pyr...2024-11-2517 min
BlueNotesGreen Chemistry and Ultrafiltration membranes in the Fast LaneGreen Chemistry takes center stage as Rhys and Divya dive into the world of sustainable chemical manufacturing and the importance of the 12 principles from the US EPA. Discover the challenges and potential of market adoption and the exciting developments in green alternatives like Hydrex and bio-based polyacrylamide flocculants. Shift focus to Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes as we explore emerging innovations in ceramic and graphene oxide membranes, and the implications of upcoming EU PFAS restrictions. Don't miss the buzz about the WEFTEC conference in New Orleans, where Bluetech Research is proudly ho...2024-10-0310 min
BlueNotesTop Picks and Trends from WEFTEC 2024With WEFTEC a couple of weeks from now, hosts Divya Inna and Rhys Owen dive into the highly anticipated event, which is the largest water industry event in North America, taking place in New Orleans. Join them as they highlight BlueTech Research’s top picks for the most impactful presentations and innovations, along with key events not to miss.You’ll hear an expert breakdown of the top abstracts submitted to WEFTEC and categorized by the most pressing industry themes like sustainability, PFAS removal, digital innovation, resource recovery, and more. Whether you’re attending WEFTEC for the first...2024-09-1913 min
BlueNotesThe next wave: Earth Observation Science and the evolution of Brine Management & ZLDEarth Observation Science (EOS) is a rapidly growing field, with applications ranging from water risk assessment to sustainability reporting. Satellite data can be used to monitor drought and flood risk, water quality, and leak detection. The market for EOS solutions in the water sector is estimated to reach $2 billion by 2027. Utility and technology providers are increasingly interested in this space. This market potential is explored in detail in BlueTech’s newly published report on EOS, which examines the technologies, market size, and key players. The report is especially relevant for municipal leaders, chief technology officers, R&D managers, and su...2024-08-2712 min
BlueNotesLithium and hydrogen markets, thermal sludge treatment, and upcoming researchIn this episode of the Blue Notes podcast, hosts Divya and Rhys discuss recent travels and conferences, including high-profile events on lithium and hydrogen. They delve into the lithium market and the technology breakthroughs in direct lithium extraction, as well as the challenges in the hydrogen economy. The conversation also covers advanced thermal sludge treatment technologies and recent regulatory changes in the EU Wastewater Directive. With a packed schedule of reports and analyses, there's plenty of valuable content to look forward to over the summer.Divya and Rhys highlight upcoming research reports for BlueTech clients, i...2024-07-2312 min
BlueNotesBlueTech Forum 2024: Highlights and ReflectionsIn this episode of the Blue Notes podcast, the hosts, Rhys and Divya, begin with a discussion about recent technical hiccups Rhys faced and a brief update on Divya's camper van office situation due to a house move. They reflect on their experiences at the Bluetech Forum, highlighting key presentations and personal stories, including Professor Kongjian Yu's talk on China's sponge cities movement and various personal 'Ikigai' stories shared by participants. They also discuss the showcase awards and the innovative companies that stood out, such as WASE and Membrion. The conversation shifts to the Lighthouse Awards, recognizing pioneering water...2024-07-0116 min
O Rio É Tech | Com Beto LargmanUma bluetech para combater o desperdício de água - O Rio É Tech Podcast #45 Nesta edição do videocast “O Rio é Tech”, Beto Largman, colunista de tecnologia, inovação e mercado da BandNews FM Rio, conversou com Camillo Torquato, que fundou a T&D Sustentável, uma bluetech que está presente em mais de 45 cidades do Brasil economizando cerca de 600 milhões de litros de água em diversas empresas com a ajuda da tecnologia.Oferecimento: TIM Ultrafibra 2024-06-0423 min
O Rio É TechUma bluetech para combater o desperdício de água - O Rio É Tech Podcast #45Nesta edição do videocast “O Rio é Tech”, Beto Largman, colunista de tecnologia, inovação e mercado da BandNews FM Rio, conversou com Camillo Torquato, que fundou a T&D Sustentável, uma bluetech que está presente em mais de 45 cidades do Brasil economizando cerca de 600 milhões de litros de água em diversas empresas com a ajuda da tecnologia.Oferecimento: TIM Ultrafibra2024-06-0423 min
BlueNotesEdinburgh calling! 🏴 Network with water leaders at Bluetech Forum 2024This episode features the upcoming Bluetech Forum, an event hosted by BlueTech Research that convenes experts from the global water sector. Scheduled for June 3rd and 4th, the forum highlights include innovation showcases. Hosts Rhys and Divya also discuss the event's emphasis on partnerships and collaborations, such as the five by five session. Keynote speakers, Kong Jianyu, discussing sponge cities, and Gary White, co-founder of Water.org, are anticipated. They also explain the Six Thinking Hats workshops aiming for enriched conversations among attendees. Additionally, the forum includes a screening of the documentary 'Our Blue World: A Water O...2024-05-1511 min
BlueNotesOur Blue World Premiere recap, soft sensors and reverse osmosis insightsIn this episode, Rhys and Divya discuss the global premiere of 'Our Blue World, A Water Odyssey' in New York, highlighting the fantastic celebration of the planet and the event's success, attributed to the support from various partners. They also touch upon the Brave Blue World Foundation, aimed at fostering scientific, educational storytelling for public engagement. Additionally, the discussion veers into Bluetech Research updates, focusing on recent works around soft sensor technologies and reverse osmosis membranes, including insights into innovation impact analysis related to carbon nanotubes and graphene membranes. The episode provides an engaging overview of...2024-04-2910 min
BlueNotesBluetech's Global Endeavors: From New York Premieres to Water InnovationsIn this episode of the Blue Notes podcast, hosts Rhys and Divya discuss a variety of topics including the excitement surrounding the global premiere of Bluetech's second documentary 'Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey' on Earth Day in New York, welcoming key collaborators. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the new PFAS regulations by the EPA, setting strict maximum contaminant levels for drinking water, which poses challenges and opportunities within the water industry. Furthermore, an upcoming report on water and hydrogen showcases the intersection of the hydrogen economy and environmental sustainability. The episode al...2024-04-2911 min
BlueNotesInnovation in Action & Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Wastewater TreatmentThis episode of Blue Notes dives into the world of water innovation. Join Divya and Rhys as they discuss the upcoming Bluetech Forum in Edinburgh, Scotland (June 3rd-4th), where industry leaders will explore the latest water tech solutions.They then shift gears to chat about a critical environmental issue: greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants. They highlight a new Bluetech Research report on measuring and reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, the biggest culprit. Learn about effective strategies for tackling this challenge.Looking to the future, the conversation explores the role of sensors...2024-03-2815 min
BlueNotesData, desalination, and disruption: The water industry's new waveWe delve deep into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) in the water industry as we explore the rapid evolution of AI technology, including machine learning and generative AI, and how large language models are revolutionizing data analysis, decision support, and customer service within the water sector.We also introduce our new artificial intelligence large language model watch service, designed to keep our clients informed about the latest developments in AI and its impact on the water industry.Furthermore, we share insights from the recent Produced Water...2024-02-2612 min
BlueNotesFrom batteries to chips: can innovation quench our water woes?In the latest episode of BlueNotes, hosts Divya Inna and Rhys Owen cover a range of pressing topics shaping the intersection of technology, sustainability, and water management.They kick off with a deep dive into the burgeoning lithium industry and its profound implications for the water economy. With the demand for lithium-ion batteries skyrocketing, the hosts underscore the critical role of water technologies across the lithium value chain. They spotlight emerging extraction methods and the evolving landscape of lithium supply, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management practices. Transitioning to the semiconductor industry, Divya and R...2024-02-0214 min
BlueNotesBlueTech Insights: Navigating the Waters of 2024In this second episode of the BlueNotes podcast, hosts Divya and Rhys discuss various topics related to the water industry. They begin by mentioning their recent team trip to Lisbon, where they set objectives for 2024 and reviewed the research calendar. The episode covers a recap of the end-of-year webinar, Water Almanac, focusing on key trends in investments and patent activity in the water sector in 2023.👉🏼 Tune in on the Water Almanac recording here.Rhys provides insights into the top 10 patent applicants, highlighting companies like Evoqua, Ecolab, and Veolia. He discusses specific patents, such as...2024-01-1813 min