Often, people tend to tackle easier problems because they're, well, easier. However, to ensure a better future—not just for 2026, but for 2040 and beyond—we need cleantech startups taking on the most challenging technical hurdles. Enter Space Water Company: a pioneering startup founded in 2024, Space Water Company was created to address one of the most critical issues in future space exploration—water purification on the Moon.

The water problem isn't confined to Earth; it exists on the Moon too. According to PwC, the lunar economy is projected to be worth $15.8 billion by 2023 and grow to $170 billion by 2040, with an annual growth rate of over 15%. Space Water Company's technology promises to make future lunar missions more sustainable by eliminating the need to transport water from Earth, which costs over $1.2 million per litre.

The company is developing advanced technological solutions to remove known contaminants from lunar water, providing astronauts with drinkable water and enabling spacecraft to refuel in lunar orbit. The need for purified water in space is a challenge worth solving. Space Water Company uses cutting-edge technology to purify water and deploy space-safe hardware and, eventually, advanced AI to automate the entire purification process—eliminating the need for manual intervention. Their solution empowers space agencies, nations, and private companies to conduct sustainable space exploration.

Space Water Company is an early-stage startup, currently validating its core technology and prototype throughout 2024 and 2025. The company is focused on developing its technology and seeking potential partners for a lunar mission. As a research-driven startup, with three out of four co-founders being technical experts, Space Water Company is well-equipped to handle the most critical aspects of research and technology development in-house.

David Leal and Jim Forsbom, co-founders of Space Water Company, highlight the opportunity: "We're entering a new era of space exploration where doing business on the Moon isn't just possible—it's a massive business opportunity. Our solution also enhances Mars exploration, as our refuelling technology significantly lowers the cost of missions by enabling rocket launches from near the Moon."

Co-founder Antonio Gerling adds: "In my 25 years in the water purification industry, I've worked on many challenging projects. But what's been missing is a truly autonomous system that not only 'fixes when broken' but detects issues before they arise. When David approached me about the lunar water challenge, I began researching potential solutions for space. Six months later, we had developed a concept capable of purifying lunar water and addressing critical water challenges for industries, nations, and people in remote areas."

Co-founder Og J. Ramos adds: "Throughout my career as an engineering manager and data specialist, I've tackled a wide range of complex projects, from optimizing data systems to developing innovative solutions in technology. However, the challenge of creating a truly autonomous water purification system for space exploration is unlike anything I've encountered before. When David and Jim presented the lunar water project, I saw an opportunity to apply cutting-edge technology to one of humanity's most pressing challenges—ensuring sustainable water resources on the Moon and beyond. After months of research and development, our team is crafting a system that not only meets the rigorous demands of space but also has the potential to revolutionize water purification for industries and communities here on Earth."

Water scarcity is the number one problem on Earth, with millions lacking access to clean, drinkable water while industrial activities increasingly contaminate groundwater. Meanwhile, space exploration demands innovative solutions for water purification. Space Water Company is at the forefront of developing space technology that could solve some of Earth's toughest water purification challenges.