The Genesis : The Spark of Sustainability in India’s Silicon Valley

Vikas Brahmavar’s return to India in 2008 marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards addressing urban India’s water crisis. With an impressive background as an Electronic Engineer and experience in the banking sector in the UK, Brahmavar’s homecoming was fueled by a desire to make a tangible difference in water management. His initial focus was on enhancing water quality in both rural and urban areas, a mission that soon evolved into a broader, more impactful objective: combating water scarcity in cities like Bengaluru. (Boson White Water | Linkedin)

Partnering with Gowthaman Desingh, Boson White Water was born out of the need to address a glaring issue – vast volumes of water being wasted daily in urban settings. The duo’s realization that this wastage could be harnessed and transformed was a game-changer. They recognized that recycling and reusing water was not just a necessity but a sustainable solution for the future.

Founded in 2011, Boson White Water began its mission by tackling the challenge of converting recycled water from sewage treatment plants into potable water. This initiative was not merely a business venture but a response to a critical environmental challenge. The company set out to prove that sustainability and practicality could go hand-in-hand, offering a viable solution to the water scarcity problems plaguing urban India.

Revolutionizing Recycling: Boson White Water’s Innovative Approach

At the heart of Boson White Water’s operations lies an innovative process that stands out in its simplicity and effectiveness. The company has developed an advanced 11-stage Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) filtration process, which transforms sewage treatment plant (STP) water into potable, high-quality drinking water. This remarkable technology adheres to the stringent standards of IS 10500, ensuring that the water it produces is not just safe for consumption but also contributes significantly to reducing water scarcity.

This transformative process is a beacon of hope in a city like Bengaluru, where water scarcity is a pressing issue. By reclaiming and repurposing wastewater, Boson White Water is addressing two critical problems: the depletion of natural water sources and the need for sustainable urban water management. The company’s innovative approach has led to the recovery of approximately 8 lakh liters of water every day, highlighting its significant impact in the realm of water conservation.

Beyond just a technological marvel, this process reflects a deeper understanding of urban water challenges and a commitment to sustainable solutions. Boson White Water’s approach goes beyond mere water treatment; it embodies a holistic vision of water stewardship, turning what was once considered waste into a valuable resource. This not only alleviates the water crisis but also sets a precedent for environmental sustainability in urban landscapes.

Navigating the Rapids: Boson White Water’s Journey Through Challenges

Boson White Water’s path to success was not a straightforward one; it was paved with challenges and misconceptions that needed to be addressed head-on. One of the primary hurdles was overcoming the common skepticism regarding the hygiene and safety of recycled water. Despite the advanced technology and rigorous standards employed in the water recycling process, there was a palpable hesitancy among the public and potential clients to embrace the concept of using water recycled from sewage.

This reluctance was particularly evident in residential settings, where the idea of consuming recycled STP water faced significant resistance. To navigate this, Boson White Water initially focused on industrial uses for their recycled water, providing a sustainable alternative for laundry industries, cooling towers, boilers, and plastic industries, which traditionally relied on fresh water.

Furthermore, the company confronted the practicalities of implementing decentralized water-treatment mechanisms in a city like Bengaluru. While the idea was promising, the cost implications posed a significant barrier. To address this, Boson White Water innovated a financial model where they installed their systems free of charge and recouped expenses by monetizing the recycled water. This approach not only made their solution more accessible but also demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability and economic viability.

Tech-Driven Water Revolution: Inside Boson White Water’s Operational Model

Boson White Water’s operational model is a blend of advanced technology and innovative business strategies, designed to transform wastewater management in urban landscapes. The core of their system lies in their proprietary 11-step Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Filtration process, combined with Internet of Things (IoT) integration for efficient monitoring and minimal manual intervention.

The 11-Step Filtration Process: A Deep Dive

• Pre-treatment Stages: The initial four stages focus on removing odor, color, suspended solids, and turbidity. These stages are equipped with pressure and water quality monitoring devices.
• Specialized Membrane-Based Treatment: Two critical stages employ specialized membranes that ensure every drop of water is recovered. This includes a reverse reuse monitoring mechanism.
• Post-Treatment Customization: The final three stages are tailored to meet specific water quality requirements of different clients, like cooling tower reuse for malls or specific industrial needs.
• Advanced Disinfection: The system incorporates UV and ozone dosing in its final stages, ensuring the removal of contaminants such as E. coli, Coliforms, heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides.

IoT Integration: Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Analysis

• The system is equipped with IoT capabilities, allowing real-time data on water quality and quantity.
• Remote monitoring enables predictive maintenance and scheduling of service based on actual needs rather than fixed routines.

Use Cases: Addressing Diverse Water Needs

• Residential Applications: In apartment complexes, the system converts unused STP water into potable water, ensuring legal compliance and efficient wastewater management.
• Commercial Applications: For IT Parks, malls, and other commercial establishments, the system provides high-quality water for air conditioning, cooling towers, etc.
• Industrial Applications: Industries can use this system to convert STP water into potable water, reducing dependence on water tankers.

Growth and Expansion

• Boson White Water collaborates with significant names like Brigade Orion Mall, RMZ Corp, and others.
• The current installed capacity of their system is about 34 crore liters of water per year, with plans to increase this substantially.

It represents a holistic approach to sustainable water management, combining technical innovation with smart business strategies and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. This model not only provides a practical solution to water scarcity but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban development.

Fuelling Growth: Boson White Water’s Financial Backbone

In February 2022, Boson White Water, a game-changer in sustainable water management, marked a significant milestone in its financial journey. The company secured an investment of INR 3.45 crore (approximately $457,000) in a funding round led by the Indian Angel Network (IAN). This investment was not just a monetary infusion but a validation of Boson White Water’s innovative approach to water sustainability. (Boson White Water Funding | Traxcn)

The round was notably led by Nagaraja Prakasam, a veteran angel investor, who also joined Boson White Water’s board. This strategic partnership underscored the confidence in Boson White Water’s vision and its potential to revolutionize urban water management. The funds are earmarked for pivotal areas in the company’s growth: strengthening technology, expanding operations using IoT, revolutionizing the decentralized model of recycling at source, and implementing predictive analytics to meet the burgeoning demand for sustainable water solutions.

This funding will significantly enhance Boson White Water’s capability to scale its operations. The company plans to utilize this investment to expand its team, grow its water delivery infrastructure, and amplify its impact across Bengaluru with the ambitious goal of recycling 500 crore liters of water per year. Moreover, part of the investment is slated for launching awareness and marketing campaigns, crucial for encouraging widespread adoption of water recycling practices and making sustainable water management a reality in urban settings like Bengaluru.

A Wave of Change: Boson White Water’s Impact and Vision for the Future

Boson White Water’s impact on Bengaluru’s water crisis is both profound and far-reaching. The company’s innovative approach to water recycling has not only provided a practical solution to water scarcity but has also touched the lives of thousands. With over 42,000,000 liters of water saved and 7,000 tankers’ worth of water conserved, the tangible benefits of their system are undeniable. This accomplishment speaks volumes about their contribution to environmental conservation and sustainable urban living.

The company has notably made significant strides in some of Bengaluru’s largest IT parks and residential complexes, such as Vakil Satellite Township and RMZ Ecoworld. These installations have saved an estimated 35 to 48 lakh liters of water per month, equivalent to filling hundreds of water tankers. Such substantial savings underscore Boson White Water’s role in mitigating the city’s water crisis and its potential to revolutionize urban water management.

Looking ahead, Boson White Water is not resting on its laurels. The company has set itself an ambitious target of saving 500 crore liters of water per year by 2020. This goal reflects not just a business objective but a commitment to a larger cause—the cause of water conservation and sustainable urban development.

The expansion of Boson White Water’s operations to other cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune is a testament to their growing influence and success. This geographic expansion is aligned with their vision of bringing sustainable water solutions to more urban centers in India, further solidifying their position as a leader in water recycling and management.

Lessons For Aspiring Entrepreneurs : Boson White Water’s Blueprint

Boson White Water’s story is not just about water. It’s a narrative rich with lessons for budding entrepreneurs, especially those keen on addressing environmental and social challenges. Here are some key takeaways:

Innovate for Impact: 

Boson White Water demonstrates that innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about applying technology to solve real-world problems. Their approach to water recycling revolutionizes how we perceive and manage urban water resources.

Sustainability as a Business Model: 

The journey of Boson White Water underscores that environmental sustainability can be at the core of a profitable business model. Their operational and financial strategies show how addressing ecological challenges can also lead to economic benefits.

Overcoming Skepticism with Quality: 

Facing initial skepticism, Boson White Water focused on delivering high-quality, safe, and reliable solutions. This commitment to excellence helped them overcome public hesitancy and established their credibility in the market.

Customization is Key: 

Recognizing the diverse needs of their clients, Boson White Water adopted a tailored approach. This flexibility in meeting specific requirements not only enhanced customer satisfaction but also increased the applicability of their solution.

Economic Viability in Environmental Solutions: 

Boson White Water’s financial model, which involves no initial investment from customers, highlights that environmental solutions can be economically viable and accessible.

Scaling Up with Vision: 

The company’s expansion from Bengaluru to other cities is a lesson in scaling up responsibly. Their growth strategy is aligned with their vision to bring sustainable water solutions to a broader audience.

Persistence Pays Off: 

Lastly, the story of Boson White Water teaches us about the power of perseverance. Despite challenges and skepticism, their persistence in pursuing their vision has paid off, both in terms of business success and environmental impact.

Boson White Water’s journey provides a blueprint for entrepreneurs who aspire to combine innovation with sustainability, making a tangible difference in the world while building a successful business.

Conclusion :  Boson White Water’s Ripple Effect in Urban Sustainability

Boson White Water stands as a shining example of how entrepreneurial vision, when aligned with the cause of environmental conservation, can create significant, positive change. It challenges us to rethink our approach to one of our most precious resources: water. It inspires us to consider how we, as individuals and communities, can contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether it’s through supporting environmentally-conscious businesses, advocating for sustainable practices in our communities, or simply being more mindful of our water usage, we all have a role to play.

For the entrepreneurs among us, let Boson White Water’s journey ignite your imagination. See in their story the potential to combine innovation with sustainability, to create businesses that don’t just profit but also profoundly benefit society and the environment.

As we face the challenges of urbanization and climate change, let us draw inspiration from Boson White Water’s commitment to making a difference. Let’s join the wave of change in our own ways, contributing to a future where sustainability is not just an aspiration but a reality. Are you inspired by Boson White Water’s story? Do you have an idea that could make a difference? Start today. Explore, innovate, and take action.

For further inspiration and to broaden your understanding of sustainable initiatives, we recommend exploring our other articles on Fuselage, Ekta Chaudhary’s Garden Up, Sabjikothi, and Raimathi Ghiuria. Each story offers unique insights into how innovation and commitment to the environment can lead to meaningful change.