FountAir from Hong Kong wins global recognition for breakthrough in air-to-water and cooling technology

Hong Kong-based FountAir LTD has been named second runner-up in the Innovative Projects Award (Small Projects category) during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The recognition celebrates the company’s revolutionary split-system device, AIR4WATER – 'The Invisible Solution': The First Split VAC-WG, which simultaneously produces clean drinking water and cools air, offering a sustainable solution to address water scarcity and optimise energy consumption.

The award is supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. With total prizes of USD 1 million, it promotes the development of innovative, renewable energy-powered technologies to address global water challenges.

Currently in use across six countries, FountAir’s AIR4WATER devices use a split air conditioning-water generation system to condense and purify water from the air, while also cooling indoor spaces. The units are compatible with solar or grid power and produce up to 120 litres of safe, mineral-rich drinking water per day. Independent lab testing confirms the water meets WHO quality standards, with a neutral pH level between 6.92 and 7.

The company’s two main models – AIR4WATER 400 Pro and AIR4WATER 120 Home – are now deployed in a factory in China, benefitting over 400 individuals in the pilot phase. Additional units are operational in the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, Australia, Lebanon and China, offering affordable water at a marginal cost as low as AED 0.009 per litre when connected only to the electricity grid. FountAir’s design combines environmental responsibility and user-centric utility.

“The global water crisis stems from the excessive and irresponsible use of technology for comfort. To accelerate solutions, economic incentives must be aligned with technological innovation. This award is a powerful example, as it brings technology and economy together to drive impact. Our solution empowers users to meet their own water needs, sell the excess and scale up the model sustainably. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for bridging the gap between those in need and those with the means and will to support lasting change,” said Jannick Jacques Simeray, founder, inventor and CEO at FountAir.