SoLED system

The United Nations' sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) emphasizes the need for the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This is particularly crucial in economically underdeveloped rural regions, where communities often rely on untreated water from natural sources like rivers, lakes, or unprotected wells. Drinking water from surface water and unimproved sources such as unprotected dug wells or unprotected springs presents the greatest risk to public health. At current rates of progress, more than one-third of countries will not achieve universal access to an ‘improved’ source of drinking water by 2030.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, an estimated 1.7 billion people globally used a drinking water source contaminated with feces. Moreover, ~ 1 in 5 children do not have access to sufficient water to meet their needs (UNICEF, 2021). Globally, in 2020, out of the wastewater flows generated by households (HH) connected to sewers or septic tanks; almost half were not treated safely. The lack of adequate technologies and services for water quality improvement, coupled with infrastructure challenges such as intermittent electricity, inadequate piping systems, lack of skilled maintenance personnel, and broken supply chain intensifies public health risks. As a result, 88% of diarrhea-associated deaths are attributable to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient hygiene, and diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of death among children under 5 years. While efforts to address this challenge are intensifying, the lack of available and sustainable solutions to safe drinking water persists as a barrier to empowering households and communities. Moreover, a lack of available and safe water can be a source of regional conflicts.

Many communities collect water from unimproved sources and store water in their household, often in open containers without any treatment of the water or residual disinfectant. The challenges in community and household disinfection systems encompass a variety of factors, including raising awareness about the significance of water safety, understanding the hazards of contaminated water, and the expenses associated with providing clean water. For household systems, there are additional challenges as the necessary steps to purify the water, which include obtaining it from a safe source, treating it through prefiltration and disinfection units, and maintaining and cleaning the water storage containers. Moreover, factors like the willingness to pay for safe water are influenced by various elements, such as cost, awareness of its importance, cultural issues, effort required, and location, especially for those living below the poverty line. In addition according to the JMP report, less than two-thirds of healthcare facilities have an improved water source within 500 m. Consequently, the scale of the problem related to safe water is considerable in the communities we are working in with people who use a drinking water source contaminated with feces. In Uganda, out of its population of 47 million people, 38 million people (81% of the population) lack access to safe water, and in India, out of its population of 1.4 billion people, 35 million people lack access to safe water (https://water.org).

SoLED offers a transformative water disinfection solution tailored for remote rural and urban areas that are hard to reach or lack basic services. SoLED is a system based on cutting-edge Ultra-Violet Light Emitting Diodes (UV-LED) technology — small LED lights that emit UV light. When water passes through the SoLED system, the harmful microorganisms in the water absorb the UV light. This light at specific wavelengths destroys these microorganisms, making the water safe to drink. The process does not alter the water's taste or smell, ensuring it remains fresh and clean for consumption. Groundwater wells, and streams, in rural and low-income areas can benefit from SoLED's technology. This system uses decentralized, UV-LED-based water disinfection methods that are specifically designed to be effective in settings lacking extensive infrastructure. The SoLED device is designed for easy integration, able to connect to any standard pipe or filtration system to effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses from water. Smart Integration and Energy Efficiency: SoLED devices can be embedded with IoT capabilities, allowing them to be managed remotely when required through a centralized fleet management dashboard. This smart system integration enables real-time monitoring and control, which enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of water treatment across various deployment sites. The devices feature flow switches and automatic UV on/off controls that are activated by water flow to conserve energy and extend the lifespan of the LEDs. Power for the devices is primarily supplied by solar panels, ensuring that the system is sustainable and operable in areas without electrical grid access. Durability, Low Maintenance, and Scalability: The UV-LEDs in SoLED devices are particularly durable as they contain no filaments or glass components, reducing the risk of breakage and the need for frequent maintenance. This durability is crucial for the longevity of devices in harsh, remote environments. Furthermore, the modular design of the SoLED system allows for scalability; additional units can be seamlessly added to meet the needs of larger communities or increased water demand. Application and Impact: SoLED devices are designed to be plug-and-play, making them not only easy to install but also simple to operate. They are an ideal solution for a variety of settings, including small communities, schools, and healthcare facilities in rural areas. By improving access to clean water, SoLED significantly contributes to the health and well-being of these populations. Scalability: The scalability of the SoLED system is one of its standout features, facilitated by its modular design. This design allows for flexibility in configuration, making it adaptable to the varying needs of different communities, irrespective of their size or the volume of water that needs to be treated. Whether it's for a small household or community system, additional units can be seamlessly integrated into the existing setup, enabling an increase in water treatment capacity without the need for extensive modifications or complex installations. For those interested in a deeper understanding of how the SoLED system works and its potential impact, a product demonstration video can be accessed here

The target population that SoLED aims to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of low-middle income residents of rural areas in Uganda and rural and urban areas in India, who are currently underserved in terms of safe water access. In Uganda, 81%, lack access to safe water. The challenges are compounded by high population growth, which stresses the existing water and sanitation infrastructure, and many families in rural areas must walk over 30 minutes to collect water. In India, the situation is similarly dire, with 35 million people lacking access to safe water and 678 million without safe sanitation. The country faces issues like water stress, contaminated surface water, and a lack of access to piped water supply. The Indian government has been active, aiming to provide tap water connections to every household by 2024 as part of its national water policy; however, with this ambitious scheme still the safety of the water remains questionable.

The grand vision of SoLED involves a repeatable method for researching, developing, and implementing sustainable water disinfection solutions. This method is built upon core research, water engineering expertise, and strategic partnerships, focusing on a four-step method: finding a local partner to understand community-specific needs, mapping use cases for the appropriate technology, developing effective solutions leveraging our team's expertise, and ensuring the functionality, effectiveness, and community training for long-term sustainability.

With milestones including initial proof of concept, expanding pilots, and optimizing processes, SoLED's mission involves establishing a multi-stakeholder organization and collaboration with industrial partners, NGOs, water foundations, government agencies, and communities. In summary, SoLED's mission and vision demonstrate a commitment to overcoming global water challenges through innovative technology and collaborative efforts, bridging the gap between research and practical field application to deliver essential water disinfection solutions to those in dire need. We believe that through this initiative and raising funds we can make changes in the communities. To learn about the impact

Our approach targets regions with limited infrastructure. We have developed a profound understanding of the needs and limitations specific to these areas, gained through extensive experience in humanitarian contexts and direct engagement through surveys in India and Uganda. By working closely with communities, we develop tailored water disinfection solutions that are sensitive to the local culture and realities of daily life. Over the past few years, we have forged strong relationships and conducted real-life pilot projects in India and Uganda, continuously refining our systems based on community feedback to ensure they meet the practical demands of providing safe drinking water.

In conflict-affected communities that require swift and adaptable water disinfection solutions, our technology offers an off-grid, lightweight option that can be directly transported to water sources in crises. Our experience in these environments is backed by ongoing projects, where we develop and implement water disinfection systems that can operate effectively without reliance on electricity. We have currently been granted support from USAID to work on a project with Palestinians in Ramallah, West Bank. 

Our team's connection to the communities we serve is rooted in personal and collective experiences that mirror the challenges these communities face. We have firsthand experience with the difficulties posed by conflict and inadequate infrastructure—issues that are prevalent in the areas we aim to help. For example, Nathan Moore, Country Manager (Americas), and Leader of the UV SDG task force, where his upbringing in a developing country with limited access to clean drinking water was a constant challenge. This personal history not only fosters a profound understanding of the community's needs but also drives our commitment to developing practical solutions. Also Prof. Hadas Mamane and Dana Pousty come from conflict regions and collaborate with USAID Middle East Regional Cooperation Program (MERC) on UV-LED disinfection following decentralized wastewater treatment for irrigation in off-grid communities in Israel and the Palestinian Territory. The detailed use-case-driven solutions, integration strategies, and collaborative effort with partners such as Innovation Africa, NALA, and ICCW underline our approach to addressing water quality challenges effectively and sustainably.

We are collaborating with local partners to ensure our solutions are closely aligned with the specific needs of the communities we serve. This partnership approach allows us to gain deep insights into local conditions, ensuring that our interventions are both relevant and sustainable. Our ccollaboration with:

1. Innovation Africa – (work in Uganda)

2. NALA foundation (mainly in Ethiopia)

3. TEN foundations (Africa, Central America and Asia)

4. Asper Foundation (Canada)

5. ICCW Foundation (India)

6. Arava Center (Israel and collaboration with Palestinian Territory)

Detailed examples: In a village in South India, a field test was conducted for a household UV LED water treatment solution tailored to rural settings and currently also in urban settings in collaboration with ICCW. The focus was on integrating UV devices on the taps of household water containers. Given the region's intermittent electricity, this project aimed to provide a point-of-use treatment solution that would fit the local context and consumption patterns. In the case study in India, understanding the local community's practice of storing water in various types of unmaintained containers revealed significant re-contamination risks even in cases where the community stored clean and fresh water from the community's local reverse osmosis treatment facility. This insight was crucial in developing a UV LED system that could be integrated with household water containers, ensuring water remains safe even after storage.

In another village in Uganda, the implementation of a community UV-LED water disinfection system involved integrating 40 L per minute UV-LED reactors with existing solar-powered water infrastructure, addressing the absence of a reliable power supply; collaboration with Innovation Africa. This system provides the community with consistent access to disinfected water, improving health outcomes and reducing dependence on unreliable water sources. The community's reliance on community taps highlighted a culture adapted to intermittent water availability. Integrating UV technology into existing water practices was essential to ensure acceptance. By aligning technology with existing behaviors, such as using community taps and solar power, the solution was more readily adopted and sustained.  

Our solution already installed in Namuseru village in Uganda

We are applying to Solve because we believe that MIT Solve’s platform uniquely aligns with SoLED’s mission to provide sustainable and innovative water disinfection solutions to underserved communities globally. Solve's emphasis on partnership and collaboration across a global community of tech innovators, social entrepreneurs, business leaders, and cross-sectoral experts provides the ideal ecosystem to refine, scale, and amplify the impact of our solution.

Collaboration and Networking: Solve’s network of leaders and change-makers offers unparalleled opportunities for strategic partnerships. By engaging with other solvers, we can gain insights into new technologies, share best practices, and potentially collaborate on multifaceted solutions that combine our strengths. This collaborative environment is essential for tackling the complex challenges associated with water sanitation in low-resource settings.

Visibility and Credibility: Participation in a renowned initiative like Solve significantly enhances visibility and credibility. This recognition can help attract further support from investors, NGOs, and government entities, crucial for scaling our operations from pilot projects to wider implementation across multiple geographies.

Technical and Strategic Support: Solve provides access to mentorship and tailored support from experts in technology, business, and social impact fields. This guidance is vital as we refine our deployment strategies and business models to ensure they are economically viable and culturally sensitive to the communities we aim to serve.

Funding Opportunities: Solve’s association with funding opportunities and potential investors can help secure the financial resources necessary to expand our reach and impact. Funding is a critical component for the ongoing development, testing, and deployment of our UV-LED technology, particularly in remote areas lacking basic infrastructure.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals: Our goals resonate deeply with Solve’s commitment to supporting solutions that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SoLED’s technology directly contributes to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), through providing safe, scalable, and sustainable water treatment solutions.

SoLED stands out in a new and novel way through its deployment of sustainable UV LED disinfection systems tailored specifically for low and middle-income countries. Our uniqueness is reflected by synchronized LEDs to provide a simple but powerful solution for underserved communities, and by redesigning integrated water storage tanks with LEDs or our multispectral patent that reduces the energy demand (METHOD AND DEVICE FOR WATER DISINFECTION; Patent EP3583072). We are optimizing the LED technology and adjusting this technology to off-grid areas. Soled’s four-step comprehensive approach to addressing the water disinfection needs of developing countries prioritizes collaboration with local partners, focuses on the core scientific and engineering competency, and tailors solutions to the community's needs, to ensure value-driven innovation and successful deployment. After over six years of fieldwork and continuous learning about off-grid environments, we have fine-tuned our technology to align perfectly with local requirements.

Key Features of the SoLED System: (1) Energy Efficiency and Solar Compatibility: The SoLED system is engineered for high energy efficiency, which is critical in areas with limited access to conventional power sources. Its compatibility with solar power ensures that it can operate in remote and rural settings, providing a reliable source of clean water without relying on external power grids, (2) Smart System Features: Our systems include intelligent features such as real-time feedback on system status and automated alerts for maintenance needs. This not only simplifies the operational process for local users but also guarantees consistent performance, critical for the health and well-being of the community, (3) Tailored Design for Rural Settings: Recognizing the infrastructural and logistical challenges in rural areas, the design of our SoLED system is specifically adapted to these environments. Our extensive research and field experience have informed a user-friendly design that integrates seamlessly into the daily lives and existing infrastructure of rural communities. This careful consideration helps mitigate any apprehension towards adopting new technologies, fostering a smoother transition and greater acceptance.

The introduction of SoLED's UV LED technology has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts within the water field. By demonstrating the effectiveness and scalability of our approach, we can inspire other initiatives and drive innovation across the sector. We hope that our model will encourage other organizations to adopt similar sustainable and community-focused strategies, potentially leading to widespread improvements in global water quality standards.

SoLED's approach could significantly alter the market and landscape of water disinfection technologies. By providing an affordable, efficient, and accessible solution, we lower the barriers to entry into clean water solutions in developing regions. This shift could lead to increased competition and innovation in the sector, driving down costs and improving technology offerings. Ultimately, our work not only addresses immediate water quality issues but also contributes to the long-term goal of universal access to safe water, aligning with global efforts such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Our approach utilizes what is known as a theory of change or logical framework, which is essential for establishing clear connections between our activities and the immediate outputs, as well as the longer-term outcomes for our target population. According to this theory of change, our approach begins by thoroughly understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by our stakeholders, which include beneficiaries such as poor communities and communities without clean water, as well as clients like schools, hospitals, community centers, and women who often carry the water. These stakeholders face significant issues such as water pollution, the prevalence of preventable diseases from drinking polluted water, pollution caused by water storage, the use of chemicals in water purification, and a lack of clean water in disaster situations.

To address these challenges, our inputs include leveraging unique technology, solar panels, water, R&D, pumps, and water tanks. The activities we undertake are centered around providing a product, connecting the system to the water source, qualifying the system for use, building the system on site, providing ongoing service, and collecting data. These actions lead to tangible outputs such as producing a liter of water per minute, half a cube of water per day over 8 hours, serving 30 people, with the capability to scale up to serve a thousand people.

The intended outcomes of our interventions are a decrease in diseases related to water pollution, an increase in water quality, and an increase in water withdrawals both in disaster situations and in isolated areas, along with a decrease in the need to boil and use wood. By achieving these outcomes, we aim to significantly impact the well-being of the communities we serve, aligning our impacts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 6, which focus on ensuring good health and well-being, and promoting clean water and sanitation respectively. This structured approach encapsulates our theory of change, aiming to transform the foundational access to clean water through systematic and sustainable interventions.

Our intervention approach includes conducting comprehensive social surveys and actively involving the community throughout the implementation process. This not only raises awareness but also ensures that the community adopts a more favorable view of the new water treatment systems. By incorporating feedback directly from the users, we can tailor our solutions to better meet their specific needs and circumstances. Through these interventions, we aim to disrupt the vectors of disease transmission, providing communities with the tools they need to access clean water consistently and sustainably. This approach not only addresses immediate health concerns but also contributes to long-term health and well-being by ensuring ongoing access to potable water.

Our approach utilizes what is known as a theory of change or logical framework, which is essential for establishing clear connections between our activities and the immediate outputs, as well as the longer-term outcomes for our target population. According to this theory of change, our approach begins by thoroughly understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by our stakeholders, which include beneficiaries such as poor communities and communities without clean water, as well as clients like schools, hospitals, community centers, and women who often carry the water. These stakeholders face significant issues such as water pollution, the prevalence of preventable diseases from drinking polluted water, pollution caused by water storage, the use of chemicals in water purification, and a lack of clean water in disaster situations.

To address these challenges, our inputs include leveraging unique technology, solar panels, water, R&D, pumps, and water tanks. The activities we undertake are centered around providing a product, connecting the system to the water source, qualifying the system for use, building the system on site, providing ongoing service, and collecting data. These actions lead to tangible outputs such as producing a liter of water per minute, half a cube of water per day over 8 hours, serving 30 people, with the capability to scale up to serve a thousand people.

The intended outcomes of our interventions are a decrease in diseases related to water pollution, an increase in water quality, and an increase in water withdrawals both in disaster situations and in isolated areas, along with a decrease in the need to boil and use wood. By achieving these outcomes, we aim to significantly impact the well-being of the communities we serve, aligning our impacts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 6, which focus on ensuring good health and well-being, and promoting clean water and sanitation respectively. This structured approach encapsulates our theory of change, aiming to transform the foundational access to clean water through systematic and sustainable interventions.

Our intervention approach includes conducting comprehensive social surveys and actively involving the community throughout the implementation process. This not only raises awareness but also ensures that the community adopts a more favorable view of the new water treatment systems. By incorporating feedback directly from the users, we can tailor our solutions to better meet their specific needs and circumstances. Through these interventions, we aim to disrupt the vectors of disease transmission, providing communities with the tools they need to access clean water consistently and sustainably. This approach not only addresses immediate health concerns but also contributes to long-term health and well-being by ensuring ongoing access to potable water.

SoLED's team consists of 6 team members

Dana Pousty, Co-founder, Ph.D. in environmental engineering, Team lead

Prof. Hadas Mamane - Co founder

Nathan Moor- Country manager, America

Suzan Kagan - Country Meneger, India

Igor Donskoy -  Mechnial  engineer Innocent Nabanda - Field engineer

SoLED is a spin-off from WE (Water-Energy) lab at Tel Aviv University led by Prof. Hadas Mamane, the lab established in 2007. in the last 7 years, we have been working on these solutions and adaption in rural areas

Our team is uniquely positioned to design and deliver the SoLED solution to communities with limited access to clean water due to our deep personal and professional connections to these areas.

At SoLED, our mission extends beyond delivering clean and safe water to vulnerable populations; we are also dedicated to fostering economic development and inclusivity within the communities we serve. To achieve this, we implement a comprehensive recruitment and training program in each village where our systems are deployed. We specifically hire local individuals to manage and maintain these systems, ensuring they not only gain valuable technical skills but also receive a steady income through their engagement with our projects.

Recognizing the global scope of our operations, we prioritize diversity in our recruitment practices. Our team members are selected from various regions around the world, which allows us to effectively address and respect the cultural and contextual nuances of each country we expand into. This approach not only enriches our team's perspective but also ensures that we have the local expertise necessary to adapt our solutions to meet specific regional needs.

We are committed to minimizing barriers to opportunity by providing equal access to jobs and professional development for all staff members, regardless of their background. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects and values the contributions of every team member. This inclusivity is fundamental not only to our organizational culture but also enhances our effectiveness and sustainability as a global social enterprise.

SoLED Founders: Prof. Hadas Mamane (Female), Co-founder, is a Water Treatment Expert and heads the Environmental Engineering and Water-Energy Lab at Tel Aviv University, and Dana Pousty (Female), Co-founder, also specializes in Water Disinfection with a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. Both founders bring a wealth of academic and practical expertise to the initiative, setting the foundation for SoLED’s innovative approach to water disinfection.

SoLED Team Overview: Suzan Kagan (Female), Country Manager for India, is an experienced project manager and chemical engineer, with a background in research at the Water-Energy Lab, TAU. Igor Donskoy (Male), our Lead Engineer, brings expertise from his time in an elite technology unit and as an experienced mechanical engineer. Nathan Moore (Male), serving as Country Manager for the Americas, holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and leads the UV SDG task force, reflecting our commitment to sustainable development goals, and Innocent Nabende (Male), a field engineer, combines his skills in project management and chemical engineering with practical research experience.

Our business model at SoLED is structured to provide maximum value to the populations we serve, focusing both on the impactful delivery of safe drinking water and the sustainability of the service through various revenue streams. The approach we take is tailored to the specific needs and capabilities of each community we work with, using a dual strategy that balances communal benefit with economic sustainability.

Communal Approach: In this model, we provide our water treatment systems to communities at a low or no cost, often partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) and local governing bodies. The systems are designed to require minimal fees or effort from the community members themselves, making safe water accessible without direct charges. This model is particularly effective in achieving high usage rates and ensuring that the benefits of clean water reach as many people as possible. However, this approach typically relies on external funding, such as subsidies from the government or donations from international aid organizations, to cover the installation and ongoing maintenance costs. While this can limit the number of installations due to budget constraints, it ensures water safety is not compromised by the community’s ability to pay.

Cost Recovery Approach: Conversely, our cost recovery model involves handing over the systems to dedicated organizations that can manage the operations sustainably by charging a small fee to the users. This can include local entrepreneurs or restricted consumer committees who are authorized to collect fees for water usage. The revenue generated is then used to maintain the system and fund further expansions, thus increasing the number of installations possible and enhancing the sustainability of the impact. This model empowers communities by fostering local entrepreneurship and ensures the longevity of the system through regular maintenance funded by the collected fees. It also encourages community members to value the service more, as they have a direct stake in its continuity.

Customization According to Local Settings: Recognizing the diverse needs and capabilities of different communities, we customize our business model according to the specific settings where we deploy our technology. This involves conducting extensive field research to understand the socio-economic dynamics at play and to design a system that aligns with local preferences and capacities. 

SoLED has been primarily supported by the Asper Foundation Clean Water Fund for Bringing Clean Water to the Developing World from 2020 to 2023, alongside additional donors and grants. Our strategy for funding the development of our core technology relies on grants and donations, with a vision to transition towards generating revenue through sales via distributing organizations post-field demonstration.

NGO Funding Model: partnerships with NGOs that can fund the purchase and installation of water systems. NGOs often cover the costs of setting up and maintaining the systems, ensuring that communities do not bear the financial burden. The community pays minimal coast for maintenance.

Support from Donors and Grants: We actively seek funding from donors and grants, which are crucial for supporting both the deployment of new systems and the research and development of more efficient technologies. This external funding is essential for expanding our reach and enhancing the effectiveness of our solutions.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Corporate partnerships through CSR initiatives provide another layer of financial support. Companies looking to invest in sustainable and socially responsible projects can fund the installation and maintenance of water systems, aligning their brand with impactful community development.

We plan to fund the development of the core technology with grants and donations, and further upon field demonstration sell our device through distributing organizations.  We plan with your support, if granted, to hire a business consultant to prepare a business plan that will include components for bringing in money to fund our work, whether through sustained donations and grants, selling products or services, or raising investment capital.