Welcome to the Rice WaTER Institute, where Water Technologies, Entrepreneurship,and Research converge to shape the future of sustainable water treatment. We aim to revolutionize water treatment by transitioning from large, chemical- and energy-intensive processes to compact, catalytic and selective separation modules. This technology shift enables clean water on demand while boosting treatment capacity to alleviate scarcity and reducing treatment costs to increase access.
The vision of the Rice WaTER Institute is to be a premier innovation ecosystem that develops accessible clean water technologies that enhance human capacity and prosperity. Our mission is to conduct multidisciplinary research at the intersection of water with global health, energy transitions, and resilient infrastructure for cities of the future, and be a trusted partner that promotes economic growth and equity.
At the heart of the Rice WaTER Institute is our dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in the water technology sector. We provide a platform for individuals and companies to commercialize innovative water technologies, bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and practical applications. This unique combination of research, technology, and entrepreneurship positions us at the forefront of the water treatment landscape.
Join us on this momentous journey at the Rice WaTER Institute!
Background
With a ~$40 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) spanning a decade (2015-2025), the Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT) Center has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of water treatment research and development. After “graduating” from its NSF roots, NEWT evolved into the Rice WaTER Institute to continue to build upon its great legacy.
NEWT, headquartered at Rice, spanned across four universities (other members included ASU, Yale, UTEP) and operated within 30 faculty labs. Its industrial ecosystem included 20-25 corporate members annually. With over 700 research papers, 45 patent disclosures, and the establishment of six startup companies, NEWT significantly contributed to the advancement of water treatment. Moreover, the center shaped the next generation of leaders, boasting a remarkable 754 student years, with 24 former students serving as faculty members across academic institutions.