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Gizmodo Science Fair: A 'Window' That Harvests Drinking Water From Desert Air

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 9:57 GMT by gizmodo.com
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A Window That Turns Desert Air Into Drinking Water

In a world where water scarcity is becoming an everyday reality for millions, a new invention is turning heads—and condensate—at the same time. Gizmodo’s latest Science Fair coverage showcases an astonishing breakthrough from the desert‑dwelling startup Desert Water, a company that has engineered a window‑style device capable of harvesting potable water from the thin, dry air that blankets arid regions. The technology, dubbed the HydroWindow, is being hailed as a “low‑energy, scalable” solution that could one day supply homes, hospitals, and even entire communities with clean drinking water without the need for desalination plants or expensive pipelines.

How It Works

At the heart of the HydroWindow lies a thin, hydrophilic polymer membrane that has been chemically tweaked to “grab” moisture even at the 10‑15 % relative humidity typical of places like the Middle East or the Sahara. When sunlight warms the glass, the air in the room cools and condenses on the polymer surface. The water droplets trickle into a small reservoir behind the window, where a simple filtration unit—comprising a micro‑sand filter, activated carbon, and a UV‑LED—purifies the liquid into safe, drinkable water.

The team behind the device explains that the key innovation is the polymer’s nanoscale surface roughness, which increases the contact area for water molecules and lowers the energy barrier for condensation. In laboratory tests, a single square meter of HydroWindow can produce up to 10 liters of water per day under typical desert conditions. That’s enough to cover the daily water needs of 2–3 adults.

Because the device relies solely on ambient temperature and solar energy, it can operate in remote locations with limited electricity. The reservoir can be sealed and sealed again, making it a safe, self‑contained source of drinking water. The company is also experimenting with “passive cooling” techniques—such as phase‑change materials—that could allow the window to collect water even when daytime temperatures rise above 40 °C.

From Lab to Real World

The HydroWindow concept began as a graduate‑school project in the late 2010s. Founders Ayesha Farooq and Nabil Al‑Jabri were inspired by the desperate need for fresh water in their native Saudi Arabia. In a 2016 TEDx talk, Farooq demonstrated a prototype that could capture water from a single breath of air, proving that the physics were sound. The next step, according to the Gizmodo article, was to scale the device up and integrate it into a form factor that could be commercially sold as a “smart window.”

Desert Water has already completed a pilot deployment in Riyadh’s Al‑Madinah district. The project, funded by a joint venture between the Saudi Ministry of Environment and the startup, installed HydroWindows on the façades of a cluster of low‑rise apartments. After 12 months of operation, the city council reported a combined output of ≈ 120 liters per square meter per year—a figure that the company is optimistic will rise as the panels mature.

While the pilot is still in its early stages, the team is actively engaging with international NGOs. A partnership with Water.org is reportedly underway to test the windows in Kenyan semi‑arid regions where communities rely on seasonal rains. The partnership aims to build a prototype “water‑harvesting village” that could produce enough water for a small town of 1,000 residents.

Market Potential and Funding

Gizmodo’s article cites a $3.2 million seed round that Desert Water closed earlier this year, with co‑founder Farooq noting that the capital will be used to “improve the yield, cut costs, and expand production capacity.” The company is also exploring a “vertical‑farm” version of the HydroWindow that can supply irrigation water for greenhouse operations—an exciting prospect given the high water demand of hydroponic systems.

Desert Water’s vision extends beyond water. “By converting the façade of a building into a renewable resource generator,” the CEO explains, “we’re redefining how architecture can contribute to sustainability.” The team envisions a future where skyscrapers in desert cities incorporate HydroWindows on every glass pane, turning the building itself into a massive water‑harvesting platform.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the promise, there are hurdles to overcome. The initial cost of the HydroWindow is estimated at $500 per square meter—significantly higher than standard glazing. The company is working on mass‑production techniques that could drive that down to $200–$250. Additionally, the device’s efficiency drops in extremely arid conditions (below 8 % humidity), so Desert Water is exploring “co‑generation” strategies—combining the window with micro‑turbines that can power a small refrigeration cycle to boost condensation.

The Gizmodo article also points out the need for local maintenance knowledge. The water reservoir will need periodic cleaning to prevent bio‑fouling, and the UV‑LED purifier will eventually require replacement. The company plans to offer a subscription‑based service that includes maintenance and filter replacement, a model that could ensure long‑term reliability.

Looking Forward

In a world where water is becoming increasingly scarce, the HydroWindow offers a tantalizing glimpse of a future where architecture itself can help solve one of humanity’s biggest challenges. While the technology is still in its infancy, the combination of low‑energy operation, scalable production, and demonstrable pilot success suggest that a window that turns desert air into drinking water might not be a science‑fiction fantasy after all—it could become a staple of modern sustainable design in the years to come.

Links for Further Reading

• Desert Water official website: https://desertwater.com
• HydroWindow product page: https://hydrowindow.com
• TEDx Talk by Ayesha Farooq (2016): https://www.ted.com/talks/ayesha_farooq_harvesting_water_from_air