Jani N
Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management
Chris Laszlo
Anasha Kannan Poyil
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EWTECH is an initiative dedicated to addressing water scarcity and contamination in underserved communities, with a primary focus on rural Colombia. In regions like Tuchín, Córdoba, where 58.7% of the rural population lacks access to a reliable water source, residents are forced to rely on untreated lake or rainwater, exposing them to serious health risks due to contaminants and harmful microorganisms. To tackle this issue, EWTECH is developing a mobile water treatment system that utilizes Electrochemically Activated (ECA) Technology. This technology produces hypochlorous acid—a natural and highly effective disinfectant—through an electrolysis process that requires only water, salt, and electricity. The system is compact, sustainable, and powered by renewable energy, making it ideal for remote locations and areas impacted by natural disasters. Capable of purifying between 2,000 to 4,000 liters of water per day, the system can provide safe drinking water for up to 1,000 people daily. By reducing waterborne diseases and eliminating the need for harmful chemicals, EWTECH not only aims to improve public health but also to support long-term community development through equitable access to clean water.
EWTECH has demonstrated both innovation and resilience in addressing the complex challenges of water purification in underserved and remote communities. One of the primary challenges lies in designing a water treatment system that is not only effective and sustainable but also adaptable to the realities of rural and disaster-affected areas. In response, EWTECH developed the STP 1 system, a compact, container-type solution powered entirely by solar energy. This mobile unit includes raw and treated water tanks, advanced filtration mechanisms, water pumps, and a hypochlorous acid generator that disinfects water without relying on harmful chemicals or nonrenewable energy sources. To ensure its effectiveness, EWTECH conducted rigorous testing using contaminated wastewater from Bogotá, partnering with an accredited laboratory for comprehensive analysis of water samples before and after treatment. Over a month-long testing period, various batches of water were evaluated, and the results confirmed the system’s capability to eliminate pathogens and produce potable water. In addition to technical innovation, EWTECH prioritized community collaboration and capacity building. They engaged the local community in Tuchín by developing a joint work plan and providing hands-on training to seven residents on operating the system. They also partnered with the National University of Colombia and the University of Antioquia to support research and development efforts. Despite these advances, implementing potable water solutions remains a multifaceted challenge, particularly in areas without access to traditional infrastructure. EWTECH’s innovation lies in its ability to integrate technology, sustainability, and community empowerment into a single, replicable model. By leveraging solar energy and producing natural disinfectants on-site, EWTECH offers a scalable solution that not only meets immediate needs but also supports long-term water security in vulnerable regions.
EWTECH’s story is rooted in personal passion and a deep commitment to making a difference. One of its founders, Anatolie Scurtu, originally from Moldova, found himself in Colombia working at a green energy company. With a long-standing love for water and a curiosity about sustainable solutions, Anatolie began researching water purification technologies on his own. His interest quickly grew, and after sharing his ideas with a close friend, now his co-founder, they decided to launch EWTECH together. Though building the company has come with its fair share of stress and challenges, Anatolie finds purpose in the impact of their work. When he visits communities in Colombia and sees children marveling at clearwater, many for the first time, he’s reminded of why it’s all worth it. That moment of joy and transformation fuels his mission and reaffirms his belief in the power of innovation and compassion to change lives.
EWTECH’s work truly represents a strong example of how tech innovation can be used to addres urgent global issues in a very inclusive and sustainable way. By combining electrochemical water purification with renewable energy and community driven implementation, the company not only provides clean drinking water to those in need but also empowers local populations to be more aware and reduce long term health risks. Its mobile water treatment systems offer a scalable model that can be adapted for both emergency responses and long term infrastructure development. EWTECH supports lots of SDGs- SDG 3 , SD6, and SDG11.
EWTECH, from a business standpoint, is nicely positioned on the intersection of social impact and sustainable technology. Additionally, the environment technology and solar systems are appealing to governments and other NGOs and corporate partners because they are environmentally friendly and value-adding ways to provide water, which is cost-efficient in the long run. EWTECH is a modular and mobile product, making it applicable to many peripheral markets—from rural villages to disaster zones—and through partnerships, can determine a financially sustainable model that includes both public and private sectors. As they work with universities, they also have access to world-leading research, adding credibility and continual improvement of these products.
EWTECH’s impact on society is deeply rooted in its mission to make clean water accessible to all, especially in marginalized and rural communities. By reducing exposure to waterborne diseases, the company directly improves public health outcomes, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. Environmentally, EWTECH eliminates the need for chemical disinfectants, minimizes plastic waste from bottled water, and reduces carbon emissions through its solar-powered systems. The emphasis on training and employing local residents also fosters economic development, knowledge transfer, and a sense of ownership within communities. Ultimately, EWTECH’s holistic model promotes both ecological sustainability and human dignity, making it a transformative force in global water equity.
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Anatolie Scurtu, Founder
