Waha

About Waha

Water Harvesting Inc. (Waha) is a climate technology company that develops atmospheric water generation (AWG), dehumidification, and air conditioning systems. Founded in 2018 by Professor Omar Yaghi and stemming from research at UC Berkeley, the company aims to address global water scarcity. Professor Yaghi's background, having experienced water scarcity firsthand in his youth in an arid region of Jordan, influenced the company's mission. The company was initially formed to commercialize atmospheric water harvesting systems based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a technology developed at UC Berkeley capable of extracting water from air even in very dry conditions.

Waha's core product is the patented WaHa Vaporator®, a modular system designed for energy-efficient solid desiccant regeneration. This technology produces pure water as a byproduct of generating dry air, enabling applications in both AWG and HVAC. It is designed to operate in any climate, including harsh desert environments with low humidity, and can be scaled for personal to industrial use. The system can be integrated with existing HVAC and agricultural systems or used in off-grid installations with renewable energy sources. The technology has been tested in diverse locations such as West Texas, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Stockholm, achieving high mechanical reliability.

The company serves multiple markets, including industrial operators, utilities, and agriculture, providing solutions for off-grid water generation and HVAC integration. Its business model involves negotiating commercial agreements for manufacturing, distribution, and long-term service. Waha is venture capital-backed, having secured an $8 million Series A-1 financing round in 2025, led by Chairman Mike Phillips and Board Member Christian Thirion, with participation from investors like Berkeley Catalyst Fund and Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. The company plans to unveil its first commercially available unit at the WETEX 2025 exhibition in Dubai.