Manhat, a deep-tech startup based in the UAE, is revolutionizing the way water is produced, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional desalination methods. Traditional desalination, a widely adopted process for converting seawater into potable water, has been shown to have multiple negative environmental impacts. These include the discharge of hypersaline brine, the generation of toxic chemicals, excessive energy consumption, and the high capital costs of building and maintaining desalination plants. Manhat’s technology, on the other hand, utilizes natural processes to produce water with no carbon footprint and no brine rejection, addressing these environmental concerns.

Dr. Saeed Alhassan, the founder and Chief Technology Officer of Manhat, explains that the startup’s patented "natural water distillation" technology mimics the natural water cycle by trapping evaporated water. This method offers a sustainable solution for water production, particularly for irrigation purposes on both in-land and floating farms. According to Dr. Alhassan, the technology is designed to combat water scarcity and ensure food security in the MENA region and globally, while also reducing carbon emissions and protecting marine ecosystems from the harmful effects of brine discharge produced by traditional desalination technologies.

Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2019, Manhat was created with a personal motivation rooted in Dr. Alhassan's experience growing up in the UAE. His awareness of the region's water scarcity challenges, deepened by his viewing of a documentary on the global water crisis in 2012, led to his vision for a solution that would not rely on electricity or other intermediate processes.

Instead, Manhat's technology harnesses the power of solar energy to heat seawater, producing clean, drinkable water through condensation. This device is highly adaptable and can be deployed in various settings, including agricultural, industrial, and residential applications.

One of Manhat’s key innovations is its focus on floating farms, which are artificial farming platforms built on water bodies rather than land. Floating farms offer several environmental advantages, including efficient land use, enhanced food security, and self-sufficiency in energy consumption. The global floating farms market is expected to reach $14.9 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. Manhat’s technology is well-positioned to tap into this burgeoning market by providing integrated, sustainable water solutions tailored to the needs of floating farms.

Manhat’s floating devices are scalable and can be deployed in diverse environments such as coastlines and artificial pools. These devices are especially beneficial for smallholder farms, which often face water loss due to evaporation or rely on wastewater for irrigation. By deploying Manhat's technology in such settings, water management is improved, and sustainable farming practices are supported.

This, combined with the technology’s minimal environmental impact, positions Manhat as a leading solution for addressing water challenges on a global scale.

To date, Manhat has received significant recognition for its innovative technology. The company holds patents for its water production devices in 18 countries, including the UAE, the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Although still in the pre-revenue stage, Manhat’s technology holds strong commercialization potential. The company plans to generate revenue by selling water-producing floating units to farmers and agricultural companies, offering them a sustainable irrigation solution. Additionally, Manhat intends to collaborate with governments and desalination companies to license its technology, further expanding its impact on sustainable coastline irrigation and brine recycling.

The startup has already secured equity-free funding amounting to $200,000 through grants and prizes from various institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, Ma’an Abu Dhabi, and the Expo Live Innovation Program. These funds have been instrumental in advancing the development and deployment of its technology.

Furthermore, Manhat's participation in the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator Program has proven to be a key enabler in its growth. The program provides the company with access to an extensive network of industry experts, mentors, investors, and government resources, helping to accelerate its technology development and align its growth with the UAE’s vision for sustainable economic expansion.

Manhat remains optimistic about its future, confident that its innovative approach will continue to contribute significantly to solving the global water scarcity crisis while supporting the UAE's goals for sustainable development.