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A Kumulus machine peaking out between green bushes

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The team presents a Kumulus machine on stage

Where air turns into water

… there may be a Kumulus. Um, please, what? A Kumulus. Okay, better known as an innovative machine that extracts water from air, redefining access to clean, fresh drinking water. Hedi Dhaouadi, a marketing leader at the start-up 'Kumulus', learned early in his life what it meant to struggle for water. Now, he works to realise his dream of global, fair access to drinking water, seeing great potential in the invention. “Every house, family, school, and community are able to have access to their own source of water”, says Hedi with enthusiasm and hope in his voice.
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“The challenge was to develop a smart solution that can adjust to the local environment. Our prototype proved that it worked. It was amazing. We called it the Kumulus.”
A campsite in the Tunisian desert at dawn

Every story has a beginning

The inception of this idea dates back to an intriguing episode in the Tunisian desert in 2021. The founder of Kumulus and his friends embarked on a journey through the desert, which required them to transport numerous bottles of water. Upon waking, they were greeted by the sight of morning dew adorning their tents, with droplets present in significant quantities. Contrary to the common perception of the desert as an arid wasteland, it was discovered to be rich in water, albeit in a form that necessitated innovative methods for extraction. With this realisation, the development of a tangible product began.

Portrait of Hedi Dhaouadi

An idea becomes reality

This is how the product Kumulus works: Air is drawn into the machine from the front, initiating the process of water creation. And here's the thing: As the air cools, it condenses into water droplets, which are then meticulously collected. The collected water undergoes a rigorous filtration process, enriching it with essential minerals for our health. This purified water is then stored in a reservoir, ready for consumption. And by ready, we mean ready: through a tap installed on the machine.

Portrait of Hedi Dhaouadi

Faith moves water

Let's get back to the face behind this fascinating innovation: Hedi Dhaouadi. Hedi is the driving force behind the marketing and communications efforts at Kumulus Water, a pioneering French-Tunisian startup headquartered in Paris. With a profound belief that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their geographical location, Hedi is at the forefront, championing this cause. Under Hedi's leadership, Kumulus Water is dedicated to unlocking water access in an economical and sustainable manner.

Kumulus machine in a school in Tunisia

Ready to be served

“Water can be many things”, says Hedi. “It’s a fundamental right, but it’s also a pressing challenge. Water helps communities thrive and hinders development where it is lacking.” That’s why Kumulus sets up some of their machines for schools in Tunisia. Because kids, not having to worry about water access, makes an important difference.

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Workers building a solar panel for drinking water production.

A new access to drinking water

Engineered for effortless use, users simply connect the Kumulus to any electricity source, or harness the power of the sun with its integrated solar panel. The device springs into action, autonomously operating to transform air into pure, refreshing water. The machine can produce up to 30 liters of fresh water every day, offering real relief especially in dry areas or areas with poor access to drinking water.

Hedi sitting in a rocky part of the desert, drinking water looking atsunrise.

From the beginning to everywhere

So far, 50 machines from the young company are installed in Tunisia, France, and in Spain – mostly in areas that struggle with droughts. However, Hedi and the entire innovative startup want to think bigger: “That is only the beginning; machines like ours could be helpful everywhere.”

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