ZwitterCo
Overview
ZwitterCo is a water treatment company that specializes in advanced membrane technology, specifically leveraging zwitterionic chemistry to combat fouling in membranes. Founded in 2018, the company is based in Woburn, Massachusetts, and was co-founded by Alex Rappaport. It has successfully raised significant capital, including a recent $58.4 million Series B funding round aimed at accelerating its international expansion and technological advancements.
Recent Developments
- October 2024: ZwitterCo appointed Katariina Majamaa as Vice President of Product Management & Strategy to enhance its commercial capabilities, especially in reverse osmosis (RO) products.
- September 2024: The company opened its Innovation Center in Woburn, MA, aiming to scale up production and development of its proprietary membranes.
- July 2024: Successfully closed a $58.4 million Series B funding, led by Evok Innovations, to support international expansion and further technological development.
- April 2024: ZwitterCo was awarded the Bronze Edison Award for its superfiltration membrane technology, recognizing its innovative approach to wastewater treatment.
- March 2024: Named as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, highlighting its transformative impact on industrial water treatment.
- January 2024: Launched an Early Access Program for its brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) membranes, offering reduced cleaning frequency and enhanced performance longevity.
- 2023-end: The company was recognized as the Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year at the Global Water Summit for its innovative membrane technology, further solidifying its reputation in the industry.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Woburn, Massachusetts, USA |
| Founders | Alex Rappaport |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | DCVC, Evok Innovations, BHP, Munich Re Ventures, SiteGround, HG Ventures, Blue Horizon Advisors |
| Industry | Water Treatment Technology |
| Number of Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
Early History
ZwitterCo was spun out of Tufts University in 2018, building its foundation on research surrounding zwitterionic chemistry—molecules with both positive and negative charges. These molecules are particularly effective in attracting water while repelling organic fouling agents, which form the basis of the company's membrane technology. Initially focusing on small pilot projects, ZwitterCo quickly expanded its operations due to successful trials in wastewater treatment applications across various industries.
Company Profile and Achievements
ZwitterCo’s primary focus is the development and commercialization of fouling-resistant membrane technology for water treatment. Its unique use of zwitterionic polymers allows its membranes to maintain high performance even in the harshest water treatment environments. These membranes are capable of handling high-strength industrial wastewaters, surface waters, and process streams in the food and beverage industry.
- Major Achievements:
- Developed a membrane technology that significantly reduces operational downtimes due to fouling, with applications in diverse industrial sectors such as bioprocessing and renewable energy.
- Achieved recognition by industry-leading organizations such as the Edison Awards and Fast Company for its innovative contributions to water technology.
- Established multiple industrial installations across North America and Asia, helping industries achieve water efficiency and sustainability.
- Launched the first-of-its-kind Innovation Center dedicated to rapid prototyping and scaling of membrane technologies.
Current Operations and Market Position
ZwitterCo is currently positioned as a leader in innovative water treatment solutions, emphasizing sustainable resource management in water-stressed regions. Its membrane technology is deployed in over 50 facilities globally, where it aids in significant cost reductions and improved recycling of industrial wastewaters. The company’s strategic initiatives include expanding its market reach internationally and investing in R&D to continuously enhance membrane efficiency and versatility.
Conclusion
ZwitterCo is making significant strides in the water treatment industry with its groundbreaking membrane technology that effectively tackles the issue of membrane fouling. As water scarcity becomes a growing global challenge, ZwitterCo's innovations offer a sustainable solution for industrial water reuse. With substantial recent funding and continued expansion into international markets, ZwitterCo is poised to further its impact, driving advancements in water technology and contributing to a more sustainable future.