Through innovative water treatment, AQUA4D® simultaneously addresses two of the major issues facing agriculture and the world: water conservation and land degradation. In doing so, this cleantech helps growers cultivate more sustainably while achieving higher yields and smaller water footprint. AQUA4D® precision irrigation entails less pumping, fewer emissions, and reduced chemicals and fertilizers. This regenerative and sustainable approach to agriculture results in healthier lands, saved resources, and increased food and water security.
Interview with Yvain Mirabal, CCO of AQUA4D.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Yvain Mirabal: AQUA4D is most active in Precision Irrigation but is also generating increased interest in treatment for water infrastructure in sustainable buildings.
Furthermore, we have ongoing research into possible sustainable impacts in mining and wastewater treatment.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
Y.M: We are in the final stages of commercializing a game-changing new system for irrigation of large-scale crops (wheat, sunflowers, soybeans, etc.). This will bring salinity management and water efficiency on an unprecedented scale.
This year we’ve also upscaled production and sale of our F-A Pro M “mini skid”, a self-contained system for plug-and-play precision irrigation. This innovative Skid is pre-assembled in Switzerland, before being delivered in its entirety to the customer.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
Y.M: F-A-Skid. Game-changing customized system for treating high flow-rates.
F-A Pro series. For optimized precision irrigation, modular and adaptable to all flow-rates.
F-B Pro Series. Developed especially for sustainable water management in commercial buildings and municipal facilities.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
Y.M: We are continuing with penetration across the world, but the technology is now proven and recognized in the market with more than 5000 installations in 40+ countries. We are presently pursuing expansion in a few markets where we have a stronger focus such as California or Chile for precision irrigation, and in Switzerland for water infrastructure in sustainable buildings.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
Y.M: According to Statista.com, in 2021, the agricultural technology (Agtech) market value in North America stood at approximately 6.2 billion U.S. dollars. This is expected to grow to $32.5 billion by 2027. The present context of changing climate, global droughts and water scarcity, along with an acceleration of land degradation (mainly salinity issues), put AQUA4D® as a key technology to support this growth and solve existential problems.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
Y.M: A key part of AQUA4D is our Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) aspect, an ongoing consultancy in which we work hand-in-hand with growers to achieve maximum impact by modifying irrigation practices in line with the changes brought about by AQUA4D (for example, irrigating less as our technology keeps the soil moist for longer). Additionally, we collaborate with fellow innovators such as AquaSpy and 2Grow, but also mainstay market leaders like Netafim, in order to maximize efficiencies for customers.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2022?
Y.M: Despite pandemic slowdowns and ongoing global supply chain issues, we are expecting a solid year in our main markets of North America, Latin America and Europe with an estimation of +50% in sales.