Who we are

At WattAir, we turn the world’s biggest challenge—the link between water and energy—into opportunity. Our technology captures moisture from air and uses low grade heat to deliver clean water and efficient cooling from renewable or waste energy sources.

From farms to data centers, we help customers cut energy use, secure water, and build resilience. WattAir is redefining how water and energy work together—for a sustainable, circular future.

Meet the Team

Prof. Bachir El Fil

Co-Founder - CSO

Academic Background:

Dr. Joseph P. Mooney

Co-Founder - CEO

Academic Background:

Our Story

WattAir was founded on a simple idea: the world’s water and energy systems are deeply connected, and solving one requires solving the other. Across every sector, from agriculture to data infrastructure, water and energy are consumed together, wasted together, and increasingly scarce together. Our mission is to transform this interdependence into opportunity through breakthrough science and design.

At WattAir, we develop technologies that bridge the gap between clean water access and efficient energy use. By rethinking how heat, air, and moisture interact, we create systems that harvest water from the atmosphere, recover low grade heat, and enable more efficient cooling and climate control. Our approach is grounded in materials science and thermodynamics but guided by a simple principle: every joule of energy and every drop of water should serve more than one purpose.

We see a world where industries, farms, and communities can produce their own water and cooling using the energy already around them—whether from sunlight, waste heat, or the ambient air itself. Our technologies are designed to make that vision a reality: compact, modular, and sustainable systems that turn the water–energy nexus from a challenge into a source of resilience.

WattAir stands for innovation with impact. We aim to build a future where clean water and efficient cooling are not competing needs, but complementary forces—working together to support people, the planet, and progress.

Photo Credit: Crude Media

Mentors

- Brings 30+ years of experience in energy markets, infrastructure development, and cleantech commercialization, with leadership roles spanning startups, utilities, and Fortune 500 firms.
- Co-founded multiple successful startups, including Merit Sustainable Infrastructure, and led over 4,000 MW of solar and wind projects nationwide, totaling ~$4B in capital deployment.
- Former VP of Project Development at First Solar and a key contributor to ERCOT and energy policy implementation in regulated and competitive markets.
- Currently leads cleantech startup formation and ecosystem growth at Georgia Tech, where he launched ATL Cleantech Connect to catalyze partnerships, funding, and innovation in the Southeast.
- Entrepreneur and startup leader with 20+ years of experience, including 5+ years as a C-level executive and co-founder at MIT spinout C2Sense.
- Deep expertise in commercializing interdisciplinary technologies spanning chemistry, materials, engineering, and data science, backed by 14 publications and 8 patents.
- Passionate team builder and mentor, known for empowering leadership and creating high-performing, people-first startup cultures.
- Actively contributes to the Boston innovation ecosystem through advising founders, judging startup competitions, and bridging startups with established businesses
- Award-winning engineer and entrepreneur recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and JCI Top Outstanding Young Person, with deep expertise in mechanical, energy, and biomedical engineering.
- Founder and CEO of The Rapid Foundation, enabling global access to 3D printing and advanced technologies for education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
- Leads cutting-edge research at UCD in energy systems, additive manufacturing, and inclusive design, with a focus on innovation policy, medical devices, and social impact applications.
- Passionate advocate for accessible innovation, combining technical expertise with a strong track record in consulting, public engagement, and international development.