AquaPoro

Kyle Cordova has been selected as part of UNICEF Innovation30: Young Innovators Shaping the Future.

Countries of Solution Deployment: Jordan

Innovation Accelerator: Royal Academy of Engineering, United Kingdom

Born and raised in Anaheim, California, Kyle Cordova, now 35, is an innovator whose deep-seated expertise in nanomaterials is redefining the frontiers of climate technology. His creative solution ‘AquaPoro’ is changing the landscape of clean water accessibility in Amman, Jordan.

An adsorbent-based atmospheric water harvester is at the heart of the ‘AquaPoro’ innovation. With its foundation in porous nanomaterial technology, the device ingeniously captures water molecules from the air. As the material becomes saturated, the water is released, condensed, and mineralized, transforming into WHO-standard drinkable water. Cordova's innovation impressively produces up to 35 litres of water daily in environments with 20 per cent relative humidity - sufficient to meet a family's daily drinking, consumption, sanitation, and hygiene needs.

The scaling potential of Kyle's innovation is staggering. If one were to place an ‘AquaPoro’ device in every Jordanian home, the annual water output would be 17 million cubic meters of water. For perspective, Jordan's largest dam, the King Talal Dam, holds 26 million cubic meters. If that innovation is not impressive enough, AquaPoro’s technology uses ten times less energy to produce water than other water from air solutions, massively reducing Jordan’s water carbon footprint.

Kyle's fascination with climate innovation began when he was only 28 years old, focusing on carbon dioxide capture using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). He fervently speaks of "creative solutions" that touch lives, and his motivation stems from a desire to make an impact larger than himself. Kyle believes in investing in young people’s basic curiosity-driven research. According to him, this investment is vital, especially if the global south is to emerge as producers of indigenous technology and know-how. 

His advice is straightforward, “Learn to cope with failure. It's inevitable in creating solutions to tackle the climate crisis.”