Cycleau

Noemi Florea has been selected as part of UNICEF Innovation30: Young Innovators Shaping the Future.

Countries of Solution Deployment: Australia and North America (indigenous + remote communities), LACRO 

Innovation Accelerator: Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT) Solve, United States

Noemi Florea, 23, aims to redefine how we understand household water treatment and alleviate water insecurities. Her groundbreaking solution ‘Cycleau’ was inspired by the troubling water situations in Flint, Baltimore, Newark and Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal. 

One in three children globally does not have access to clean drinking water. ‘Cycleau’ is a compact solution that brings wastewater to drinking water standards. Unlike other existing systems, Cycleau stands out for its ability to retrofit into remote schools, healthcare facilities and homes at an affordable cost of under $500 per unit. This system cleverly recycles 20 per cent of its grey water into potable water and minimizes the discharge of untreated wastewater. Utilizing a bed media filter composed of drainage gravel, activated carbon and fine sand, the system efficiently purges contaminants and pathogens to ensure that what flows out is pristine.   

If Noemi’s innovation reaches its zenith, a trillion gallons of water could be conserved, significantly improving water management and local ecosystems. Furthermore, by negating the need for bottled water, the environmental burden of waste is drastically reduced.    

Inspired by her love of long-distance biking, Noemi is in it for the long haul, working diligently to ensure communities globally have reliable access to clean water.  Noemi offers a compelling proposition to investors seeking a blend of innovation and impact. As the climate crisis escalates, her vision glimpses at what's possible, reminding us that the most investable solutions might just be under our sinks. "Look around your own community and think about how water scarcity, waste, and energy pollution are reflected, and start by taking local action."