Using renewable energy like saltwater, Waterlight sparks an innovative global solution for communities without access to electricity.

As well as functioning as a portable lamp – half a liter of saltwater placed in the device provides an incredible 45 days of light – WaterLight is also capable of charging small appliances such as a cell phone or a radio via a USB port. Perfectly suited to seawater, the device also responds to freshwater mixed with salt and even – in emergency situations – urine.

WaterLight, is a revolutionary device that turns a simple natural resource into life-changing electrical power.

The pioneering product was developed in response to a set of sobering statistics: despite progress on global energy targets, the World Health Organization reports that 840 million people are currently without access to electricity.

Other facts are that electricity demand expected to increase by 70% by 2035, and traditional fossil fuels estimated to be depleted in the next 52 years.

In a local context the Wayúu an indigenous community living on the remote La Guajira peninsula straddling the Colombian-Venezuela border, have limited access to electricity: Fisherman can't fish at night, kids cant' do their homework, artisans can't craft their art. The arid desert terrain is surrounded by the most powerful battery in the world: the sea.

Clearly, we need to find out a clean energy revolution to attempt this global demand.

There are some developing nations or communities around the world that live in the coastline, they have access to a great and magnificent resource: the sea, but they also don´t have access to another valuable resource: energy. At night fishermen can't fish, kids can't do their homework and Wayuú artisans can't finish their crafts.

How could we make a local and global impact by bringing a clean energy innovation, set to light up communities lacking electricity across the world using the most abundant resource worldwide?

Making saltwater an energy source.

The clean energy revolution is here:

WaterLight, the first lamp that provides electrical power using only salt-water, will transform an abundant natural resource into a safe, sustainable way to power their lives for the very first time.

7 July 2020 - Cultural Relevance, Insights, Find out local and global energy issues.

18 July 2020 - Kick Off.

30 July 2020 - Ideation - The project starts.

15 August 2020 - Prototyping / Device technical system.

28 August 2020 - First Attempt / Try out material reactions.

30 September 2020 - First Attempt/light duration: 24 hours.

4 October 2020 - Sketching the WaterLight exterior design.

10 October 2020 - First 3D model delivery.

18 October 2020 - Second Attempt/light duration: 36 hours.

29 October 2020 - Wayúu community get into the equation.

2 November 2020 - Prove exterior materials. Water-resistant, durable and recycled.

10 November 2020 - First prototype inspired by the Wayúu community.

15 December 2020 - WaterLight lights on 10 days with half a liter of water

28 December 2020 - WaterLight technology is proved and ready.

7 January 2021 - Second Design approach based on the Wuayúu culture.

17 January 2021 - Fourth Attempt/light duration: 45 days with half a liter of water

4 February 2021 - First approach with the Wayúus communities with WaterLight.

6 February 2021 - Environment conditions and durability tests in La Guajira.

16 February 2021 - Produce the first batch of WaterLight devices for the Wayúu´s.

2 March 2021 - Wayúus have WaterLight in their community.

10 March 2021 - Second approach with the Wayúu community after testing WL.

15 April 2021 - Lauching WL to governments, NGOs and private organizations.

WaterLight’s groundbreaking application harnesses the power of ionization, a simple scientific reaction whereby salt-water electrolytes react with the magnesium on the inside of the device, producing electrical energy.

WaterLight has been created as a long-lasting, 100% recyclable product. Designed to function for 5,600 hours – which equates to over 230 days or 2 to 3 years of use – its capacity to deliver clean electrical power is not limited to La Guajira. Poised for a worldwide roll-out, WaterLight’s potential is truly global.

As well as functioning as a portable lamp – half a liter of saltwater placed in the device provides an incredible 45 days of light – WaterLight is also capable of charging small appliances such as a cell phone or a radio via a USB port. Perfectly suited to seawater, the device also responds to freshwater mixed with salt and even – in emergency situations – urine.

WaterLight is clearly clean energy innovation, set to light up communities lacking electricity across the world.

For governments, NGOs and private organizations seeking sustainable technology solutions for these specific coastal communities, WaterLight represents an innovative, cost-effective option. In addition, with the global refugee crisis set to worsen over the coming years, the device could also prove invaluable for aid charities providing migrants with essential amenities, particularly in situations where resources are scarce.

WaterLight demonstrates how technology, creativity and humanity can produce a genuinely ground-breaking innovation that will transform the lives of millions around the globe.