Growing up in northwest Ireland, Joseph Mooney had an obsession with water. That fascination eventually led him to competitive swimming and now to founding a startup tackling water scarcity.
WattAir, based in Atlanta, is developing technology to pull clean water from atmospheric moisture while also improving cooling efficiency. The dual-purpose approach addresses two pressing challenges facing cities worldwide.
The company represents part of Atlanta's growing cleantech sector, which has attracted entrepreneurs and investors focused on environmental solutions. Midtown's tech corridor has become a hub for these ventures.
WattAir's technology could have applications ranging from residential water supply to industrial cooling systems. As water stress increases globally, companies developing alternative water sources are attracting attention.
Mooney's background as a competitive swimmer informs his understanding of water's importance, both for athletic performance and daily life.