Tatiana Estevez: Innovator and entrepreneur in water technology
I have always been drawn to building solutions and community. I always thought that life is about reducing the suffering in others or improving life for others.
Tatiana Estevez
Founder and CEO of Permalution
Tatiana Estevez - Founder and CEO of Permalution
2024 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Awardee, Middle East and North Africa Region
Tatiana Estevez is an entrepreneur dedicated to combating the climate crisis through an innovative water solution. Her journey was sparked by a profound realization during a backpacking trip in California, where she witnessed the devastating impacts of drought firsthand. Shocked by the economic and human toll, she envisioned a novel solution to address water scarcity, marking the inception of Permalution. As Founder and CEO, she now spearheads a company focused on cloud and fog water collection technology, providing solutions for both water access and climate adaptation.
Permalution’s Solution
Permalution develops advanced systems to harness horizontal precipitation, providing a sustainable and efficient water source. Permalution’s technology includes three core components: the Fog Atlas, a predictive model for optimal project locations based on fog and cloud patterns; the Water Radar, a set of sensors analyzing clouds and fog for water yields and quality; and the Fog Collectors, passive devices capturing water droplets from the air, collecting between 150 - 400 liters per day per unit. Permalution is concentrating its efforts on the Middle East, where the demand for sustainable water solutions is high due to urgent water scarcity issues.
Commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Permalution’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in their biomimicry-based technology that preserves ecosystems, offering a more efficient alternative to desalination and groundwater extraction (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation). Their solutions are more affordable and sustainable than desalination plants, more efficient than rain, and safer than groundwater extraction, contributing to the sustainable use and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15: Life on Land).
Estevez’s vision includes mapping global fog and cloud hotspots, enhancing climate adaptation strategies, and supporting displaced communities. To date, they have mapped 25% of the world’s cloud and water hotspots and collected over 900,000 minutes of data to support climate strategies globally (SDG 13: Climate Action).
Empowering Women in Leadership
As a predominantly women-owned company, Permalution empowers women in leadership, with about 70% of executive roles held by women (SDG 5: Gender Equality). Estevez prioritizes safety and mental health support for her workforce, fostering a secure and innovative environment. Partnerships with research institutions further bolster Permalution’s role in addressing climate change through dedicated observatories and climate variability studies.
Tatiana Estevez’s entrepreneurial story is a testament to her dedication to innovation, social impact, and environmental sustainability. Through Permalution , she continues to drive positive change, embodying a mission to improve lives and protect the planet.
We look forward to bringing our solution to water access and climate adaptation to those who need it most and make sure no one is left behind.
