Unlike rain, fog is reabsorbed by the atmosphere, returning to the vapor phase.
Tatiana Estevez Founder and CEO, Permalution
Tatiana Estevez, Founder and CEO of Permalution, is pioneering innovative water solutions to combat global scarcity and climate change. Inspired by the devastating impacts of drought, Tatiana developed a breakthrough system to harness fog, clouds, and industrial steam as sustainable water sources.
Permalution’s integrated technology combines Fog Atlas (AI‑powered predictive siting), Water Radar (sensor validation), and proprietary Fog Collectors that yield up to 2,000 liters per day per unit without energy inputs. This biomimicry‑based design, inspired by redwood trees, offers a cost‑effective alternative to desalination and trucking, delivering water at $0.50–$2/m³.
In 2025, Permalution expanded pilots across UAE, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Belgium, and launched industrial steam recycling with a top‑three global tech company. Partnerships include Nestlé, Danone, Grupo Bimbo, PepsiCo, WWF, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, and a Government-owned Abu Dhabi utility service, underscoring the company’s credibility and global reach.
Tatiana also joined an Inter-Parliamentary Union hosted panel in late 2024 entitled, “Harnessing Technology to Tackle Climate Change”, alongside Michal Nachmany Founder and CEO of Climate Policy Radar and Meera Al Suwaidi UAE’s Federal National Council Member. She emphasized Permalution’s commitment to democratizing access to climate solutions, ensuring fair and equal opportunities for developing countries to benefit from new technologies.
Tatiana has recently been selected by RELX to join their delegation at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi this coming January. This fully funded invitation follows Permalution’s second‑place award in the RELX Environmental Challenge, a connection originally made through the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge. The RELX delegation will bring together past challenge winners for high‑level discussions, networking with global leaders, and opportunities to showcase innovative solutions in clean energy, water sustainability, and climate technologies.
Through its work, Permalution advances multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 5: Gender Equality. Tatiana's leadership exemplifies how women in technology are driving innovation, equity, and resilience in the face of global climate challenges.
By Liz A. Dorn, Senior Research Project Consultant