#Japan #Nagano #Shinshu University #Community Jameel #Safe Drinking Water

Innovative Technology for Clean Water in Rural India

Access to safe drinking water continues to be a significant challenge worldwide, with an estimated 2 billion people lacking reliable sources. In rural areas, issues like water pollution and inconsistent electricity supply make it difficult to implement advanced filtration systems like reverse osmosis (RO). However, a groundbreaking project led by Shinshu University, in collaboration with Community Jameel and Jameel Trading Company, is set to change that landscape.

Introduction to the RO Membrane Technology

On December 22, 2025, a press conference held at the Shinshu University campus in Nagano, Japan, announced the publication of significant findings in the international journal "Results in Engineering." The research led by Professor Masanobu Endo focuses on developing a new type of RO membrane that operates effectively without relying on electricity. This innovative technology is particularly valuable in areas where electricity infrastructure is lacking.

Traditional RO systems require high-pressure operation and are heavily dependent on energy sources. In contrast, this new RO membrane technology operates at less than half the pressure of standard systems and can be powered by simple manual pumps. This feature makes it especially suited for environments where electricity is not accessible.

Successful Pilot Tests in India

To validate the effectiveness of this revolutionary system, a pilot study was conducted over six months in rural regions of West Bengal and Rajasthan, India. The results demonstrated remarkable performance, showing:

• - Approximately double the permeability compared to many commercially available RO membranes.
• - A 50% reduction in energy required for manual operation.
• - Full functionality without the use of electricity, batteries, or solar power.

These findings were published in "Results in Engineering," reflecting not only the technical performance but also user experiences from the community. Residents in both West Bengal and Rajasthan indicated improvements in water taste and clarity, alongside reported enhancements in health conditions. Such feedback illustrates the practical benefits of the technology and underscores the importance of community trials in the evaluation process.

Support and Future Directions

This initiative was carried out with the support of Community Jameel and Jameel Trading Company, alongside partnerships with local NGOs like Seva Mandir and the Rupantaran Foundation in India. The project's momentum increased following a meeting between Professor Endo and Community Jameel's founder, Mohamed Abdul Latif Jameel KBE, in 2023.

Mohamed Jameel stated, "Access to safe water is one of the most pressing global issues we face. I am thrilled to support the Shinshu University research team through this program. This technology holds the potential to provide clean water access to millions and enhance the health and quality of life in communities."

Currently, the research team is exploring commercialization and scaling opportunities for this RO membrane technology, focusing on adapting it to various communities. The technology is anticipated to benefit not only rural households but also emergency water purification in disaster situations and contribute to sustainable water supply solutions independent of traditional infrastructure.

More About Community Jameel

Community Jameel is a global organization dedicated to fostering sustainable community development through science and knowledge. Established in 2003 by Mohamed Abdul Latif Jameel KBE, it builds on the philanthropic and social contribution traditions established in 1945. The organization aims to address urgent humanitarian issues such as climate change, health, and education, supporting scientists, humanitarian activists, engineers, and creators in their mission.

Through its support, Community Jameel has facilitated vital initiatives leading to significant achievements, including the discovery of new antibiotics and essential research on COVID-19 spread dynamics. For more information, visit communityjameel.org.