Two visionaries behind Kumulus Water—Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid—set out on a journey to solve one of humanity’s most pressing problems: the lack of clean drinking water. Their story began not in a boardroom or laboratory, but in the vast, silent expanse of the desert. The journey is about how innovators led a simple idea to expanding into Saudi Arabia with a global water-saving innovation.
A Spark Behind Mission
It was during a camping trip in 2021, far away from urban life, that the seed for Kumulus Water. One morning, as Iheb and his friends woke up in the desert, he noticed dew forming on their tent. It struck him as strange, how could water collect here, in a place where not even a proper source of water was nearby?
That simple moment of curiosity turned into a question, and then into a mission. When he shared the thought with his friend Mohamed, both were intrigued. The realization was powerful: if dew could form in the middle of the desert, then moisture in the air could potentially be harvested—and turned into drinking water.
From Idea to Innovation
At the time, Iheb was working in renewable energy, while Mohamed had expertise in motor cooling systems. Their skills perfectly complemented each other, and they quickly saw the potential to build a product that could truly make a difference.
In just a few months, the two began developing a prototype, a device that could extract water from air. The first version of their machine was able to produce around 30 liters of clean water per day, a small but significant success.
They named the machine an Air Water Generator. But this was no ordinary invention. It not only extracted water from atmospheric humidity but also filtered and mineralized it to make it safe, clean, and even tasty for drinking.
Building Kumulus Water
Their startup, Kumulus Water, was officially founded in 2021 in Tunisia. The goal was clear: to develop an eco-friendly and accessible water solution for regions with poor or nonexistent water infrastructure.
Building the machine wasn’t easy. The technology required intense research and precise engineering. But the founders were driven by a sense of purpose. They spent countless days refining the machine, making it more efficient, reliable, and suitable for deployment in harsh conditions.
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A Real-World Impact
Today, the Kumulus Air Water Generator is being used in regions where water is a rare commodity—from parts of Europe and Africa to the Middle East. It’s been a game-changer in schools, hospitals, and remote villages. The machines come with CE certification, ensuring they are safe and compliant with international standards.
Even more impressive is that the water produced is not only safe but delicious, with no harmful effects. And thanks to smart technology, checking how much water has been produced, receiving maintenance alerts, users can monitor the machine remotely and adjusting settings based on weather conditions.
Scaling with Purpose
Kumulus Water’s vision caught the attention of investors. In their seed round, they raised $3.5 million, a major milestone for a young startup from Tunisia. With this funding, they plan to expand operations to Spain, France, and Saudi Arabia, and further develop the Kumulus Box—a version of their generator designed for high-volume water production, ideal for schools and hospitals.
But the team’s ambitions don’t stop there. By 2030, Kumulus Water aims to reach over 1 million people, bringing clean drinking water to areas that need it the most.
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A Mission to Serve
The founders are deeply committed to building a sustainable and inclusive future. In a world where nearly 2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water, Kumulus offers not just a machine, but a lifeline. Their technology provides off-grid, eco-friendly, and cost-effective water generation that could reshape the way communities access this essential resource.
For Iheb and Mohamed, this isn’t just about business—it’s about impact. What started as a curious moment in the desert has now transformed into a multimillion-dollar company with global aspirations.
Their journey is a testament to what happens when innovation meets intention, and when two people dare to believe that even in the driest corners of the earth, hope can rise from the air itself.
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