Innovation through collaboration
Xylem Innovation Labs catalyzes growth in the innovation ecosystem through world-class partnership programming.
Accelerate with XylemXylem Innovation Labs (XIL) is Xylem’s global innovation partnerships and venture team, dedicated to advancing breakthrough solutions that empower customers and communities build a more water-secure world.
Through collaboration with startups, universities, venture capital firms and innovation partners, XIL identifies and scales emerging technologies that tackle today’s most pressing water challenges.
Since launching in 2022, XIL has worked with over 60 startups and 40 innovation partners, across 15 countries—accelerating technology development and commercialization.
Accelerating water innovation through stakeholder-driven collaboration
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Startups & Entrepreneurs
Xylem Innovation Labs partners with startups via our annual Partnerships Accelerator to test breakthrough tech and de-risk customer adoption through collaboration
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Open Innovation Ecosystem
Xylem collaborates with a global network of innovation partners including universities, research institutes, NGOs, VCs, Accelerators and Incubators
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Investors
Xylem has strengthened the water startup ecosystem by investing in venture capital funds and startups that align with our customer most pressing needs
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Customers
Xylem Innovation Labs partners with customers to pilot breakthrough technologies, giving them early-adopter access to emerging solutions
Partnering to transform the industry
Moleaer
Moleaer’s partnership with Xylem began with the 2023 Partnerships Accelerator, where its world-leading nanobubble technology was identified as a high-impact solution for advanced water treatment. Designed to improve efficiency while reducing energy use, chemical consumption, and operating costs in wastewater treatment systems, the technology was validated through real-world pilots with industrial and municipal customers. The results were clear: measurable performance improvements, sustainability gains, and strong customer outcomes. These successes led to a commercial agreement that is now scaling the solution across broader markets. This partnership demonstrates how Xylem’s Accelerator model de-risks early-stage innovation and accelerates commercialization, transforming promising technologies into scalable, market-ready solutions with financial and environmental returns. For industries and utilities, it means faster access to proven innovations that enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term cost savings.
Tech Ascend Trial Reservoir
Our close partnership with Tech Ascend (formerly Isle Utilities) has fostered a strong collaborative ethos; helping to identify promising technologies, understand risks and development needs, and expand the access to critical new technologies for our customers. As a key partner, Xylem's support enables Tech Ascend to deliver tailored pilots across the globe, while Isle's domain expertise and cross-market reputation supports our accelerator program in delivering commercial partnerships targeted at major challenges where innovation is essential.
Burnt Island Ventures
The partnership between Xylem Innovation Labs and Burnt Island Ventures launched when Xylem joined as the anchor investor in Burnt Island's first fund in 2021. Since then, Xylem has anchored BIV's second seed fund and their growth equity fund. Through this collaboration, Xylem and Burnt Island identify and qualify emerging water solutions, build commercial channels to pilot and scale these solutions, and leverage network effects by connecting with top innovators and ecosystem players. Our relationship with Burnt Island Ventures capitalizes innovative global companies that are building the next generation of water solutions that address global water challenges.
Let’s build what’s next for water – together
By partnering with Xylem Innovation Labs, we can accelerate breakthrough solutions through global collaboration.