Aquaculture is a vital sector for food production, especially in Southeast Asia, where monitoring water quality remains a significant challenge. This is where Aquawise steps in, introducing an innovative solution that leverages advanced AI technology and satellite imagery to empower aquaculture farmers.

Founded by the passionate young innovator Patipond Tiyapunjanit, Aquawise aims to make water quality monitoring more accessible and efficient for farmers, especially those operating in regions where traditional methods can be prohibitively expensive. The existing protocols for assessing water quality often involve costly sensor installations and multiple water testing kits, which can be a heavy financial burden for small-scale farmers.

Aquawise has creatively bypassed the need for expensive hardware by utilizing existing satellite technology. The company captures satellite images of fish and shrimp farms and feeds this data into a sophisticated physics-based AI model. This model continuously assesses critical water parameters such as temperature, chlorophyll levels, and oxygen concentration. Unlike conventional methods that rely on sporadic sampling, Aquawise’s system enables real-time monitoring, providing farmers with immediate insights into water quality.

The urgency and significance of this technological advancement cannot be understated. As Tiyapunjanit aptly puts it, “Water quality is one of the most important things in aquaculture. It’s like being a human: You have to breathe.” Maintaining optimal water conditions is crucial for aquatic life, where deviations in water quality can lead to stress and disease outbreaks among livestock. Given that up to 80% of aquaculture farms face water quality issues, Aquawise identifies a critical market gap ripe for disruption.

With its emphasis on sustainability and efficiency, Aquawise is poised to make a substantial impact on the aquaculture industry. By addressing the pressing need for cost-effective monitoring solutions, the company not only helps farmers minimize losses—which reportedly amount to $30 billion annually due to water quality-related issues—but also enhances overall productivity within the sector.

Aquawise is scheduled to showcase its pioneering technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 as part of the Startup Battlefield competition. This prestigious event will take place from October 27 to 29 at the Moscone West in San Francisco. This spotlight offers Aquawise an invaluable platform to highlight its innovative approach and connect with potential investors who resonate with its vision.

The journey of Aquawise from initial concept to a promising startup is as interesting as the technology it champions. Tiyapunjanit’s passion for aquaculture began during a research project focused on shrimp larvae, leading him to explore the critical needs within the industry. This journey took a significant turn during the 2023 Young Scientist Competition, where he met his future co-founders, Chanati Jantrachotechatchawan and Kobchai Duangrattanalert. Their collaboration blossomed as they together aimed to tackle the pressing issue of water quality in aquaculture.

Tiyapunjanit emphasized the importance of stepping back to identify the critical problems affecting the sector. Their research indicated that water quality issues are a central theme, affecting a vast majority of farms across the region. With Aquawise, they not only aim to resolve this challenge but also foster better practices for sustainable aquaculture.

Looking ahead, the future seems promising for Aquawise as they strive for growth and wider adoption of their technology. Their innovative AI-driven approach could redefine the standards of water quality management in aquaculture, making it accessible and efficient for farmers everywhere. By marrying advanced artificial intelligence with satellite technology, Aquawise is not just a company; it’s a significant step towards ensuring the health and sustainability of aquaculture ecosystems across Southeast Asia and beyond.