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AtmoCooling develops seawater-based cooling systems that create large-scale microclimates in arid regions without using freshwater. Backed by $2.6 million in pre-seed funding, the company focuses on agriculture, solar energy, and urban cooling applications. Its patented technology combines smart sensors, proprietary nozzles, and algorithm-driven deployment to reduce temperatures by up to 15°C.
Turning the Heat into an Opportunity
Rising temperatures and expanding desertification are pushing the limits of traditional agriculture and infrastructure in arid regions. AtmoCooling targets this intersection of climate pressure and land scarcity by developing atmospheric cooling systems designed specifically for extreme environments. The company focuses on enabling desert regions to support agriculture and sustainable development by cooling ambient temperatures without relying on freshwater.
Its core concept is grounded in natural processes—replicating atmospheric cooling using seawater or brine—and enhancing them through engineered systems. The result is an artificial microclimate that can be applied across expansive areas, enabling new types of land use in otherwise inhospitable climates.
How AtmoCooling Wins Investor Confidence with Its Bold Vision
AtmoCooling recently secured $2.6 million in pre-seed funding, signaling a growing interest in large-scale adaptation technologies. The round was co-led by Nucleus Capital and Revent Ventures, with participation from Marble, Unruly, Founders Factory, Blue Action, Patrick Tilley, SwiftScale, Bronco Ventures, and Hub71.
The funding will be allocated toward scaling existing pilot projects, expanding engineering and R&D efforts, and deploying the first set of installations at meaningful scales. It also enables the company to deepen collaborations with partners across agriculture, urban planning, and climate research.
By combining domain-specific engineering and targeted environmental applications, AtmoCooling has differentiated itself in a crowded sustainability startup space. This traction reflects a broader demand for applied climate solutions with demonstrable regional impact.
This Startup Uses Seawater to Cool Deserts—Here’s How It Works
AtmoCooling’s system operates by dispersing saline water droplets into the air, which absorb heat through evaporation and lower ambient temperatures. Unlike traditional evaporative cooling, which consumes fresh water, this method relies on saline sources such as seawater or desalination plant byproducts.
Its system includes:
- Proprietary spray nozzles that control droplet size for efficient evaporation
- atmOS software that integrates real-time environmental data to adjust dispersal
- Site selection algorithms trained on 40 years of meteorological, geographic, and socio-political data
- Modular infrastructure adaptable to different terrains and project scales
The technology is capable of cooling air temperatures by up to 15°C, depending on environmental conditions. It can be applied across 10 to 10,000 hectares, depending on infrastructure footprint and application scope.
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Why Agriculture, Solar Energy, and Urban Sites Want This Now
With freshwater resources under pressure and heat extremes worsening, multiple sectors are seeking alternatives to conventional cooling.
Key sectors engaging with AtmoCooling include:
- Agriculture: Reduces crop stress, improves soil moisture retention, and lowers irrigation requirements in high-heat areas
- Solar energy: Lowers panel temperatures, improving photovoltaic efficiency and extending equipment lifespan
- Urban cooling: Reduces local heat islands, supporting livability and energy efficiency in dense cities
By utilizing saline water sources and avoiding chemical refrigerants, AtmoCooling presents a system with minimal environmental trade-offs, attracting stakeholders focused on both performance and sustainability.
Deserts Become Testbeds for Climate Resilience
AtmoCooling has initiated pilot deployments in high-temperature regions where land degradation and water scarcity coincide. These include selected locations in the UAE and neighboring desert zones. The company collaborates with agricultural producers, energy site developers, and municipal planners to tailor deployments based on regional needs.
Its partnership with Hub71 has provided not only capital access but also integration into Abu Dhabi’s broader climate innovation ecosystem. As a result, the company is positioned to test new configurations in diverse environments and build datasets that inform future system improvements.
Can AtmoCooling Scale Fast Enough to Meet the Climate Challenge?
Scaling remains a primary hurdle. While the modular architecture simplifies deployment, broader expansion requires coordinated logistics, regional water source assessments, and policy alignment.
The company’s development roadmap focuses on:
- Scaling sensor and software capabilities for autonomous operation
- Expanding its engineering team to refine the mechanical systems
- Securing new sites across North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe
- Establishing partnerships with desalination plants to streamline saline input
These steps are necessary to move from pilot scale to regional coverage and to prove economic viability across geographies with varying infrastructure maturity.
What This Means for the Future of Sustainable Land Use
AtmoCooling introduces a climate-tech framework that transforms passive desert land into usable zones for food, energy, and habitation. Its reliance on seawater and brine shifts the paradigm away from freshwater-dependent systems, offering a path forward for countries facing concurrent water and heat crises.
By enabling cooler environments on demand, the system supports food security, protects infrastructure, and improves regional resilience. As climate volatility accelerates, scalable solutions like AtmoCooling may play a significant role in shaping adaptive land strategies for governments and industries operating in high-risk zones.
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