Our Impact
J-WAFS is focused on advancing MIT research in order to find solutions to the greatest water and food systems challenges of our time
Since 2014, our investments in the MIT research community have developed transformative solutions to specific water and food sector problems, brought new technologies to market, built new knowledge from foundational research discoveries, and supported policies that are needed to ensure the resilient food and water supplies that humankind needs. In addition, we continue to grow the community of water and food researchers at MIT and the funding base to support them.
A snapshot of our impact as of fall 2024 is given below.
MIT Research Supported by J-WAFS
Since its inception, J-WAFS has distributed $21.3 million in research funding to the MIT community, and another $1.6 million in support of graduate student fellowships, expert workshops, prize competitions, and other student support.
Follow-on Funds to Amplify our Impact
J-WAFS-funded researchers have received over $21 million in follow-on funding to extend and expand their J-WAFS-supported research.
J-WAFS-supported MIT Researchers
Via our various grant making programs, J-WAFS has provided funding to support over 300 MIT professors, students (graduate and undergraduate), postdocs, and staff researchers.
MIT Schools Funded by J-WAFS
Since 2015, J-WAFS grants have supported researchers from all five of MIT's schools: the School of Engineering, the School of Science, the School of Architecture and Planning, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and the Sloan School of Management. The new MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing is also engaged in J-WAFS funded projects.
Departments, Labs, and Centers Funded by J-WAFS
Researchers and students from 40 of MIT's departments, labs, and centers (DLCs) have received J-WAFS grants, enabling a wide variety of disciplinary knowledge and methodologies in the pursuit of innovative water and food systems solutions.
Geographic Reach of J-WAFS Research
J-WAFS-funded research addresses water and food challenges specific to particular countries and localities as well as those that affect populations across diverse locations. J-WAFS researchers and stakeholders are making on-the-ground relationships and impacts in 17 countries worldwide. Impact areas include countries across the African continent (in particular Egypt, Sudan, Senegal, and Ethiopia), India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka states), Haiti, and the United States, (particularly Texas and California).
Commercializing Technology
J-WAFS funding has supported the launch of the following spinout companies and products: Via Separations, Xibus Systems, SiTration, AgZen, Takachar, NoNa Desalination, Safi Organics, DetoXyfi, CoolVeg, Dottir Labs, Fluorityx, a xylem-based water filtration device, and the EEC Vial (test kit for E. coli).