SolMem LLC

SolMem LLC is a Houston-based technology startup founded in 2017 that specializes in solar-driven water and wastewater treatment solutions. The company develops and commercializes innovative desalination and purification systems, most notably its proprietary Solar Multi-Effect Membrane Distillation (SolarMEMD) and Nanophotonics Enhanced Solar Membrane Distillation (NESMD) technologies. Unlike conventional systems that rely on high temperature or pressure, these technologies operate under ambient conditions and are powered entirely by sunlight. By integrating cutting-edge scientific research—originally conceived at Rice University—with ingenious engineering, SolMem aims to provide high-efficiency treatment for various water sources, including seawater, brackish water, agricultural wastewater, and oil and gas produced water.

These solutions are designed to address global water shortages and contamination challenges for residential, municipal, and industrial sectors, particularly in off-grid or resource-limited locations. By enabling the conversion of unconventional water sources into high-quality drinking water at a lower cost and with reduced chemical and energy requirements, SolMem supports sustainable infrastructure development. The company has been recognized for its R&D efforts, including receiving a National Science Foundation SBIR grant to advance its solar desalination systems and participating in the American-Made Challenges: Solar Desalination Prize. The company maintains a dedicated team of engineers and researchers focused on tackling complex water-related challenges through technical commercialization and robust project partnerships.