WASHINGTON, DC — NASA will conduct its first-ever water sustainability forum next week at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is singling out 10 firms from around the world to showcase innovative solutions to water management.

The event March 16 to 18, called "Launch: Water," is the first in a series of forums to call attention to proposed solutions to sustainability challenges — and help drive support for them.

In addition to NASA, the founding partners behind the Launch program are the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. State Department and Nike.

The entrepreneurs coming to the Kennedy Center will meet with 40 members of the Launch Council who represent business, policy, engineering, science, communications and sustainability sectors.

The firms and groups participating in Launch: Water include :

• Aquacue Barnacle, which is focused on water consumption data and changing habits.
• Dutyion Root Hydration System (dRHS), which aims to make saltwater suitable for agriculture.
• ElectroChemical Arsenic Remediation (ECAR), which is aimed at reducing arsenic exposure in drinking water.
• Floating Sensor Network, which monitors water conditions in systems.
• HydroPlatform, which aims to create better water systems.
• Low Cost Water Tests to gauge the dangers lurking in drinking water.
• Manna Energy, which purifies water and is poised to earn UN carbon credits.
• More Crop per Drop to focus on better irrigation practices.
• VertiCrop, which is focused on sustainable irrigation projects.
• WaterCredit Initiative, which provides credit for sanitation and water projects.

Image courtesy of Launch.