Hyderabad-based enterprise Nyla makes drinking water from air

Software professional Surya Yadavalli’s Nyla, a Hyderabad-based company, makes drinking water from air

We all know that the air in the atmosphere contains gases and water vapour. We can feel its moisture as humidity but cannot do anything with it. Hyderabad-based software professional Surya Yadavalli is converting the moisture in the air into drinking water and even decided to bottle it.

The concept has its genesis in a discussion with a technician fixing the RO (reverse osmosis) system. “As the technician struggled to fix the RO system at home, he casually spoke about the atmosphere, water and the existence of a system that can convert water from the air. He also mentioned that no one in India has done it yet.”

Surya added, “I was surprised that even though the technology (like purifying water from air) and most of the machinery was available, why no one wasn’t converting water out of moisture in the environment.”

The technician’s words continued to ring in Surya’s ears, and he began to research on the topic. At the time, his concern was more about saving groundwater that is depleting and protect Nature, rather than making bottled drinking water from air.  Thus was born Nyla.

Surprisingly Surya and his team didn’t struggle much looking for the devices. A bit of research further showed that even the machinery was available.

The brand with air-to-water technology positions itself as the world’s first in the premium bottled water landscape to draw water from the air. They claim that ‘each naturally pH-balanced sip is crafted with a pledge toward a green future’.

Surya says, “I am settled in the US but also run a business here. I was eager to do something for the environment, especially groundwater because any water crisis has an impact on our day-to-day lives. I wanted to do something new, but since the costs involved in this technology are high, this water needed to be positioned in the premium segment. We also had to draw attention to what we were setting out to do. Apart from being pure, Nyla’s foundation was all about sustainability.”

As an entrepreneur, Surya suddenly found himself reading, researching and talking about water. It took him only ten days from the time he heard about water from the air to when he decided on the quantum of his investment on it. 

Within a short time, Surya was ready with everything — the machinery, the technology and a dedicated team. His friend and brother joined as partners. “As we started work, we added one member at a time. It was a learning experience and we learnt on the job.”

The process involves technology that draws natural moisture from the air around us. Through condensation, filtration, and purification, the moisture in the air is turned into the purest form of pH-balanced water, which is then enriched with essential minerals. He shares, “The process was not as simple as making water and bottling it. The water produced still needed filtration because of dust from the atmosphere and we had to decide on the bottles. Then we need to add the required minerals to the water as this ingenious system mimics the earth’s natural water cycle,” explains Surya. 

Multi-level purification includes activated carbon filtration, sediment filtration, ozonation and UV disinfection.

He adds, “We partnered with Maithri Aquatech to provide the core AWG (atmospheric water generation) technology and developed a range of in-house processes and systems that ensure standardisation and high-quality water that we deliver to our customers. Our facility spans 15,000 square feet with a capacity of 10,000 litres per day which can be expanded to 40,000 litres per day using a plug-and-play approach. We remineralise the water with calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, all of which are vital for the human body.”

To be more eco-friendly, the team that presently relies on electricity plans to go solar soon. “We also recycle the bottles to prevent them from ending up in the landfill. So we have decided to take back the bottles for reuse; that is a strict condition. We are so particular about the water that we are now using AI (artificial intelligence) imaging to spot impurities, if any.”  

Nyla is available at AMB mall, AAA cinema and will be soon sold at premium grocery stores in Hyderabad.

The prices for all 4 variants are 8.5 pH Alkaline air water 660ml and (gold closure)₹399 and ₹199, 7.5 pH balanced air water 660ml and 330ml (silver closure) ₹299 and ₹149

Published - January 11, 2025 08:44 pm IST