Seokchon Lake: A Model of Water Purification and Innovation
Seokchon Lake in Seoul, which includes Dongho (East Lake) and Seoho (West Lake), undergoes a monthly water purification process. This lake is replenished by drawing water from the Han River, and previously, the untreated water led to frequent algae blooms. However, since 2021, the lake has maintained Grade 1-2 water quality thanks to an eco-friendly agent developed by a domestic startup.
K-water (Korea Water Resources Corporation) recently announced that seven startups collaborating in the water industry, including ‘Jens,’ the developer of this groundbreaking technology, won innovation awards at CES 2026, the world’s largest IT exhibition. K-water has been actively supporting domestic water-related startups through expert technical consultations and other forms of assistance.
Recognition at CES 2026
According to K-water, ‘Doomdoom,’ which developed drone-based water quality measurement technology, became the first domestic water tech company to receive the Best Innovation Award. This recognition highlights the growing influence of Korean startups in the global water technology sector.
Other notable award recipients included:
- Rebiofor its optical-based smart water quality meter
- Mobilliofor an AI autonomous driving robot used for inspecting water treatment facilities
- Stellavisionfor a satellite-based leak detection system
- Jensfor water ecosystem restoration technology based on photocatalysts and polymer electrolytes
- Hi-Labfor solar-powered green hydrogen production technology
- Hwanu Nanotechfor a technology to remove disinfection byproducts using micro-water droplets
These innovations showcase the diverse range of solutions being developed by Korean startups to address pressing water-related challenges.
K-water’s Role in Supporting Innovation
K-water has been participating in CES with domestic water companies since 2023. Previously, the water industry faced difficulties in finding spaces to demonstrate new technologies. To address this, K-water has supported technology verification at sites such as water treatment plants, rivers, and reservoirs, while also providing expert consultations.
For CES 2026, which will be held next year, 20 companies are expected to participate. This continued involvement underscores K-water’s commitment to fostering innovation and promoting Korean technology on the global stage.
Vision for the Future of Water Technology
Yoon Suk-dae, president of K-water, stated, “This achievement demonstrates that Korea is leading innovative technologies in the water sector using AI and other advancements. An era in which water-related issues—such as water shortages, water quality deterioration, and aging water infrastructure inspections—will be resolved through domestic companies’ technologies is coming.”
The success of these startups not only highlights the potential of Korean innovation but also signals a shift towards more sustainable and efficient water management practices. As the global demand for clean water continues to rise, the role of technology in addressing these challenges becomes increasingly vital.
With ongoing support from organizations like K-water, the future of the water industry looks promising. The integration of AI, robotics, and advanced materials is paving the way for smarter, more effective solutions that can be applied both locally and globally. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the potential to transform how we manage and protect one of our most precious resources—water.