L'ma Project

Our Mission

Our mission is to ensure the sustainable and equitable management of water resources for the long-term benefit of communities and ecosystems.

As the central coordination body for water resource management, we allocate resources to critical projects, advocate for responsible water use, and act as a trusted voice within the water management ecosystem. As the public-facing allocation arm of Liquid Management Assets (L’ma), we provide funding, guidance and other forms of support to eligible initiatives that contribute to the preservation and optimization of water resources. Our focus is on strengthening the foundations of water resource management and enabling future innovations by supporting efforts in preserving and optimizing water resources while fostering innovation and inclusivity. We are committed to advancing the integration of smart technologies like IoT-enabled systems, blockchain and decentralized computing to redefine how water is managed, consumed, and preserved. By aligning our efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we strive to empower diverse stakeholders and build resilient water management infrastructures for the future.

What we support

We provide funding and other resources to a wide range of initiatives that prioritize free and open-source solutions for sustainable water management.

Our primary focus is on projects that strengthen the foundations of water resource management, including tools for water monitoring and distribution, infrastructure optimization, research into sustainable practices, community resources, and other public goods. Support is primarily directed toward enabling builders and innovators who develop solutions rather than end users directly. Our funding focuses on projects that:

  • Utilize free and open-source technologies to improve water monitoring and distribution.
  • Develop sustainable infrastructure and tools that optimize resource usage.
  • Conduct impactful research into water conservation and management.
  • Foster community engagement and education to enhance water stewardship.
  • Align with global standards and promote responsible consumption practices.

Who we support

Our grantees and collaborators come from all over the world and represent diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience.

We support individuals and teams of all kinds, including companies, cooperatives, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, researchers, engineers, educators, community organizers, and more. By fostering a diverse network of contributors, we aim to catalyze innovation in water resource management. Learn more and see a list of recent grantees and their impactful work.

Let’s talk about how you can get involved

How we support

We are committed to deploying resources—both financial and non-financial—where they will have the greatest impact.

Our processes are designed to be flexible and adaptive, ensuring openness to new ideas and support for builders across different fields of water resources management. Grants are awarded through a formal application and evaluation process, ensuring transparency and alignment with our mission. In addition to financial support, we offer opportunities for informal engagement through office hours, where individuals and teams can connect with us for project feedback, advice, ecosystem navigation, or guidance on submitting a grant application. Grantees also benefit from the integration of smart technologies like IoT-enabled devices and blockchain systems, which improve transparency, traceability and resilience in water resource management. By combining structured funding mechanisms with open dialogue and ongoing support, we empower innovators to build scalable, sustainable solutions that address pressing water challenges.

Problems

Global challenges

Water is the cornerstone of life and development, serving as the foundation for health, agriculture, industry, and economic growth, yet it faces critical challenges globally, with systemic inefficiencies, widespread inequalities in access, and mounting pressures from climate change threatening the sustainability of this vital resource.

Wastage and Inefficiency

Nearly 30% of treated water is lost in distribution networks globally due to leaks, poor infrastructure, and inefficient management. According to the World Bank, this « non-revenue water » (NRW) accounts for losses exceeding $14 billion annually worldwide, with developing countries experiencing the highest inefficiencies.

Access Inequality

Around 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This lack of access disproportionately affects rural areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly 1 in 3 people rely on unsafe water sources.

Climate-Induced Scarcity

Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and extreme events (droughts, floods) exacerbate global water stress. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that by 2050, up to 3.2 billion people could face severe water scarcity due to climate change.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

L’ma Network solution directly addresses critical targets under the United Nations’ SDGs, presenting a multi-faceted approach that not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also leverages advanced technologies to tackle pressing issues such as water scarcity, wastage, and unequal access, thereby fostering resilience in infrastructure and empowering communities worldwide.

Clean Water and Sanitation

Providing access to clean, safe drinking water by preventing waste, improving quality monitoring, and addressing infrastructure gaps that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), access to safe drinking water is essential for preventing diseases and fostering healthy societies.

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Strengthening water management systems through the integration of advanced technologies like IoT and blockchain is critical for building resilient infrastructure. The Global Water Partnership (GWP) identifies smart technology adoption as a cornerstone for improving the efficiency of water networks, particularly in urban areas facing rapid population growth.

Responsible Consumption and Production

Promoting sustainable water consumption involves empowering users with precise usage data, predictive analytics, and behavior change tools. The European Environment Agency (EEA) reports that informed consumer practices can significantly reduce household water usage, with savings of up to 30% achievable through real-time monitoring and efficient appliances.

Climate Action

Enhancing resource resilience by reducing water wastage and supporting adaptive management practices for changing climate patterns is paramount. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), integrating water management into national climate adaptation plans can mitigate the effects of droughts and floods on vulnerable populations.

Solution

We propose an integrated solution combining cutting-edge technologies to redefine water resource management. Our approach includes :

Patented Smart Valve Technology

Advanced IoT-enabled devices equipped to detect leaks in real-time, monitor water quality parameters and offer actionable insights on consumption patterns. Leak Localization and Immediate Shutoff: Automatically identifies and isolates leaks to prevent water loss and infrastructure damage.

Blockchain Integration

A decentralized system to ensure transparency, immutability, and traceability of water data, fostering trust among stakeholders.
Management of anonymized and private data to protect user confidentiality while maintaining operational transparency.
Decentralized management to ensure high resilience against system failures and achieve exceptional scalability for growing user bases.
Utilization of decentralized computing for AI-driven data analyses, minimizing operational costs while providing robust insights into water usage and quality.

Scalable Marketplace

A comprehensive platform delivering maintenance services, financing options, and training programs to enhance adoption and ensure long-term impact.
A hub for buying and selling water-related services, connecting service providers with consumers across the ecosystem.

Market Opportunities

The water management sector presents significant market opportunities, driven by the urgent need for sustainable practices, advanced technologies, and improved infrastructure. The following outlines key areas of growth potential across various stakeholders:

Insurance Companies

Insurers have a vested interest in minimizing claims related to water damage and contamination. By integrating smart water solutions into policy packages, they can offer clients enhanced protection while reducing overall risk exposure. This market segment is particularly attractive due to its alignment with preventative risk management practices and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Households

Residential users represent a growing market segment, particularly as awareness of water scarcity and environmental responsibility increases. Smart water solutions such as leak detection, water quality monitoring, and consumption analytics offer homeowners tangible benefits in cost savings and resource optimization. This aligns with consumer trends toward smart home technologies and supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).

Municipalities and Public Authorities

Cities and local governments face mounting pressure to modernize water distribution systems, reduce non-revenue water losses, and meet sustainability targets. The L’ma Network marketplace enables municipalities to access cutting-edge solutions, including predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and infrastructure upgrades, supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Affordable Housing Developers


Developers of affordable housing projects are increasingly required to meet sustainability standards. The integration of smart water technologies not only reduces operational costs but also enhances compliance with environmental regulations, contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Agricultural Enterprises


With agriculture accounting for the largest share of global water use, efficient irrigation systems and water quality monitoring tools are critical. The marketplace offers tailored solutions that improve crop yields, conserve water, and ensure soil health, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 6 (Clean Water).

Industrial Users


Factories and manufacturing plants rely on consistent and high-quality water supplies for their operations. The L’ma Network provides advanced analytics, water recycling systems, and compliance tools to ensure efficient and sustainable use of resources, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Environmental NGOs


Non-governmental organizations working on water sustainability initiatives benefit from the marketplace’s collaborative environment. By accessing data, tools, and services, they can scale their projects and advocate for stronger water management practices, supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 6 (Clean Water).

Research Institutions and Innovators


Universities, research centers, and startups play a pivotal role in advancing water management technologies. The marketplace serves as a hub for these entities to pilot projects, analyze data, and commercialize innovations, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

To find out more about our project download our white paper