Water filtration firm Aqua Membranes is making waves in the semiconductor industry, and the Albuquerque company this week announced the appointment of a new technical lead.
In his new role as chief technology officer, Christopher Kurth will oversee technology development, intellectual property creation and defense, production and quality control, according to a release from Aqua Membranes. The startup offers 3D-printed water elements that use reverse osmosis to remove unwanted particles from water.
The company contends its technology can be used to increase output and reduce treatment costs.
“We are grateful [Kurth] has chosen Aqua Membranes as the next step in his professional career,” CEO Craig Beckman said in a statement. “He’s had decades of experience and a proven track record of success in the reverse osmosis membrane market with new and innovative technologies. His customer knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we launch new products for various applications.”
Kurth has previously held leadership positions at water-focused firms including Osmonics, GE Water, NanoH2O, Nanostone Water and Solecta, according to a news release. A total of 26 patents have been awarded to Kurth, who has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in chemistry from the University of Minnesota, the release said.
The announcement comes months after an undisclosed round of investment with money from U.S. chipmaker Micron Technology Inc. Micron's contribution came as water-intensive chipmakers such as Intel seek to recycle more water. The partnership was to provide not only funding but also testing and configuration capabilities for Aqua Membranes, Beckman previously told Business First.
As of April, Aqua Membranes' workforce stood at 10 with plans to hire another five or six people.
In 2019, the company disclosed a $2.3 million round with 18 investors. That was followed last year with a $2.1 million round disclosed to the Securities and Exchange Commission before Micron's investment was announced, Business First reported.
