Aquawise will show off its AI-driven water quality tech at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Aquaculture farms face a critical challenge: ensuring the health of their livestock through effective water quality monitoring. Traditional methods, such as sensors and testing kits, can be prohibitively expensive for farmers, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia. This is where Aquawise aims to make a significant impact by utilizing artificial intelligence and satellite technology, eliminating the need for costly hardware. Based in Bangkok, Aquawise employs satellite imagery of fish and shrimp farms, analyzing it with a sophisticated physics-based AI model. This innovative approach allows for continuous monitoring of key water quality indicators, including temperature, chlorophyll levels, and oxygen saturation, surpassing the limitations of traditional daily or weekly assessments. Patipond Tiyapunjanit, co-founder and CEO of Aquawise, emphasizes the importance of water quality in aquaculture, likening it to the human need for air. “If the water quality does not stay at the optimal level, it could cause stress, lead to disease outbreaks, and result in significant losses,” he explained. Aquawise's technology will be showcased at the upcoming Startup Battlefield competition during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The inception of Aquawise stemmed from Tiyapunjanit’s passion for shrimp aquaculture, which sparked a research project on shrimp larvae. His journey led him to meet future co-founders Chanati Jantrachotechatchawan and Kobchai Duangrattanalert during the 2023 Young Scientist Competition, where their collaboration ultimately won the prestigious 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Recognizing the pressing water quality issues that plague 80% of aquaculture farms, the trio founded Aquawise in 2024. While developed regions like the U.S. and Europe may not face the same challenges, Southeast Asian farmers often lack access to affordable monitoring solutions, relying instead on weather reports and manual checks, which can lead to dire consequences. Initially, Aquawise considered using sonar technology for monitoring, but they soon realized that this approach would still impose financial burdens on farmers. “We want people, especially in Thailand and across Southeast Asia, to feel empowered to use our technology to enhance their livelihoods and community,” Duangrattanalert stated. Currently, Aquawise collaborates with multiple farms to refine its AI model, ensuring its accuracy before launching commercial sales. The startup is also gearing up to secure funding from investors in the upcoming year. Tiyapunjanit highlights the potential of aquaculture as a vital food resource, projected by the United Nations to play a key role in feeding a growing global population while minimizing emissions. For those interested in learning more about Aquawise and witnessing additional innovative pitches, valuable workshops, and networking opportunities, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 offers a platform for engagement from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.