Tunisian startup tops EBRD’s AgVenture startup competition: Tunisian green tech startup Kumulus Water earned a prize package worth EUR 90k from The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), according to a statement. The food tech startup will receive tailored advisory support worth EUR 80k and a EUR 10k grant to help the company expand its tech offering, the statement notes.

What does Kumulus do? Powered by an built-in solar power system, Kumulus’ water generator extracts moisture from the atmosphere, stirring it inside the machine to cool it and produce potable water. The company ultimately aims to produce 25 liters of water for USD 0.8, Kumulus notes on its linkedin profile. The Kumulus machines, which weigh around 60 kg, are designed to be portable, decentralized generators that can serve communities in remote areas. (watch, runtime: 00:02:21).

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A research team at the American University of Sharjah is developing a thermal energy storage system for the renewable energy transition, Wam reported last week. The technology uses ionic liquids to manipulate how energy is absorbed and stored then melted for energy release when temperatures drop and materials are allowed to cool and solidify. Researchers hope the new tech can be used in buildings, industrial facilities, and electronic devices to help regulate temperature, store energy, and cut down on energy consumption.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

• Algeria’s Sonelgaz met with a delegation from China’s Huawei to discuss potential cooperation in renewables, including producing 2 GW of energy from 15 solar plants in 11 locations. (Sonelgaz)
• Qatar’s Transport Ministry aims to have EVs comprise 35% of its fleet by 2030 and 100% of its public buses be all-electric by 2030. (Doha Directory)
• Omani women-led student company ECOF has developed filaments for 3D printers using organic waste and bioplastics. (Oman News Agency)