Houston, TX — September 22, 2025
Katz Water Technologies (KWT), a Houston-based innovator in advanced water purification, is proud to announce it has been named a Qualifying Team in the $119 million XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, the largest water innovation prize in history, made possible by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
The five-year global competition is designed to transform seawater desalination by accelerating the development of solutions that are affordable, reliable, and sustainable.
KWT’s patented X-VAP™ thermal distillation technology, powered by solar thermal energy, delivers highly efficient, decentralized desalination and has the potential to expand clean water access for communities worldwide.
“We are honored to be recognized by XPRIZE Water Scarcity and proud to be part of a global movement to ensure clean water access for all,” said Gary Katz, CEO & Founder of Katz Water Technologies.
About Gary Katz
Gary P. Katz is a seasoned attorney, technologist, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in law, science, and innovation. He began his career as a patent attorney at ExxonMobil, supporting global research divisions and helping bring complex technologies to market. In 2016, he founded Katz Water Technologies to address global water challenges through innovation.
Since then, Katz has secured over $2 million in federal grants and awards, holds 18 issued patents, and has led KWT to multiple innovation milestones, including recognition in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Desalination Prize. He is also the managing attorney of the Katz Law Group, where he advises clients on intellectual property, transactions, and litigation.
A passionate advocate for sustainable technology, Gary is a frequent speaker on intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and environmental innovation. He lives in Texas with his wife and five children.
Climate Week NYC Announcement
Gary Katz will also be attending New York Climate Week 2025 and the XPRIZE Water Scarcity Qualifying Teams announcement and expert panel discussion:
📅 Monday, September 22, 2025
🕗 8:00–10:00 AM (breakfast served)
📍 Convene, 237 Park Avenue, New York City
This milestone marks another step in KWT’s mission to expand water purification beyond oil & gas into industrial, agricultural, and humanitarian applications — bringing scalable, solar-powered clean water solutions where they’re needed most.
🔗 Explore XPRIZE Water Scarcity: xprize.org/water
@XPRIZE | #XPRIZEWaterScarcity
