Water Innovation and Sustainability Took Center Stage as Hanson Bridgett Hosted WaterVent
Last week’s two-day water innovation event brought together leaders and innovators working to solve one of California’s most pressing challenges. We welcomed water-tech startups, investors, and industry experts to explore solutions that could transform how utilities and major water users manage this vital resource.
The goal was simple. Connect innovators with the resources they need to help bring their solutions to market. When San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie arrived to welcome guests, including international visitors, he was eager to tout the high quality of San Francisco’s drinking water and the importance of ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable water in the Bay Area. He noted that the Hetch Hetchy system provides Bay Area residents with some of the highest-quality drinking water in the country and emphasized the vital role of the innovative technologies our presenters are developing to promote sustainability and improve wastewater management.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission President Joshua Arce echoed the sentiment. Both leaders’ presence underscored the importance of advancing sustainability goals and offering high-quality, efficient, and reliable water services at affordable rates.
At the heart of the event were the startup technology presentations. Water-tech innovators showcased how their companies could improve sustainability for water utilities and other large water users that rely heavily on water in their operations. Each pitch focused on practical applications. These weren’t theoretical concepts but working solutions ready for implementation.
“We were honored to host this international water technology event and showcase how our law firm can provide the legal resources for cutting-edge technology companies to grow and succeed,” explained Hanson Bridgett Partner Jonathan Storper. “Some of the conversations that followed, and the very sector-specific networking opportunities among attendees that we encouraged, were exactly what we hoped to spark.”
“For me, hosting this type of event helps position Hanson Bridgett as a connector — bringing together industry-specific innovators, investors, and public agencies in a collaborative environment,” said Hanson Bridgett Partner Allison Schutte, who played a key role in bringing the event together.
“Hosting such an event reflects our firm’s commitment to advancing these important discussions that are certainly meaningful to our clients, but also, many of these water-tech companies are the future of how California will tackle some of our most urgent environmental challenges.”
Building Bridges to Market
The event was designed to do more than share information — we wanted to spark real connections between innovators and the investors who can help scale their solutions. Throughout the day, startups and investors engaged in thoughtful discussions about partnerships and funding opportunities. These conversations represent the first step toward bringing new water technologies to the corporations and communities that need them most.
California’s water challenge demands this kind of collaboration. By uniting innovators, investors, and government leaders, we’re helping move solutions from concept to reality. And it’s fitting that this work is happening here — California has long been the epicenter of powerful ideas and environmental innovation. As a California-founded law firm with deep experience in water, infrastructure, and environmental policy, Hanson Bridgett was proud to help convene this conversation and support the innovators driving sustainable change.
