University of South Africa
Overview of innovation

CloudHarvest ™ is an innovative solution that tackles the rising frequency of droughts and water shortages caused by climate change. It offers a sustainable way to influence weather patterns and water availability in vulnerable regions. During severe droughts, cloud seeding has been proven as an effective method to fight water scarcity by artificially inducing rainfall, especially in arid areas or coastal regions with limited natural precipitation.
The process begins with a solution containing magnesium ions that absorb CO2, followed by the introduction of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) particles into the atmosphere, which may serve as ice nucleating agents to enhance precipitation and rainfall.

Type of Intellectual Property protection
Patent
Innovation Opportunity Type
Investment
Manufacturing
Industry
​Manufacturing
Other manufacturing
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
Water collection, treatment and supply
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 3 – Proof of concept created
Website link
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Research-&-Innovation/Innovation,-Technology-Transfer-and-Commercialisation