Mrüna, a startup originally founded in Beirut and now based in Dubai, is making waves in the world of wastewater management with its innovative project, BiomWeb. This nature-inspired, decentralized wastewater treatment system is designed to tackle some of the biggest challenges in sewage infrastructure, especially in regions like the UAE. By creating a more sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional wastewater management systems, Mrüna is providing real estate developers and communities with a much-needed solution.
The Problem with Traditional Sewage Infrastructure
According to Ziad Hussami, co-founder and CEO of Mrüna, wastewater infrastructure is a costly issue, even in developed regions. “At Mrüna, we are managing the vital problem of sewage infrastructure, which is prohibitively costly for real estate developers,” he continues. Certain districts remain disconnected from the sewage system in places like Dubai. Instead, they collect wastewater using diesel-powered trucks, making over 270,000 trips annually in Dubai alone. These trucks consume massive amounts of diesel and contribute significantly to pollution.
Traditional mechanical systems for treating wastewater are available, but they come with their own set of challenges. These systems are expensive, complicated to maintain and take up a lot of space. On top of that, they are often visually unappealing. This is where Mrüna’s BiomWeb comes in, offering a much more practical and environmentally friendly solution.
The Mrüna Solution: BiomWeb
The beauty of Mrüna’s solution lies in its simplicity and efficiency. The BiomWeb system treats wastewater through a series of tanks that mimic natural aquatic habitats. This decentralized approach not only reduces the need for extensive sewage infrastructure but also turns the wastewater into reusable water for irrigation. The system is perfect for real estate projects, site offices, and even informal settlements that are disconnected from the main sewage grid.
Among BiomWeb’s key advantages are its intelligent parts, such as the holding tank and windmill, which guarantee dependability and energy efficiency. These components, combined with an Internet of Things (IoT) system, allow for continuous monitoring and data reporting. This technology facilitates asset management and guarantees the smooth operation of the system. Additionally, it gives customers access to performance data in real time, which aids in maintaining the best possible wastewater treatment levels.
A Comprehensive “Drain to Drip” Service
Mrüna offers a complete “drain to drip irrigation” service, meaning they handle everything from manufacturing the BiomWeb system to installing and maintaining it. The system treats wastewater, produces clean water for irrigation, and delivers detailed reports on its performance. This transparency allows customers to see the direct benefits of adopting a more sustainable wastewater treatment system.
Hussami explains that the company is tackling the sewage trucking industry, which is valued at approximately AED 100 million in Dubai alone. “By offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional sewage systems, we are addressing a significant market gap,” he says. Mrüna has initially focused on temporary site offices, construction sites, and informal settlements, but the company is now expanding to include hotels, mosques, and other established properties.
Looking to the Future
As Mrüna grows, Hussami has big plans for the company. The long-term goal is to work with real estate developers on master planning projects to create comprehensive, sustainable sanitation solutions. This approach reimagines the future of infrastructure, incorporating nature-based systems into everyday life. By working with developers from the beginning, Mrüna hopes to embed sustainability into the foundation of future communities.
Currently, Mrüna has a team of 15 employees, split between Dubai and Lebanon. The founding team brings diverse professional backgrounds, and this diversity has helped the company navigate the challenges it has faced since its inception in 2020.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting a company in 2020 came with its own set of difficulties, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of that, Mrüna faced economic and political challenges, particularly in Lebanon. The company had to deal with Lebanon’s economic crisis and the devaluation of its currency, but with support from UNICEF, Mrüna was able to deploy its systems in informal settlements across the country.
However, the challenges didn’t stop there. In 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine created further obstacles. Grants that had been earmarked for Lebanon were redirected to Ukraine, which impacted Mrüna’s funding. Additionally, supply chain disruptions made it harder to manufacture and ship the company’s products. Although Mrüna produces its systems in Lebanon, shipping directly to markets like Saudi Arabia remains difficult.
Another major challenge is convincing people to adopt this new, environmentally friendly technology. Many are hesitant to transition from traditional sewage systems to green, decentralized alternatives. “Introducing a new technology requires effort,” Hussami says. “We have to continuously demonstrate the long-term benefits, both in terms of cost and quality, that our sustainable approach offers.”
The Importance of Support
Support from initiatives like the Mega Green Accelerator is crucial for startups like Mrüna. Hussami believes that this accelerator program will help Mrüna scale its solutions, optimize supply chains, and secure the necessary funding. It will also provide opportunities to forge partnerships with industry leaders like SABIC and PepsiCo, who are both involved in the accelerator.
Looking ahead, Mrüna is planning to expand its services in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Additionally, the company aims to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia, a market that holds significant potential for sustainable wastewater solutions.
The company is also working on proof-of-concept projects with SABIC and PepsiCo. Mrüna hopes to collaborate with SABIC to develop new manufacturing methods using advanced materials and recycled resources, reducing the company’s carbon footprint. With PepsiCo, Mrüna is exploring ways to implement its water replenishment services as part of the company’s broader sustainability initiatives.
The Growing Sustainability Scene in the UAE
Hussami sees the future of sustainable startups in the UAE as bright. “If your corporation is delivering a more bearable option to business as normal, your time is now,” he says. Businesses are becoming more and more concerned with sustainability, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-related KPIs are becoming crucial to conducting business. Banks and lenders are also offering incentives for companies to adopt sustainable practices, further encouraging businesses to go green.
While greenwashing—making false claims about environmental practices—is still a concern, customers are becoming more savvy and demanding real, measurable results. This creates an opportunity for companies like Mrüna, which offer genuine, verifiable solutions.
In today’s world, there is more money available for sustainable projects than ever before. Regulators, investors, and businesses are all coming together to support projects that prioritize the environment. For Mrüna, this support is crucial in driving their mission forward and creating a greener future for wastewater management.
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