Water, membrane & electrochemical technology advisory
From promising prototype to proven technology.
Independent technical assessment and hands-on development support to evaluate performance, reduce scale-up risk and build a credible business case.
Technology readiness level (TRL)
From experimental proof of concept to complete, qualified systems: we clarify what has been demonstrated, what remains uncertain and what evidence is needed before the next investment.
The founder’s track record
20+
years developing water and energy technology
11
granted patents as inventor, from 14 patent families in membrane and electrochemical processes
3
technologies commercialised, from research to market
5+
years as Head of Technology and CTO, Berghof Membranes
Selected experience
Experience gained across doctoral research and technology leadership roles, spanning membrane development, process engineering and commercialisation.
Reverse electrodialysis
Osmotic energy
Context
Wetsus and University of Twente · Doctoral researcher · 2005–2009
Personal contribution
Identified how membranes, spacers and ion transport limit power output, and invented an ion‑conductive spacer.
Outcome
PhD thesis (2009) and granted patent EP2405994B1, now held by REDstack, which later took RED to pilot scale with partners.
Capacitive deionisation
Water treatment
Context
Voltea · R&D Manager, then Technology Manager · 2009–2017 · Netherlands and USA
Personal contribution
Managed R&D and technology development during Voltea’s growth phase, and introduced in‑house IP management processes.
Outcome
Named inventor in several Voltea patent families, including granted US patents, as Voltea expanded in European and US markets.
Tubular membranes and systems
Separation and forward osmosis
Context
Berghof Membranes · Head of Technology and CTO · 2017–2022 · Executive leadership team
Personal contribution
Led a team of about ten, plus external contractors, developing second‑generation structured tubular membranes and specialised tubular forward‑osmosis membranes.
Outcome
Named inventor in Berghof patent families on structured tubular membranes and tubular forward‑osmosis membranes.
The questions clients bring to us
Investors and acquirers
An independent technical view before you commit capital.
Is this start-up’s energy claim credible at full scale?
Does this pilot actually test the claim it is meant to prove?
Technology companies
Senior technical leadership and engineering support without a full-time hire.
What should our R&D team build next, and what should it stop?
What will it take to move from pilot to a first commercial plant?
Industrial operators and utilities
Clear numbers before you choose a process, supplier or brine strategy.
What will this plant really cost per cubic metre of water?
Can our brine become a revenue stream instead of a disposal cost?
Which membrane process fits our water, and who can supply it?
Four ways to work with us
Every engagement starts with an agreed scope, deliverable and fee.
Technical due diligence
Cost position
Written report with findings, red flags and a clear recommendation
Fixed scope and fee
Techno-economic evaluation and business case
Auditable financial model and business case for your board or investors
Fixed scope and fee
Membrane and process engineering
Proof-of-concept assessment and experimental design
Test protocols
Design reviews, test plans and engineering recommendations
Project-based or day rate
CTO advisory
Technology roadmap
A prioritised technology roadmap, development milestones and regular decision reviews, as agreed in scope
Monthly retainer
IP work covers technical differentiation and technology strategy; it is not a legal patent opinion. Cost estimates and business cases support investment decisions; they do not guarantee outcomes.
Client experience
“Piotr’s knowledge and expertise in the RED field were very useful. He greatly contributed to our company’s development of our new RED technology and its subsequent successful presentation. Piotr’s dedication, thoroughness, and professionalism made him an essential part of our team.”
Ralph Feria
Owner and CEO, Multiaqua, Inc.
USA
Technologies we know from the inside
Membrane processes
Electrochemical processes
Applications
A clear path from first conversation to delivery
1
Introductory call
30 minutes on the decision in front of you. No obligation.
2
Scoped proposal
Scope, deliverables, timeline and fee, in writing.
3
Delivery
Working sessions, data analysis, and site or pilot visits.
4
Follow-through
Findings presented to your team, board or investment committee.
Piotr Dlugolecki, PhD
Founder
Piotr has spent two decades taking membrane and electrochemical technologies from the laboratory to the market, as researcher, R&D leader and CTO.
2024 –
Director Water Technologies
Technology Innovation Institute, Abu Dhabi
2023 –
Founder
Aqua Azure
2017 – 2022
Head of Technology / CTO
Berghof Membranes
2009 – 2017
R&D Manager, then Technology Manager
Voltea
2005 – 2009
Researcher and PhD candidate
Wetsus and University of Twente
Earlier
MSc and BSc
Gdańsk University of Technology
Aqua Azure is an independent company founded by Piotr Dlugolecki, who does not currently hold an operational role in it.
Full profile on LinkedIn →Technical expertise, complemented by business insight.
External collaboration partner
Martin Verebes
Business Strategy Partner | MV Advisory
Germany
Martin complements Aqua Azure’s technical expertise with business insight, helping align technology development with business priorities.
LinkedIn profile →Tell us about the decision in front of you.
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