Aia Abul-Haj, an award-winning engineer with a profound passion for water treatment, solar energy, and environmental sustainability, embodies the spirit of innovation in the MENA region. As a 2022 WEEmpower finalist, Aia’s journey from Jordan University, where she earned her industrial engineering degree, to founding SOLVillion Co., stands as a testament to her dedication to solving critical community challenges.

Abul-Haj and her husband initially established SOLVillion in Irbid, near rural areas in northern Jordan, but swiftly expanded to an office in Amman upon receiving further support. Their ambition didn’t stop there; having received requests from abroad, they began reaching out to a more global community. In its early days, SOLVillion secured seed funding from Middle Eastern NGOs, enabling the development of their first product, which was quickly sold. Since then, they have actively sought to sustain their business through continued external funding.

 Their flagship product, the Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DWWS), offers an innovative on-site water treatment solution specifically designed for households lacking sewage systems. This low-energy system efficiently recycles wastewater, making it usable for agricultural, laundry, and even flushing purposes, thereby significantly contributing to environmental sustainability. The DWWS acts as a water treatment processor connected directly to each house, absorbing used water and mitigating health threats, while also making the water suitable for agricultural practices.

Many communities across the region grapple with a lack of access to sewage systems, leading to inadequate wastewater management, exacerbated climate change impacts, and heightened health risks. SOLVillion directly addresses this disparity by providing affordable and accessible wastewater management solutions through the DWWS, ensuring healthier and safer living conditions for all.

At the heart of SOLVillion’s mission is a deep commitment to empowering the younger generation. By creating opportunities for education, training, and employment, the company inspires youth to become powerful ambassadors for change within their own communities. This initiative not only fosters jobs and internships but also actively nurtures future entrepreneurs. While the general public might seem like the primary audience for such a vital product, its initial cost can be a barrier. This is why Abul-Haj strategically opts to reach out through environmental or water-preserving NGOs, which also play a crucial role in raising awareness about sewage water and its associated risks. Alternatively, SOLVillion actively engages college students, educating them on the matter and inviting them to participate in focus groups, often followed by competitions and prizes.

“This, in part, helps the students be more involved along with helping us figuring out the best laid-out water solutions,” she notes.

Ultimately, Abul-Haj emphasizes that their initiative focuses on offering solutions through individuals and various sections of society, underscoring a collective approach to sustainable change.

Photos: Courtesy of SOLVILLION.