TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Dr. Hubert Fleming

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Water remains one of the most critical resources for global sustainability, and Dr. Hubert Fleming has spent his career at the forefront of its management, treatment, and technological advancement. With a background that spans chemical engineering, business leadership, and infrastructure investment, he is a recognized global leader in the evolution of modern water technology. As president of Upwell Water Treatment, Dr. Fleming leads the firm’s investments and operations, driving forward water solutions and sustainable water infrastructure.

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Dr. Fleming’s impact began in the 1980s when he led Zenon Environmental, a pioneering company that first introduced membrane-based desalination systems and water reuse technologies. Following Zenon, he served as global managing director at Hatch Ltd, a major engineering and construction firm, where he focused on global water and infrastructure projects. Today, his expertise informs Upwell Water’s efforts to revolutionize water access, water treatment, and resource recovery.

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A key focus of Dr. Fleming’s work is the decentralization of water systems. Traditional, large-scale municipal water infrastructure is increasingly inadequate for the needs of modern urban and industrial environments. Upwell Water is developing localized water availability and water treatment solutions that provide industries and communities with direct access to sustainable water resources. This shift away from centralized urban models improves efficiency, reliability, and resilience, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.

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Dr. Fleming is also deeply involved in resource recovery, a critical component of the circular economy. His work emphasizes the extraction of valuable materials from wastes, including lithium for battery production and essential chemicals from municipal and industrial brine. These technologies not only enhance sustainability, but also contribute to the economic viability of water treatment, aligning environmental responsibility with commercial success. Other activities of note include advancing technologies for generating water from air, a promising solution for arid regions, as well as ultrapure water for green hydrogen and ammonia production, which are key to the future of renewable energy.

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A prolific innovator, Dr. Fleming holds numerous patents in water technologies. He is recognized for such innovations as diverse as developing sea water desalination for drinking water, to ultra purified water systems for vaccine production and hemodialysis, allowing kidney dialysis. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Frost & Sullivan Visionary Innovation Leadership Award, two United Nations honors, an honorary Doctor of Science degree, and named Fellow, National Academy of Engineering. He has also co-authored several books on water and environmental management, including the Handbook of Membrane Technology.

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Founded in 2018, Upwell Water operates across the United States, with offices in San Francisco, New York, and other major cities. The firm is unique in its ability to integrate finance with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that innovative water solutions are not only developed, but also commercially viable. With several hundred million dollars under management, Upwell Water invests in water rights, owns and operates public water and wastewater companies, and supports sustainable water projects.

 

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Dr. Hubert Fleming
President and Partner
Upwell Water Treatment
Website: www.upwell.co
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hubert-fleming-17b604ab