Two talented students from Nuevo León, Mexico, have made headlines after developing a portable device that captures moisture from the air and converts it into water. The innovation, called CAMO, was created by 17-year-old Juan De la Cruz and 18-year-old Ameyali Aguilar to help communities facing water scarcity.
How CAMO Works
CAMO uses condensation technology: a Peltier cell cools a surface, causing humidity in the air to condense into droplets. These droplets are collected and filtered, with plans to incorporate carbon filters and mineral additives to make the water safe for drinking.
The students built the first prototype using recycled computer parts, demonstrating that the device can produce water from atmospheric humidity even in arid environments. In early testing, the device generated about 3 millilitres every 20 minutes, but the inventors are working to scale it up for practical use.
Recognition and Impact
The project has earned international recognition. CAMO won accolades at the Global Slingshot Challenge 2025, organized by the National Geographic Society and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. The competition celebrates innovative solutions addressing global environmental challenges.
The device has the potential to support communities in water-stressed regions, particularly in northern Mexico, where millions face limited access to clean water. Experts see the invention as a step toward sustainable, small-scale solutions for water scarcity.
Why This Matters
- Accessible Innovation: CAMO is low-cost and portable, designed for practical use in local communities.
- Environmental Sustainability: It draws water from the atmosphere without requiring extensive infrastructure or electricity.
- Youth Innovation: Juan and Ameyali’s work highlights the power of young inventors to address real-world problems.
- Potential for Expansion: The device can inspire similar solutions globally, especially in regions facing chronic water shortages.
Next Steps
The inventors are working on improving water output and filtration to make the device fully safe for consumption. They hope to partner with universities, NGOs, and private companies to produce CAMO at scale and distribute it to areas most in need.
References
- NotiPress. Jóvenes de Nuevo León crean CAMO, un dispositivo que convierte aire en agua potable.
https://notipress.mx/tecnologia/jovenes-de-nuevo-leon-crean-camo-29673 - Wired (Español). Frente a la sequía en Nuevo León, jóvenes mexicanos crean CAMO, un dispositivo que busca resolver el problema del agua en Monterrey.
https://es.wired.com/articulos/frente-a-la-sequia-en-nuevo-leon-jovenes-mexicanos-crean-camo-un-dispositivo-que-busca-resolver-el-problema-del-agua-en-monterrey - INVDes. Jóvenes de Nuevo León crean CAMO, un dispositivo que convierte aire en agua potable.
https://invdes.com.mx/innovacion/jovenes-de-nuevo-leon-crean-camo-un-dispositivo-que-convierte-aire-en-agua-potable - Global Slingshot Challenge 2025. Winners and innovative projects.
https://www.globalslingshot.org/2025-winners
