The Environmental Tech Lab (ETL) is pleased to announce two significant outcomes at the end of its first year: 

• The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has selected Gybe, a company that uses machine learning algorithms and satellite imagery to monitor water quality at large scale, for a yearlong pilot; and

• DEP has identified three additional technologies that show potential for future commercial use.

Gybe, which started its twelve-month pilot in July 2024, will augment DEP’s existing water quality monitoring of the New Croton and Muscoot reservoirs—responsible for 10% of NYC’s drinking water. Their technology aims to help DEP optimize water treatment timing, dosing, and location. In parallel, Gybe will also help monitor all water supply reservoirs for invasive aquatic species. By enabling early detection and response, Gybe aims to help DEP reduce time and cost of their water quality treatment practices. 

The inaugural 2023 ETL program gave DEP exposure to nearly 100 global technology startups who responded to their challenges of operational efficiency and data utilization. Through a rigorous review process, eight companies were selected to deploy their technologies over an eight-week “proof of concept” period. In addition to the pilot with Gybe, the proof-of-concept phase helped DEP identify three additional technologies to move forward with commercialization. These technologies include sensors to monitor and protect critical equipment, tools for inspecting sewers, and small-scale hydropower systems. 

Throughout the program, DEP staff expressed how the ETL process “opened our eyes to new technologies that were not previously on our radar.” Concurrently, cohort companies expressed gratitude for the direct access to decision makers at DEP who provided valuable product feedback.

The Environmental Tech Lab would not be possible without the support of Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala, DEP Deputy Commissioners, and all participating DEP staff who took the time to evaluate and test these technologies. Throughout the testing process, DEP operational staff and leaders have recognized the significant benefits that these new technologies offer in preparing for climate change challenges. These technologies pose promising opportunities to improve DEP’s readiness in the face of evolving threats.

To learn more about the inaugural class of Environmental Tech Lab participants and their work during the proof-of-concept period, visit envirotechlab.nyc/proof-of-concept-results

The ETL’s 2024 program is currently underway and aims to address DEP’s challenges in resilience and data management & governance. To find out which companies will be selected for the next cohort, subscribe to our newsletter.

About the Environmental Tech Lab 

The Environmental Tech Lab (ETL) launched in 2023, in partnership with New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to apply new technology solutions to address critical challenges posed by climate change and the need to build a sustainable future for our water and wastewater systems. 

The ETL is part of the Partnership Fund for New York City’s “Technology in the Public Interest” strategy which aims to invest in companies and programs that advance the application of new technologies to address urban challenges, including helping government agencies deliver services more effectively. In addition to the ETL, the Partnership Fund operates the Transit Tech Lab (TTL), established in 2018 in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and expanded in 2019 to include NJ Transit, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the Port Authority of NY and NJ; and the Buildings Tech Lab (BTL), launched in 2024 in collaboration with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).