Camila López

Colombian biochemist developing affordable water purification systems for rural communities

Camila López (b.1990) is a Colombian biochemist whose innovations in water filtration have impacted over 2 million people in Latin America. While studying at Universidad de Antioquia, she invented the Purifika System - a solar-powered water purification device made from recycled materials costing just $25. This life-saving technology removes 99.9% of pathogens using nano-filtration membranes created from banana waste.

Her Agua Equidad foundation has distributed 15,000 units across 12 countries, reducing waterborne disease incidents by 70% in implementation areas. Camila's work earned her the 2022 Global Goals Award from the World Health Organization and inspired the documentary 'Clean Water, Clean Future' (2021). She now leads the InnovaWater research center developing edible water capsules for disaster zones.