Futurepump, a UK-based company specializing in solar-powered irrigation solutions, has been awarded a $2.3 million (£1.8 million) grant from the Gates Foundation. The funding will be used to enhance production at its manufacturing facility in India, enabling the company to scale up its operations and provide affordable, sustainable water pumps to smallholder farmers.
Headquartered at The Silo in Wainford, Futurepump has been at the forefront of developing solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers in developing countries. Since its founding in 2012, the company has provided clean, efficient alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-powered pumps, benefiting over 100,000 farmers worldwide.
Helen Yapp, Managing Director of Futurepump, highlighted the significance of the grant, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, low-cost irrigation solutions. “As a manufacturer, we play a crucial role in advancing solar water pump technology. We believe smallholder farmers deserve the best products at the lowest possible price,” Yapp stated.
The Gates Foundation, established by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, has been dedicated for over 25 years to empowering people in developing countries by funding initiatives that drive economic growth and sustainable solutions. This latest investment aligns with the foundation’s mission to improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience among small-scale farmers.
Futurepump’s goal remains clear: to eliminate the reliance on expensive and polluting diesel-powered pumps by providing efficient, solar-powered alternatives. With the new funding, the company is poised to expand its impact, helping more farmers gain access to reliable, eco-friendly irrigation systems.
