Floating Island International

What Floating Island International does

Floating Island International (FII) is a Shepherd, Montana-based environmental technology company founded in 2005 by Bruce Kania that designs, patents, and markets nature-based water treatment systems. Its core product is the BioHaven floating treatment wetland (FTW): an engineered substrate of recycled polymer fibers bound with UV-resistant latex that delivers approximately 375 square feet of fiber surface per cubic foot of matrix, providing concentrated surface area for biofilm colonization and plant rooting independent of pond depth. The company's second platform, RAM (Reduction of Aquatic Methane), uses airlift benthic oxygenation to suppress methane emissions from nutrient-impaired water bodies and to biologically reduce sludge, with four variants covering shallow aeration (RAM 1, with a solar option), deep-water benthic oxygenation (RAM 2), sludge removal (RAM 3), and sediment/resource recovery for industrial sites such as mining tailings and Superfund locations (RAM 4). Both product lines are chemical-free, require minimal maintenance, and are positioned against conventional aeration, dredging, and algaecide approaches.

FII generates revenue through three primary streams: (1) direct hardware sales of custom-sized BioHaven islands and RAM units from its Shepherd, MT headquarters to municipalities, government agencies, wastewater operators, and large landowners; (2) licensing/royalty income from an exclusive global network of regional manufacturers — including Martin Ecosystems (Louisiana), Floating Islands West, DH Environmental Consulting (South Africa), and NIWA-supported partners (New Zealand) — who construct and market BioHaven products in their territories, a model that has delivered over 10,000 deployments worldwide since 2005; and (3) engineering design and professional services using FII's proprietary sizing tool. Pricing is not publicly disclosed. Customer segments span municipal lake/pond stewardship, municipal and industrial wastewater (including rural communities and correctional facilities), municipal stormwater (MS4 compliance), climate-focused organizations pursuing methane mitigation, and coastal/shoreline protection (via floating breakwaters). Notable deployments include the City of Billings Metra Park stormwater pond (63–98% contaminant removal), Elayn Hunt Correctional Facility (73% COD removal), Pasco County FL reclaimed water system (CH2M Hill-supervised), USACE Caspian tern habitat islands in the Columbia River estuary, Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge marsh protection, and Marton, New Zealand wastewater facility (~$150K/year operating-cost reduction). The company operates with a 1–10 employee team, is privately held by Bruce Kania through Fountainhead, LLC, and received the first US patent for RAM technology in April 2025, with a second patent filed in 2026.

Name

Floating Island International

Legal name

Floating Island International, Inc.

Website

https://floatingislandinternational.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Floating Island International designs and licenses patented BioHaven floating treatment wetlands and RAM (Reduction of Aquatic Methane) systems that provide chemical-free water treatment, methane suppression, and biological dredging for municipalities, government agencies, wastewater facilities, and private landowners globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Water Treatment Technology

NAICS

Sewage Treatment Facilities (22132)

SIC

Water Supply (4941)

akta.pro primary industry

Decentralized/Package Wastewater Systems (Small/Remote) (EUANADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Reclamation & Reuse Production (Tertiary/Advanced Treatment) (EUANADAD), Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

Keywords

• Floating treatment wetlands
• Aquatic methane reduction
• Nature-based water treatment
• Wastewater lagoon treatment
• Stormwater biofiltration

Headquarters

HQ city

Shepherd

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. BioHaven Product Sales: Direct sale of BioHaven floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) to end customers including municipalities, property owners, wastewater facilities, and government agencies. Custom-sized islands manufactured in Shepherd, MT and shipped or assembled on-site.
2. Licensed Manufacturing Agreements: FII licenses its patented BioHaven technology to qualified regional manufacturers who construct and market products in their territories. Generates licensing/royalty revenue while enabling global distribution without full in-house manufacturing scale.
3. RAM Technology Licensing: FII seeks global licensing partners to implement RAM technology at scale across nutrient-impaired water bodies worldwide. Licensing revenue model with potential for co-development of RAM 1–4 product variants.
4. Engineering Design and Professional Services: FII works directly with clients or city engineers to design tailored solutions using proprietary BioHaven-specific modeling tools. Installation and service contracts available, including specialized plant sourcing and system sizing.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Floating Island International designs, manufactures, and licenses the patented BioHaven floating treatment wetland systems and RAM (Reduction of Aquatic Methane) technology for nature-based water management. BioHaven products are floating islands built from a recycled polymer fiber matrix that acts as a bioreactor for biofilm attachment, enabling chemical-free nutrient removal, algae prevention, and habitat creation in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, stormwater basins, and wastewater lagoons. RAM systems use airlift technology to oxygenate the benthic zone, suppress methane emissions, perform biological dredging of sludge, and recover valuable sediments in industrial and mining applications.

Product overview

Floating Island International offers two integrated product lines: BioHaven Floating Islands (patented floating treatment wetlands) and RAM (Reduction of Aquatic Methane) systems. BioHaven products are plantable floating platforms made from recycled polymer fiber matrix that function as bioreactors, supporting biofilm growth for natural water treatment, nutrient cycling, and habitat creation. These come in multiple configurations including standard islands for wetlands/habitat, floating breakwaters for shoreline protection, and platforms for solar installations. The RAM product line extends the BioHaven platform with specialized aeration and sediment management: RAM 1 handles shallow water aeration (with solar option), RAM 2 provides deep-water benthic oxygenation, RAM 3 removes sludge and organic sediment, and RAM 4 enables sediment capture with resource recovery for industrial applications. Supporting products like NanoHaven (nanobubble delivery) and StreamBeds (runoff treatment) complement the core offerings. Together these nature-based solutions address water quality, harmful algae prevention, methane reduction, stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and coastal protection without chemical interventions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BioHaven: Patented floating treatment wetlands technology that mimics natural floating islands to deliver water quality and habitat benefits.
• RAM (Removal of Aquatic Methane)
• FII

Products and services

• BioHaven Floating Islands Patented floating treatment wetlands that mimic natural floating islands to provide water quality improvement, nutrient cycling, habitat creation, and ecosystem restoration. Constructed from a recycled polymer fiber matrix bound with UV-resistant latex, with plantable surfaces that support biofilm growth for biological water treatment. Configurable for wetlands, habitat platforms, and breakwater applications.
• RAM (Reduction of Aquatic Methane) System Multifunctional water treatment system using airlift technology to oxygenate the benthic zone of water bodies, suppressing methane emissions through methanotrophy, performing biological dredging of sludge, and enabling resource recovery without disturbing water stratification. Available in multiple variants (RAM 1–4) for different depth and use-case profiles.
• RAM 1 - Shallow Water Aeration Aeration and mixing system for shallow water bodies less than 8 feet deep. Solar-powered option available. Targets impaired freshwater systems to reduce methane emissions, prevent algae blooms, and restore aquatic ecosystems.
• RAM 2 - Deep Water Benthic Aeration Closed flume system for targeted benthic aeration in deeper waters 8 feet or greater. Designed for lakes, reservoirs, and stormwater systems to improve water health and reduce methane without the expense of dredging.
• RAM 3 - Sludge and Sediment Removal Sludge and sediment removal system that eliminates organic buildup from pond bottoms. Addresses water capacity reduction, odors, and algae growth by removing the source of methane generation.
• RAM 4 - Sediment Capture and Resource Recovery Sediment capture and resource recovery system for industrial and high-impact water environments. Designed for mining quarries, pit lakes, tailings ponds, and Superfund sites. Can extract precious or rare earth metals from sediment.
• BioHaven Floating Breakwater Floating wave attenuator using enhanced BioHaven matrix for sustainable green infrastructure that mitigates coastline erosion and promotes restoration. Functions as living shoreline with wave-dampening qualities that absorb wave energy rather than redirecting it.
• BioHaven Floating Solar Platform BioHaven platforms configured to support floating photovoltaic (FPV) solar panel installations. Platforms provide wave protection for solar arrays and can be used as perimeter protection or FPV platform support, capable of supporting seven or eight times their square footage of solar panels.

Quantifiable outcome

• 63–98% removal of contaminants (TSS, COD, TP, TN, copper, lead, zinc, oil & grease) in municipal stormwater applications
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Watershed Consulting (Missoula, MT)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2016Local distributor for FII that installed BioHaven floating islands at Moonlight Basin Ski Resort. Represents FII's regional channel partner model in Montana.
• CH2M HillcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2012CH2M Hill conducted an independent supervised study of BioHaven FTWs in Pasco County, Florida, demonstrating significant TN and TP removal from reclaimed wastewater. CH2M Hill's involvement provided third-party scientific validation of the technology's effectiveness in municipal wastewater applications.
• Louisiana Department of Environmental QualityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2011LDEQ provided funding for the BioHaven installation at Elayn Hunt Correctional Facility, demonstrating regulatory agency support for nature-based wastewater treatment solutions.
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008USGS partnered with USACE, Oregon State University, FII, and Floating Islands West on the Caspian Tern floating island project for salmonid recovery in the Columbia River basin.
• Oregon State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Partnered in the Caspian Tern floating island research project, contributing academic research capacity to the salmonid recovery initiative.
• Licensed Manufacturers (Martin Ecosystems, Floating Islands West, DH Environmental Consulting, and others)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFII has established an exclusive network of licensed manufacturers who construct and market BioHaven products in their respective territories worldwide. Martin Ecosystems (Baton Rouge, LA) installed BioHavens at Elayn Hunt Correctional Facility. Floating Islands West is cited in salmonid recovery projects. DH Environmental Consulting (South Africa) holds the sole distributorship for BioHavens in South Africa.
• NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, New Zealand)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNIWA (New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research), led by Dr. Chris Tanner, conducted pioneering peer-reviewed research on BioHaven technology beginning in 2005. Their studies on nutrient removal and heavy metal sequestration from stormwater established the scientific credibility of the BioHaven platform.
• Montana Board of Research and Commercialization TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrant funding recipient (State of Montana) supporting the 2007 Final Report on biomimetic floating treatment wetlands for nutrient removal from lakes, streams, and wastewater lagoons. Funded early R&D and commercialization assessment.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSACE implemented floating tern islands as part of the Caspian Tern Management plan to reduce predation on juvenile salmonids in the Columbia River estuary (2008). Teamed with USGS, Oregon State University, and FII/licensees for design and deployment of floating habitat islands.
• U.S. Department of EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFII's RAM and BioHaven systems have garnered the attention of the U.S. Department of Energy, positioning FII for potential DOE partnership in climate and water technology programs.
• National AquariumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcknowledged as a supporter of FII's mission and research. Nature-based water solutions align with the National Aquarium's conservation and habitat restoration priorities.
• CalRecycle (California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia state agency acknowledged as a supporter of FII's work. May relate to recycled-content materials used in BioHaven matrix manufacturing.
• Montana Commerce (Montana Department of Commerce)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcknowledged as a supporter of FII's Montana-based innovation and manufacturing operations, reflecting state-level support for the company's water technology development.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Suez Water Technologies & Solutions: Global water and wastewater treatment operator providing chemicals, equipment, and services to municipal and industrial customers. Competes with FII across municipal wastewater treatment upgrade tenders and lake/pond stewardship accounts.
• Pentair: Global water treatment and flow technologies company serving residential, commercial, industrial, and aquaculture segments with filtration, aeration, and water management hardware. Overlaps with FII in industrial and lake/pond water treatment categories.
• Xylem: Global water technology major offering pumps, aeration, treatment, and smart water solutions across municipal and industrial segments. Xylem's broad portfolio competes with FII across municipal wastewater, stormwater, and lake management opportunities.
• Ecolab (Nalco Water): Global water, hygiene, and energy technologies major whose Nalco Water segment sells chemicals, monitoring, and services to industrial and municipal customers. Competes with FII particularly where algal control and biological treatment programs replace chemistry-based dosing.
• Veolia Water Technologies: Global water and wastewater EPC and services operator with municipal and industrial treatment contracts worldwide. Competes with FII for decentralized wastewater and lagoon upgrade opportunities through turnkey EPC.

Direct peers

• Kasco Marine: Manufacturer of floating aerators, fountains, de-icers, and diffusers used for lake and pond water quality management. Directly competes with FII's lake/pond segment by offering mechanical aeration as an alternative to FII's floating treatment wetland and RAM bio-dredging approach.
• Aqua-Aerobic Systems: Designer and manufacturer of wastewater aeration and biological treatment systems including fine-bubble diffusers used in municipal and industrial lagoons. Competes with FII's RAM aeration and BioHaven passive treatment products in the same municipal and industrial wastewater tenders.
• Air-O-Lator Corporation: Specialized aeration equipment manufacturer serving municipal wastewater, industrial effluent, and aquaculture customers. Competes with FII's shallow-water RAM 1 benthic aeration offering in small-to-medium aeration tenders.
• SOLitude Lake Management: A national lake and pond management services company providing aeration, chemical treatments, algaecides, and biological controls for HOAs, municipalities, golf courses, and private landowners - the same primary customer base and use cases FII targets with its BioHaven stewardship product line.

Emerging players

• Ciel & Terre International: Pioneer and leading developer of floating photovoltaic (FPV) solar systems. Directly overlaps with FII's BioHaven Floating Solar product line, where FII's matrix is configured to support FPV perimeters and platforms.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Floating Island International