COLDEP

What COLDEP does

COLDEP DEVELOPPEMENT SAS, incorporated in 2012 in Montpellier, France, develops and commercializes a patented "vacuum flotation" (VAL – Vacuum Air Lift) process for water and effluent treatment. The technology injects micro-bubbles into a vertical column under vacuum to extract pollutants, exchange dissolved gases (CO2, N2, O2, H2S), and circulate water in a single compact unit, requiring minimal or zero chemical additives and no membrane clogging. Two product lines are derived from this platform: VAL INDUS for industrial wastewater (food processing, chemicals, manufacturing) at flow rates up to 1,500 m³/h, and VAL AQUA for aquaculture biosecurity (shellfish, fish RAS, public aquariums, algoculture). The company also offers containerized and skid-mounted mobile pilot units (VAL SKID / VAL Pilote) for on-site validation, available for rental.

Coldep generates revenue primarily through one-time sales of VAL systems configured to customer specifications, complemented by usage-based rental of mobile pilot units for pre-deployment testing and by after-sales service, remote monitoring, and technical support. GTM is sales-led and event-driven, combining direct consultative selling with field demonstrations, integrator partnerships for installation, and trade-show presence (Pollutec, CFIA, Carrefour de l'Eau, Cycleau). International distribution is being developed via representation agreements such as AOLAB in Chile. Customers span enterprise industrial processors, aquaculture operators, salt producers, public aquariums, and government/research bodies, with 150+ installations globally. In November 2025, Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI), a subsidiary of Saur Group, acquired a majority stake to accelerate international roll-out of the VAL platform.

Name

COLDEP

Legal name

COLDEP DEVELOPPEMENT

Website

https://coldep.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

COLDEP is a French water treatment technology company that commercializes a patented vacuum flotation (VAL) platform for industrial wastewater and aquaculture biosecurity, serving industrial processors, fish and shellfish farmers, and public aquariums across more than 150 installations worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Treatment Equipment

akta.pro primary industry

Pre-Treatment & Fouling Control (UF/MF, DAF, Coagulation/Filtration) (EUANAFAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Potable Water Treatment & Conditioning (Filtration, Disinfection, Corrosion Control) (EUANAAAC)

Keywords

• Vacuum flotation systems
• Industrial wastewater treatment
• Aquaculture water treatment
• PFAS removal technology
• Mobile pilot units

Headquarters

HQ city

Palavas-les-flots

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. VAL System Sales: Sale of VAL INDUS and VAL AQUA water treatment systems to industrial and aquaculture customers. Systems include 2x VAL 1400 configurations delivering 200-300 m3/day capacity for industrial applications.
2. Mobile Pilot/SKID Rental: Rental of containerized mobile pilot units and VAL SKID systems for on-site testing, demonstration, and validation purposes. Clients can test the technology before committing to full installation.
3. Technology Licensing (Historical): Previously licensed VAL technology from Ifremer and INSA Lyon; company now holds 100% ownership of both historic patents following buyout, enabling full control over licensing decisions.
4. After-sales Service and Support: Remote monitoring, maintenance, and technical support services for installed VAL systems. Field teams provide ongoing optimization and performance guarantees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

COLDEP designs and sells water-treatment systems based on its patented vacuum flotation process, branded VAL, for industrial effluents, aquaculture water management, PFAS/micropollutant treatment, desalination pre-treatment, sanitation and decarbonation applications. Its current offerings include VAL INDUS, VAL AQUA and mobile/containerized pilot units for on-site validation and rental.

Product overview

COLDEP offers a portfolio of water treatment solutions built around its proprietary patented 'vacuum flotation' (flottation sous-vide) technology, branded as the VAL (Vacuum Air Lift) platform. The core product lines are VAL INDUS for industrial wastewater treatment and VAL AQUA for aquaculture water management, both using the same underlying vacuum flotation process to combine three functions — particle extraction, gas dissolution/degasification, and water circulation — in a single compact vertical unit. VAL INDUS targets industrial effluents (food processing, slaughterhouses, chemicals) with flow rates up to 1500 m³/h and limited use of coagulants/flocculants, while VAL AQUA is designed for aquaculture biosecurity with zero additive requirements and effectiveness against viruses, bacteria, and microalgae. Both product lines leverage the same VAL technology and are supported by VAL SKID/PILOTE — a containerized or skid-mounted mobile pilot unit enabling on-site performance validation and rental demonstrations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VAL INDUS
• VAL AQUA
• VAL SKID / VAL Pilote Rental
• After-sales Service and Support

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 1500 m3/h flow rate with limited OPEX
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 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

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BIO-UV GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Partnership for MARS project awarded €87,567 under Avenir Littoral program. Combines Coldep's VAL technology with BIO-UV's UV treatment for water reuse (REUT) from treatment plant effluents for irrigation and washing applications. Solution targets coastal communities with energy-efficient, easy-to-use treatment.
• AOLABcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic representation partnership in Chile for VAL AQUA technology. AOLAB deploys mobile VAL AQUA 250 unit for on-site demonstrations in aquaculture and industrial sectors. First campaigns show significant reduction in oils/fats, DBO5, and suspended matter with compliance to DS 90 and BAP standards.
• AlgemyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in European CIRCA project in Barcelona. Algemy supports deployment of VAL AQUA for microalgae cultivation and CO2 capture demonstration, exploring circular bioremediation applications.
• OxyGuard InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in European BIZON project in Denmark. Coldep provides VAL AQUA technology integrated into RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) demonstrating synergies with ozone for improved water quality, reduced purges, and optimized biosecurity. 60 sensors monitor key parameters (pH, dissolved O2, ozone, turbidity).
• IfremercoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing technology partner and original patent licensor. Ifremer provides scientific expertise for VAL technology validation including norovirus testing project with SMTB. Previously held patent license; now Coldep holds 100% of patents.
• Aqua-ValleyminorOthersCompetitiveness cluster member in water sector. Supports Coldep participation in industry events and provides networking with water treatment ecosystem players.
• Polemer MediterraneeminorOthersMediterranean competitiveness cluster for marine and maritime activities. Partner organization supporting Coldep's participation in events and projects.
• Bpifrance / Coq VertminorGTM or Marketing PartnerColdep is a member of the Coq Vert community launched by Bpifrance in partnership with ADEME. Community promotes eco-transition best practices and knowledge sharing among committed entrepreneurs.
• IAGE (Ingénierie et Analyse en Génétique Environnementale)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaboratory providing scientific expertise for norovirus testing of VAL AQUA technology in French oyster farming applications.
• SMTB (Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de Thau)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOyster farming basin authority in Occitanie region. Approved and co-finances norovirus testing project for VAL AQUA biosecurity performance validation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Xylem Water Solutions: Global water technology major offering pumps, filtration, and treatment systems (including DAF via Wedeco and Leopold brands) to municipal and industrial customers. Overlap with Coldep on industrial treatment and aquaculture-adjacent applications.
• Veolia Water Technologies: Global incumbent offering Actiflo (ballasted DAF) and a wide range of industrial water and wastewater treatment solutions. Competes for the same industrial customer RFQs as Coldep VAL INDUS, especially in food processing and chemical sectors.
• Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI): Parent company of Coldep since November 2025; offers dissolved air flotation, hydrodynamic separators, and a broad water treatment portfolio for industrial and municipal applications. Functionally the strategic shareholder integrating Coldep's vacuum flotation into a wider solutions portfolio.

Direct peers

• Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems: Supplies RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) equipment and water treatment solutions to fish and shellfish hatcheries. Directly comparable to Coldep VAL AQUA for biosecurity and water quality in commercial aquaculture.
• Hydro International: Provider of DAF, vortex grit removal, and stormwater/wastewater separation equipment. Comparable to Coldep in offering physical pre-treatment solutions to industrial and municipal customers prior to downstream treatment.
• AKVA Group: Norwegian-headquartered aquaculture technology supplier offering RAS systems, sensors, and water treatment for fish farming. Comparable to Coldep on aquaculture water management and a candidate partner/complementor as Coldep scales internationally.
• KWI Group: Specialist dissolved air flotation (DAF) equipment manufacturer serving industrial and municipal wastewater treatment. Direct functional analog to Coldep's vacuum flotation technology for particle and pollutant removal in industrial effluents.
• Aqua-Aerobic Systems: US-based manufacturer of DAF, filtration, and biological wastewater treatment systems. Closely comparable to Coldep VAL INDUS in target customers (food processing, industrial effluent) and physical treatment approach.
• WesTech Engineering: Designs and supplies DAF, filtration, and clarification equipment for industrial and municipal water treatment. Comparable to Coldep in offering compact, high-rate flotation systems for effluent polishing.

Emerging players

• Innovasea: Aquaculture technology company providing water quality sensors, fish tracking, and RAS systems. Comparable to Coldep's aquaculture (VAL AQUA) focus and overlapping on biosecurity and water-monitoring use cases in fish and shellfish farming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coldep-water

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 COLDEP