Urbanization, Water Challenges, and the Rise of Smart Water Cities The United Nations (UN) predicts that by 2050, more than 7 0% of the global population will reside in urban areas. Rapid urbanization intensifies water-related challenges, such as leakage, water quality degradation, and flooding, which are further exacerbated by climate change. These issues place significant strain on urban management systems, driving the need for innovative solutions. Enter the concept of the Smart Water City (SWC) —a forward-thinking approach that leverages advanced Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) like big data and AI to monitor and manage urban water systems in real time. SWC shifts from reactive responses to proactive strategies by continuously tracking pipelines and treatment facilities, detecting anomalies, and preventing issues before they escalate. This paradigm not only enhances water quality and operational efficiency but also offers a comprehensive solution to pressing urban water challenges. Trends in Smart Water Cities Major cities in Europe, such as Barcelona in Spain and Copenhagen in Denmark, have implemented pilot SWC projects. These initiatives use real-time sensors to mitigate river overflow during heavy rainfall and reduce urban water leakage. Meanwhile, several U.S. cities have introduced pipeline condition monitoring systems that use historical water quality data and AI technology to predict maintenance and replacement schedules. International organizations like the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Asia Water Council (AWC) are actively supporting these efforts, providing global standards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to foster the growth of SWC initiatives. Limitations of Traditional Pipeline Management and the Role of Real-Time Turbidity Monitoring Despite the promising potential of SWCs, pipeline management largely remains reactive. Aging infrastructure makes it difficult to identify problems early, leading to severe leakage or contamination that only garners attention after significant damage has occurred. This reactive approach results in high repair costs, wasted time, and increased public concern over safe drinking water supplies. One major reason for consumer distrust of tap water stems from risks associated with pipeline contamination rather than water treatment itself. Aging pipelines and outdated household plumbing often introduce microorganisms and suspended particles, prompting consumers to rely increasingly on bottled water or filtration systems. To address these challenges, real-time sensing and predictive maintenance are critical, with turbidity monitoring playing a pivotal role. Turbidity data measures suspended particle concentrations in water, enabling early detection of leaks or contamination. By monitoring turbidity across pipeline networks, it is possible to pinpoint affected areas, focusing repairs only where needed, thereby significantly reducing overall maintenance costs. Furthermore, this ensures a consistent supply of safe and clean drinking water, alleviating public concerns. A New Era of Pipeline-Specific Water Quality Monitoring 1.Ease of Maintenance and Calibration Extended Maintenance-Free Operation:  TheWaveTalk's innovative miniature turbidity sensor is the world's first to remain unaffected by biofilm buildup. It significantly reduces the burden of periodic calibration and maintenance required every few months with traditional turbidity meters. Automatic Calibration:  With each measurement, the sensors self-calibrate, eliminating the need for manual calibration by technicians. This not only saves resources but also ensures consistently accurate data. 2.Localized Water Quality Monitoring Compact and Modular Design:  Small, easy-to-install sensors can be deployed in pipelines, pump stations, and treatment facilities, enabling granular monitoring previously unattainable with legacy systems. High-Precision Detection:  Capable of identifying minute turbidity changes, the sensors swiftly detect early-stage contamination or leaks, enabling rapid intervention. 3.Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Cloud Integration:  Sensor data integrates seamlessly into SCADA systems or IoT dashboards, providing continuous visibility into pipeline conditions. AI-Powered Predictive Analytics:  Historical turbidity patterns and failure data are processed through big data and AI algorithms to predict potential failures, enabling preemptive repairs and cost savings. Expected Benefits and Recommendations 1. Water Quality Stability: Real-time monitoring and rapid response mechanisms ensure the delivery of clean and safe drinking water to citizens. 2. Operational Efficiency: Targeted repairs minimize the need for large-scale interventions, reducing resource waste and budget overruns. 3. Sustainability: Lower leakage rates and energy consumption make urban water management systems more resilient to climate change and population growth. 4. Pipeline-Specific Management: The ability to monitor individual pipeline sections provides comprehensive data on network conditions, facilitating systematic and predictive maintenance strategies. International bodies like IWRA and AWC emphasize the importance of real-time sensing and predictive maintenance as the cornerstone technologies for SWC projects. Tailoring KPIs to specific urban needs and leveraging advanced sensors like TheWaveTalk’s maintenance-free and high-precision models can transition cities from reactive to proactive, intelligent water management systems. Ultimately, integrating these technologies will revolutionize pipeline operations, fostering public confidence in tap water and building sustainable, efficient urban water systems for the future.

TheWaveTalk, a developer of digital turbidity and bacteria sensors based on custom semiconductors, announced on the 24th that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with a global water company. The LOI holds great significance as it demonstrates worldwide recognition of TheWaveTalk's innovative technology. The LOI outlines the scope and schedule for verifying TheWaveTalk's turbidity and bacteria detection technologies, leaving open the possibility of a strategic alliance for product purchase and development. TheWaveTalk has developed a turbidity sensor that is 10 times smaller, 40 times longer-lasting, and 100 times more cost-efficient compared to existing sensor technologies. Additionally, its bacteria detection sensor, certified as a New Excellent Technology (NET) in Korea, has garnered attention as next-generation water quality sensor technology capable of real-time measurement of standard bacteria levels (100 CFU/mL) in purified water. Currently, TheWaveTalk has successfully piloted the production of its turbidity sensors for water purifiers manufactured by the world's top home appliance company, with plans to begin full-scale production in 2025. The company is also engaging in NDA agreements and supply tests with major global water purifier companies in the United States, Europe, and India. Kim Young-Dug, CEO of TheWaveTalk, stated, "This LOI signifies meaningful collaboration with a global leader in technology and markets. Through this cooperation, we have confirmed our potential for global market entry and will continue to grow with innovative technologies that meet world-class standards." Cho Kyung-Man, Vice President of TheWaveTalk, added, "The LOI with the world's leading water quality monitoring company is a recognition of our turbidity and real-time bacteria measurement technologies, which require no maintenance or calibration —technologies they do not possess. We aim to drive the digital transformation of the water industry, from last-mile solutions like water purifiers to first-mile applications in municipal and industrial water." Meanwhile, TheWaveTalk is actively pursuing investments and global technology exports to maximize corporate valu e , following the establishment of a stable revenue base in the domestic water purifier and water treatment plant markets. The company plans to lead the digital transformation of the water industry and achieve sustainable global growth through its innovative technologies.

1. The Need for Change in Water Treatment : Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction Membrane-based water treatment systems are notoriously energy-hungry, driving substantial carbon emissions and presenting a critical challenge for sustainability. Processes like desalination and wastewater treatment account for a significant portion of operational costs due to their high energy demands. As we approach the net-zero era, revolutionary technological breakthroughs that enhance energy efficiency and slash carbon emissions are essential. While advancements have helped reduce initial capital expenditures (CAPEX), operational expenses (OPEX) remain a persistent hurdle for the industry. 2. Limitations of Current Systems: Lack of Real-Time Data for Every Vessel Current systems collect data on pressure, flow rate, pH, and turbidity, but they fall short when it comes to providing real-time insights into the performance of individual membranes within each vessel. Without the ability to track how each membrane is functioning, performance degradation can remain unnoticed, leading to inefficiencies and higher maintenance costs. This oversight becomes a hidden cost-driver that increases OPEX and undermines overall operational performance. 3. The Solution: TheWaveTalk's Ultra-Precise Turbidity Sensors for Individual Membranes TheWaveTalk’s advanced turbidity sensors offer a game-changing solution by enabling real-time monitoring of each membrane in individual membrane vessels. Unlike traditional systems that provide general data, our sensors offer membrane-specific insights, allowing operators to maintain optimal performance across all vessels. These ultra-compact, low-power, maintenance-free sensors also deliver a remarkable 100x boost in cost efficiency, fundamentally transforming the economics of water treatment. Online Membrane Integrity Test for Every Vessel 4. Feasibility and Success Stories Providing precise, membrane-level turbidity data, The.Wave.Talk ’s sensors deliver rock-solid, maintenance-free performance over long periods. Deployed in the water purification systems of a global home appliance leader, our technology has demonstrated unmatched reliability and scalability in real-world applications. By implementing individual membrane monitoring, operators have achieved significant reductions in maintenance costs and greatly enhanced operational efficiency. 5. Operational Efficiency: Maximizing Impact Through Individual Monitoring The ability to monitor each membrane within every vessel gives operators unprecedented control over system performance. Real-time data on individual membranes enables operators to quickly assess system health and make informed decisions to ensure optimal functionality. This granular data facilitates predictive maintenance, reduces downtime, and contributes to substantial OpEx savings. When integrated with digital twins and big data analytics, our solution ensures long-term operational efficiency and optimal membrane performance. 6. Future Vision: Expansion Through Strategic Partnerships The.Wave.Talk is forging strategic alliances with global leaders to propel its technology into new markets and reshape water treatment across industries. By delivering cutting-edge, sustainable water solutions and empowering its partners to address global water challenges, TheWaveTalk is driving industry-wide innovation and shaping the future of water treatment.

Total # of obtained registered patents : 50 cases (ROK - 32, U.S. - 12, Japan - 3, China - 2, Europe - 1, etc.) No Country Registration Date Registration No. Title of invention 1 Republic of Korea 2016.12.18. No. 10-1686766 Apparatus and Method for Bacteria and Microorganism Detection Using Laser Speckles 2 U.S. 2018.06.19. US 10,001,467 B2 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MICROBES OR BACTERIA 3 Republic of Korea 2018.11.15. No. 10-1920852 Containers for Microorganism Detection, System including the Containers for Microorganism Detection, and Method for Detecting the Microorganisms within the Containers Using the System 4 Republic of Korea 2019.01.11. No. 10-1939779 System for Microorganism Detection in Fluids Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 5 Republic of Korea 2019.03.11. No. 10-1959023 Apparatus and Method for Entity Identification Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 6 Republic of Korea 2019.04.16. No. 10-1971272 Apparatus and Method for Pattern Structure Check 7 Republic of Korea 2019.08.05. No. 10-2009370 Apparatus and Method for Speckle Assessment and Amplification 8 Republic of Korea 2019.08.30. No. 10-2018895 Apparatus and Method for Virus Detection Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 9 Republic of Korea 2019.12.06. No. 10-2055310 Apparatus for Testing the Appropriateness of Antibiotics Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 10 U.S. 2020.02.04. US 10,551,293 B2 Apparatus for Detecting Sample Properties Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 11 U.S. 2020.03.10. US 10,585,039 B1 Optical Detection System 12 Republic of Korea 2020.05.14. No. 10-2113311 System and Method for Counting of Microorganisms 13 Republic of Korea 2020.05.14. No. 10-2113312 System for Impurity Detection in Fluids Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 14 Republic of Korea 2020.06.29. No. 10-2130100 Optical Detection System 15 U.S. 2020.12.01. US 10,852,246 B2 PATTERN STRUCTURE INSPECTION DEVICE AND INSPECTION METHOD 16 Republic of Korea 2021.01.19. No. 10-2207043 Measuring Apparatus for Airborne Microorganisms 17 Republic of Korea 2021.01.19. No. 10-2207041 Optical Measuring Apparatus 18 Republic of Korea 2021.01.20. No. 10-2207945 Apparatus and Method for Provision of Information on Microorganisms 19 U.S. 2021.02.09. US 10,914,665 B2 Apparatus for detecting sample properties using chaotic wave sensor 20 China 2021.03.02. ZL201680079041.1 利用混沌波传感器的样品特性探测装置 21 Japan 2021.03.11. 特許第6851468号 パターン構造物検査装置及び検査方法 22 Republic of Korea 2021.04.20. No. 10-2244330 Apparatus and Method for Human Body Injection Transport 23 Republic of Korea 2021.07.05. No. 10-2275361 System for Microorganism Detection in Fluids Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 24 Europe 2021.07.07. EP 3 171 160 B1 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MICROBES OR BACTERIA 25 Republic of Korea 2021.07.28. No. 10-2285089 Apparatus for Microorganism Detection 26 Republic of Korea 2021.08.24. No. 10-2295256 Apparatus for Microorganism Detection Using Testing Sample Block 27 Republic of Korea 2021.09.29. No. 10-2309613 System, Apparatus and Method for Microorganism Detection 28 Republic of Korea 2021.10.14. No. 10-2315435 Microbial Colony Detection System 29 U.S. 2021.10.26. US 11,156,541 B2 Optical Detecting System 30 China 2021.11.05. ZL201780034467.X 图案结构物的检测装置及检测方法 31 Republic of Korea 2021.12.09. No. 10-2339338 Apparatus for Obtaining Visual Information 32 U.S. 2022.01.04. US 11,215,556 B2 OPTICAL DETECTION SYSTEM 33 U.S. 2022.03.01. US 11,262,287 B2 Apparatus for Detecting Sample Properties Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 34 Japan 2022.03.09. 第7037842号 光学検出システム 35 U.S. 2022.03.22. US 11,280,716 B2 OPTICAL DETECTING SYSTEM 36 Republic of Korea 2022.04.04. No. 10-2384408 System and Method for Counting of Microorganisms 37 Japan 2022.04.15. 第7058837号 混沌波センサを利用した試料特性探知装置 38 Republic of Korea 2022.04.29. No. 10-2394135 System for Impurity Detection in Fluids Using Chaotic Wave Sensor 39 Republic of Korea 2022.06.03. No. 10-2407130 Water Quality Tester 40 U.S. 2022.07.19. US 11,391,659 B2 OPTICAL DETECTING SYSTEM 41 U.S. 2022.08.30. US 11,428,629 B2 INTESTINAL MICROORGANISM DETECTION SYSTEM 42 Republic of Korea 2022.10.06. No. 10-2453456 System and Method for Counting of Microorganisms 43 Republic of Korea 2022.11.08. No. 10-2466257 Spectroscopic Apparatus Using Multiple Light Sources 44 Republic of Korea 2022.11.10. No. 10-2467300 System and Method for Precise Turbidity Measurement Using Speckle Patterns 45 U.S. 2022.11.29. US 11,513,049 B2 System, Apparatus and Method for Detecting Microbes 46 Republic of Korea 2023.02.01. No. 10-2496066 Water Quality Tester 47 Republic of Korea 2023.04.26. No. 10-2528000 Optical Measuring Apparatus 48 Republic of Korea 2023.04.26. No. 10-2528012 Measuring Apparatus for Airborne Microorganisms 49 Republic of Korea 2023.06.09. No. 10-2543670 Turbidity meter 50 Republic of Korea 2023.06.16. No. 10-2546325 Gut Microbiota Detection System

Third CES Innovation Award following accolades in 2020 and 2023 Poised to revolutionize not only the water industry but also testing and diagnostics sectors AI-driven turbidity and microbial sensor specialist The Wave Talk has secured the CES 2025 Innovation Award for its groundbreaking Real-Time Bacteria Sensor for Water , earning global recognition for its technological prowess and commercialization potential. The award-winning device is the world's first real-time bacteria detection system, powered by a custom semiconductor embedded with deep learning algorithms. Alongside its KOLAS -certified ultra-compact, maintenance-free turbidity sensor, the technology delivers rapid and simultaneous measurement of bacterial concentrations in water. Compared to traditional optical equipment, this technology is over 100,000 times more precise  and provides microbial measurement results much faster  than conventional culture methods. It has been hailed as a transformative innovation not only in the water industry but also in the broader fields of testing and diagnostics. Previously, The Wave Talk’s maintenance-free turbidity sensor garnered accolades at CES, drawing attention as a game-changing innovation in the global water quality monitoring market. In 2023, the company received the Innovation Award for its Home Water Quality Monitoring Platform, which has since been registered as an innovative product by the Korean Public Procurement Service. This platform has enabled residents in areas such as Incheon, Eunpyeong-gu, and Seongdong-gu to monitor the water quality in their homes. The company also achieved a significant milestone by developing and mass-producing the world’s first turbidity sensor specifically designed for water purifiers. CEO Kim Young-dug stated, “The Wave Talk’s real-time bacteria detection technology is not only driving the digitization of the water industry but also establishing a new paradigm and key solutions in the fields of testing and diagnostics. We aspire to grow into South Korea’s first global water company that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s leading corporations.”

Why is Real-Time Turbidity Monitoring Essential for Water Purifiers? Most water purifiers widely used in homes and offices lack real-time turbidity monitoring capabilities. While some purifiers are equipped with TDS sensors, these cannot detect bacteria, microplastics, E. coli, or mold.  As a result, many consumers still feel uncertain about the safety of their water, even when using purifiers. Just as the saying goes, "If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it,"  the water purification industry must prioritize solving this issue. Global Warning: The Need for Reliable Water Quality Data The importance of this monitoring extends beyond household water quality management. Recently, major European companies like Siemens, Ecolab, Suez, Veolia, and Xylem issued a joint statement to EU policymakers, warning that the lack of reliable water quality data  and standardized measurement systems could undermine water resource resilience. From households to the national level, the need for precise, real-time water quality monitoring systems is becoming increasingly urgent. The Wave Talk’s Revolutionary Solution: The World’s First Semiconductor-Based Digital Turbidity Sensor A water purifier functions as a small water treatment plant within the home. In actual water treatment plants, turbidity monitoring is essential; if turbidity exceeds safe levels, water supply is immediately halted. However, due to the high cost and large size of traditional equipment, integrating such turbidity sensors into household water purifiers has been challenging. To address this, The Wave Talk developed the world’s first semiconductor-based digital turbidity sensor . This innovative sensor allows consumers to monitor water quality in real time, detecting impurities with 1,000 times the precision and 100 times the cost efficiency of conventional sensors.  Its compact size enables easy integration into water purifiers. Verified by government testing agencies in South Korea, this sensor has proven its stability and performance, gaining recognition in various markets. We are entering a new era, transitioning from “purifiers with only filters” to true purifiers equipped with both filters and sensors. Cost Reduction and Efficient Management: Smart Water Quality Monitoring Powered by IoT and Big Data Even with identical purifiers, filter contamination rates vary significantly depending on water quality conditions. Traditional purifiers do not account for these differences, resulting in uniform maintenance cycles. This can increase the risk of contamination and lead to unnecessary maintenance costs. The Wave Talk’s digital turbidity sensor not only provides real-time water quality detection but also delivers a transformative impact on maintenance cost reduction. With a maintenance cycle 40 times longer than traditional turbidity sensors , it reduces the frequency of filter replacement. Integrated with IoT and big data, the sensor predicts filter and valve conditions, guiding users to the optimal replacement timing. This ensures safety and convenience for consumers, while offering maintenance cost savings and asset management efficiency for businesses. Expanding The Wave Talk’s Technology to the Global Market The Wave Talk’s digital turbidity sensor has already been successfully implemented in major global appliance manufacturers' water purifiers and is set to be incorporated into various purifier models from global manufacturers by 2025. With increasing demand for water quality monitoring in North America and Europe,  The Wave Talk is rapidly expanding its market presence, leveraging its technical prowess and cost-efficiency. The success of turbidity sensors in purifiers is set to drive innovation across all sectors of the water industry, from potable water to ultrapure water, leisure water, and industrial water applications. “If a turbidity sensor can be used in purifiers, it can be applied across all water industries.” The Wave Talk’s Vision Toward a Global Standard The Wave Talk’s digital turbidity sensor is establishing a new benchmark across the global water industry. The demand for clean, safe water is unwavering, and The Wave Talk’s technology is meeting that demand. We look forward to the day when people will say,  “Was there ever a time when we couldn’t know the quality of our own water?”  Leading this transformation, The Wave Talk is positioned as a pioneer in global water quality monitoring systems.

AI-based turbidity data analysis is set to become the new standard in pipeline network management. The Limitations of Current Pipe Network Management Systems Current pipeline management systems predominantly rely on reactive methods to detect and address issues such as blockages, corrosion, and leaks. Traditional plumbing management approaches lack predictive capabilities, forcing operators to respond only after problems occur. This reactive approach often results in: Degraded water quality Operational inefficiencies Unplanned maintenance Increased costs due to emergencies The absence of real-time predictive data is particularly problematic when it comes to turbidity—a crucial water quality indicator that measures the presence of particles and potential contaminants. Without timely detection of turbidity changes, minor issues can escalate into significant challenges, undermining water quality compliance and operational efficiency. Addressing these shortcomings requires a shift toward real-time, predictive management systems that allow operators to proactively safeguard infrastructure and maintain water quality. AI-Driven Turbidity Sensors by The Wave Talk To overcome these limitations, The Wave Talk  offers a groundbreaking solution through AI-based turbidity data analysis . By integrating AI technology  with real-time turbidity monitoring, public utility operators and network managers can gain predictive insights  into water quality and infrastructure health. Key features of this solution include: 1.     Real-Time Data Analysis AI algorithms analyze turbidity data in real time, detecting subtle changes that may indicate early signs of contamination or other issues. The system identifies recurring patterns, such as consistent turbidity fluctuations in specific sections, enabling operators to detect problems that human oversight might miss.   2.     Optimized Maintenance Scheduling AI-powered insights allow operators to prioritize high-risk areas, reducing dependency on fixed inspection schedules. By focusing resources on critical zones, time and costs are saved while preventing minor issues from escalating into structural failures.   3.     Enhanced Regulatory Compliance Continuous turbidity monitoring ensures water quality consistently meets regulatory standards. Deviations from safe turbidity levels trigger immediate alerts, enabling rapid response to prevent contamination spread across the network. The integration of AI and turbidity monitoring establishes a new benchmark in pipeline network management , transforming it into a proactive, data-driven practice that protects infrastructure and water quality.     Redefining Pipeline Management with AI and Real-Time Turbidity Analysis The future of pipeline network management lies in the seamless integration of AI and real-time turbidity data analysis. This advanced approach enables predictive and preventative maintenance, resolving issues before they escalate. As public utility operators and network managers adopt AI-based turbidity monitoring, it sets a new standard for safeguarding infrastructure and water quality.   With The Wave Talk’s PipeTalk , we are at the forefront of this transformation, pioneering the future of pipeline network management. Together, we can ensure the long-term health of infrastructure and water resources.

Leading the digitalization of the water industry from 'water purifiers to water treatment plants' Plans to expand into precision industries (pure and ultrapure water processes) and inspection and diagnosis fields (medical, food) New technology certification with a '10% passing rate', opportunity to gain priority purchase from public institutions The Wave Talk (CEO Kim Young-deok), an AI deep learning turbidity and microbiological sensor specialist, announced on the 11th that its technology has received national new technology (NET) certification from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's National Institute of Standards and Technology. The technology of The Wave Talk, which received this certification, is based on the deep learning algorithm technology developed in-house as a ‘technology for high-speed detection of turbidity and microorganisms in purified water.’ It is a technology that can simultaneously and quickly measure the amount of microorganisms (bacteria) along with the world’s first maintenance-free ultra-small turbidity sensor that has already been verified through KOLAS (Korea Organic Accreditation Scheme). It is approximately 100,000 times more precise (LoD: 100 CFU/mL) than existing optical equipment and can provide microbial measurement results 40 times faster than the culture method. It is expected to have a big impact in the precision industry, medicine, and food fields where the measurement of fine substances is essential. The 'New Excellent Technology (NET)' system hosted by the National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy aims to promote the commercialization and technology transactions of new technologies developed by domestic companies, research institutes, and universities by discovering them early and certifying their excellence, and to create a foundation for early market entry by increasing the reliability of products utilizing such technologies and creating purchasing power . This certification can be obtained through a rigorous screening process, and is granted to original new technologies, technologies that are superior to or equivalent to advanced countries and commercializable, and technologies that can contribute to improving national technological capabilities and enhancing external competitiveness. It is known that only 10-15% of companies that apply pass. CEO Young-dug Kim CEO Kim Young-dug said, "The new technology certification of The Wave Talk's 'Turbidity and Bacteria High-Speed Detection Technology in Purified Water Equipped with Deep Learning Algorithm' is even more significant because it is highly evaluated for both its technological prowess and commercialization potential. Real-time turbidity and bacteria concentration measurement for the entire value chain of the water industry will be a key solution for the ' digitalization of the water industry . '" He added, "Starting in 2025, we will begin mass-producing and supplying sensors to domestic water purifier companies to generate stable sales. In addition, bacteria testing equipment for precision industries that use pure and ultra-pure water, such as semiconductor and display processes , and for inspection and diagnosis fields (medical, food) is scheduled to be launched in earnest."

Minimizing Downtime through Predictive Maintenance, Backwashing Optimization, and Real-Time Quantitative Bacteria Monitoring Overview of the Ultrapure Water Process The ultrapure water (UPW) production process involves multiple treatment steps to achieve an exceptionally high level of water purity, and it plays a key role in various industries, including semiconductor, pharmaceutical, power plant, and secondary battery production. By applying TheWaveTalk’s ultra-small turbidity and bacteria sensors to this process, one can maximize both efficiency and reliability. By utilizing TheWaveTalk’s advanced sensors in the processes highlighted with yellow boxes—namely Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration, and TOC (Total Organic Carbon) removal lines—the performance of the ultrapure water system can be further enhanced. The Challenge: Ensuring Stable Ultrapure Water Supply Amidst Climate Change Climate change significantly affects the availability and quality of water resources, posing a major threat to the stable supply of ultrapure water. Extreme weather events—such as droughts and floods—destabilize the feed water supply, while rising sea levels and pollutant infiltration degrade water quality, reducing the efficiency of ultrapure water production processes. As a result, industries heavily dependent on ultrapure water, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, power plants, and secondary batteries, face growing risks in maintaining stable production and product quality. In particular, these industries experience direct operational risks due to changes in water resource stability. The semiconductor industry requires stringent contamination control for its ultra-fine fabrication processes; the pharmaceutical industry relies on ensuring product quality through stable ultrapure water supplies; power plants depend on ultrapure water to maintain equipment efficiency; and the secondary battery industry needs ultrapure water to ensure optimal battery performance. However, the uncertainty in water resources caused by climate change threatens the stable production of these industries as a whole. Ultimately, the issue of securing ultrapure water is directly linked to the uncertainties in water resources driven by climate change, making new approaches and technological innovations essential to address this challenge. The Solution: Advanced Ultrapure Water Management with Turbidity and Bacteria Monitoring Sensors To overcome the challenges posed by climate change and water quality management, applying TheWaveTalk’s advanced sensor technology to the ultrapure water process can maximize efficiency and stability. This solution introduces groundbreaking improvements at critical stages of ultrapure water production, enhancing process performance and achieving cost-effectiveness. RO Process – Real-Time Integrity Testing and Predictive Maintenance By integrating ultra-small turbidity sensors into RO systems, the integrity of RO membranes can be monitored in real time. The sensors conduct automated tests based on precise data, enabling predictive maintenance. This approach prevents membrane performance degradation in advance, extends equipment lifespan, and reduces unnecessary maintenance costs. It provides a core technological foundation for ensuring a stable supply of ultrapure water. UF Process – Optimizing Backwashing Intervals In the UF process, ultra-small turbidity sensors measure the turbidity of water at both the inlet and outlet of each UF module in real time. The collected data is utilized to optimize backwashing intervals, thereby reducing unnecessary water and energy consumption and minimizing process downtime. As a result, overall operating costs decrease, while the efficiency of ultrapure water production increases. TOC Process – Real-Time Quantitative Bacteria Analysis By applying TheWaveTalk’s bacterial quantification sensor in the TOC line, it is possible to move away from conventional, inefficient culture-based methods and instead monitor bacterial levels in real time. This technology enables immediate detection and resolution of bacterial contamination issues, allowing for rapid and precise management of ultrapure water quality. It is a groundbreaking solution that overcomes the inefficiencies of traditional bacterial quantification, which previously required more than 24 hours. In practice, assuming a detection limit (LoD) of 100 cfu/ml with an accuracy of 77%, the measurement time is merely one minute. This essentially means that bacterial levels can be quantified almost in real time. Furthermore, if the goal is to achieve 95% accuracy at concentrations below 100 cfu/ml, results can be obtained within six hours. Compared to the conventional culture-based method, which takes at least 24 hours, this solution offers bacterial quantification in one-fourth or less of the time. Achieving Industrial Innovation and Sustainability in Ultrapure Water Management As climate change intensifies and uncertainties in water resources grow, ultrapure water is becoming an indispensable resource for industries such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, power plants, and secondary batteries. These industries, which depend on ultra-precise processes and high-quality production, now regard the establishment of an efficient and sustainable ultrapure water management system as a critical necessity rather than an option. TheWaveTalk’s ultra-small turbidity sensors and bacteria monitoring sensors significantly improve the overall efficiency of ultrapure water management processes. They offer an innovative solution that can reduce operating costs and enhance process reliability for various industries. Real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance in RO and UF processes, and rapid bacterial detection in TOC processes help maximize productivity, minimize downtime, and reduce both energy and resource consumption. In conclusion, these technological innovations open up opportunities for ultrapure water-dependent industries to respond more effectively to climate change and water resource scarcity. This advancement transcends simple process improvements by setting new standards for achieving sustainable competitiveness in the global market and driving industrial innovation forward.  TheWaveTalk’s sensor technology establishes a new paradigm for ultrapure water management systems and plays a pivotal role in supporting the future-oriented growth of each industry.

Verification Results for Detecting the Presence of Bacteria Correlation test results between WaTalk measurements and bacterial count. For bacterial counts up to 2,000 cfu/ml, there is no difference in turbidity values below 0.06 NTU, but turbidity changes can be detected for higher bacterial counts. If the turbidity value of filtered clean water exceeds 0.06 NTU, both particulate contamination and bacterial contamination can be suspected, making it possible to use the monitoring device for water from melted ice.

01. Comparision test within the 0~5 NTU Range Testing after spiking with Formazin short test(1h30) 9 levels of calibration (Lowest value : 0.35 NTU, Highest value : 5.1 NTU) Comparison test results between The.Wave.Talk's module sensor and competitor's product divided into 9 concentration levels within the 0~5 NTU Range The measurement values for the same sample between the two products show a high correlation with R²=0.9992, with no difference in the measurement values 02. Comparision test at low concentration(<1 NTU) Blue line : The.Wave.Talk sensor / Gray line : Competitor's In-line turbidimeter / Orange dots : Competitor's Tabletop turbidimeter The comparison test results between the The.Wave.Talk sensor and two competitor products within the low concentration range of 0~1 NTU, divided into four levels. There is no difference in the measurement values between the The.Wave.Talk sensor and the competitor's Tabletop product. Even in the low concentration range (< 1 NTU), there is no difference between the TWT sensor and the competitor's products.

1) Detection of Mixed Infections Project Details:  Development of Culturing Microorganism's Purity Analysis Technology using Network-Based Deep Learning Algorithm (December 2, 2019 - December 1, 2021, Ministry of SMEs and Startups > Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs) 2) Candida Vaginitis Ongoing clinical research with Bundang Seoul National University Hospital(March 2022 - Present, patient clinical trial phase) Project Details:  Development of a rapid diagnostic method for Candida vaginitis using laser scattering signal amplification and analysis algorithms (Professor Ki-Dong Kim) 3) Antibiotic Susceptibility Test Ongoing clinical trial at J University Hospital.The existing signal amplification allows MIC determination within 200 minutes. By using image analysis, antibiotic susceptibility can be determined within 60 minutes, and the clinical trial is ongoing with J University Hospital.