Omen AI has acquired Aquatic Labs in a $16 million cash-and-stock deal, bringing together two technologies designed to monitor water used in data center cooling systems.
Omen's sensors track elements in cooling water, while Aquatic Labs' technology measures alkalinity. Combining the capabilities could give operators a more detailed, real-time view of fluid conditions and help identify issues such as valve problems or bacterial growth before they disrupt cooling. The Water Foundation estimates that US data centers use 17 to 19 billion gallons of water each year, with demand projected to triple within five years.
The companies plan to integrate their technologies into one sensor, with a market launch expected in early 2027. Omen co-founder Zach Laberge will lead the combined company, while Aquatic Labs CEO Allan Adams will serve as chief science officer. The system is intended to help data centers keep cooling fluid in use for longer and reduce interruptions linked to water maintenance.
Beyond data centers, the teams see potential applications in monitoring water as it moves through industrial systems and into municipal supplies. If adopted at scale, real-time sensing could help make the infrastructure behind expanding AI services more water-efficient.
