Polsky Center Startups Adgile Media Group and Open Water Team Up to Drive Sustainability

Two startups born out of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation are showing how collaborations can create impact in unexpected ways.

Open Water, the sustainability-focused canned water company, and Adgile Media Group, which transforms trucks into mobile billboards, have teamed up to spread Open Water’s eco-friendly message on streets nationwide.

Both companies got their start in the Polsky Center’s New Venture Challenge (NVC). Open Water took part in the 2015 NVC, with its mission to tackle plastic pollution by offering aluminum bottled water; and Adgile Media was in NVC four years later, in 2019, with its vision to turn trucks into high-impact, data-driven advertising platforms.

Jump to today, and the two companies are joining forces to amplify Open Water’s message of sustainability. Through Adgile Media’s mobile billboards, Open Water’s “More Ocean. Less Plastic.” message is being brought to directly to consumers on the roads.

“We’ve worked with so many exciting brands over the years, but partnering with Open Water feels extra special,” said Tom Shea, cofounder of Adgile Media. “Not only are they doing incredible work to reduce plastic waste, but seeing two Polsky startups team up like this really brings things full circle.”

Both companies have seen a lot of success since launching. Earlier this year, Open Water partnered with Chipotle to offer its aluminum water bottles at restaurants nationwide and became the official water of the L.A. Clippers. Meanwhile, Adgile Media’s rolling billboards have become viral hits online, as the company has secured partnerships with celebrities and companies alike. The company’s momentum was further highlighted when its founder Tom Shea was named to the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.