Case Study
Aquacycl accelerated EU, Mexico sales through MetroConnect
ServiceEconomic Incentive Consulting
ServiceExport/Logistics Consulting
October 2025
San Diego-based Aquacycl provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to help companies in the food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries reduce operational costs, ensure compliance, mitigate climate impacts, and support healthy watersheds and communities worldwide.
COMPANY
AQUACYCL’S CHALLENGE
Seeing increasing international demand amid tightening sustainability regulations, Aquacycl eyed growth opportunities in Mexico and the European Union. However, the company encountered complex compliance difficulties, long inspection timelines, and challenges implementing overseas operations while maintaining system integrity and affordability.
EDC SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED
Aquacycl applied to World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)’s export accelerator MetroConnect and was one of 15 growing companies accepted into its seventh cohort.
As the company looked toward global expansion, it leveraged MetroConnect’s resources, including:
- $5,000 MetroConnect grant to offset customs brokerage fees for the first large-scale export of its wastewater treatment system to Mexico.
- WTCSD’s international network, including Tijuana EDC and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico for guidance around foreign labor laws, visa requirements, customs regulations, and certifications to streamline the shipment of goods.
- Program workshops and events, including attending the U.S. Commercial Service Export Compliance Roadshow, which guided the development of Aquacycl’s internal export plan and led to a working relationship with customs broker KROM.
VALUE DERIVED
Drawing on MetroConnect’s $5,000 grant, network, and resources, Aquacycl successfully exported its flagship wastewater treatment system to support Don Julio, a globally renowned tequila distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
MetroConnect also supported Aquacycl in opening Netherlands B.V. as its European testing hub and pursuing multi-million-dollar commercial opportunities in Europe. Through its European expansion, Aquacycl positioned itself to sign new international agreements, create high-value jobs, and increase export-driven revenue growth.
Finally, as a top performing company, Aquacycl pitched—and won—MetroConnect’s Grand Prize PitchFest, netting an additional $25,000 grant to fuel continued global expansion into target markets.
“MetroConnect offers a comprehensive suite of resources that are essential for growing companies like Aquacycl that are looking to enter global markets. The program not only provided valuable funding that helped offset key export costs, but also connected us with expert guidance and trusted partners that smoothed the complexities of international trade. Through WTCSD and the Export SBDC, we gained the confidence and infrastructure to expand into new regions like Mexico and Europe, accelerating our global growth while strengthening our local operations here in San Diego.”
—Orianna Bretschger, CEO, Aquacycl Inc.
CONNECT WITH AQUACYCL
- Website: aquacycl.com
- Social media: LinkedIn