AquaSteady Business & Data Analyst Intern: Market Intelligence & Customer Discovery (71117)

About Pratt

Pratt Institute provides the creative leaders of tomorrow the professional knowledge and experience to make a better world.  A world-class and internationally ranked college with programs in art, design, architecture, liberal arts and sciences, and information studies, Pratt offers nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  

The Institute’s impact expands beyond its 25-acre residential campus in Brooklyn to cutting-edge facilities throughout the borough, a landmark building and public gallery in Manhattan, as well as an extension campus, Pratt Munson College of Art and Design in Utica, New York. On Governors Island, Pratt is a core partner on the Stony Brook University team selected to develop the New York Climate Exchange, a research and educational hub poised to establish New York City as the global leader for the most pressing issue of our time: climate change.  Another extension of Pratt’s campus is the Research Yard, a 20,000-square-foot facility that brings together the research activities of Pratt Institute under one roof in the Brooklyn Navy Yard (BNY).

Since our founding in 1887, Pratt has upheld the belief that education should be accessible to all who wish to learn. As a community, we define ourselves as standard setters who are: 

• Resourceful and collaborative problem solvers, 
• Socially responsible and equity-centered creatives, 
• Adaptable and resilient global stewards, 
• Inquisitive and compassionate community members. 

AquaSteady is seeking a Part-Time Business & Data Analyst (20 hours per week for 9 months) to support early commercialization through market intelligence, customer discovery, and investor-readiness activities. This position is ideal for candidates with strong analytical skills interested in sustainability, materials innovation, or early-stage venture development.

Background
AquaSteady is a pioneering research initiative backed by the U.S. National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator, Track J: Food & Nutrition Security. AquaSteady introduces a revolutionary water-absorbent hydrogel derived from seaweed, a nature-based material that enhances soil fertility, improves water retention, and reduces irrigation needs without synthetic polymers. Developed through a cross-disciplinary collaboration across multiple institutions, AquaSteady operates at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, bio-based materials, and climate-resilient innovation.

National Food Security and Innovation Hub
The National Food Security & Innovation (NAFSI) Hub advances food security by unifying the nation's most impactful food systems data and solutions into one powerful, accessible hub. Our mission is to accelerate innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, and empower researchers, industry, policymakers, and communities with cutting-edge data, tools, and insights to create resilient and sustainable food systems. NAFSI is the central data hub serving Track J: Food & Nutrition Security Phase 2 projects of the NSF Convergence Accelerator. We aggregate and steward diverse, high-impact datasets — including real-time sensor outputs, AI/ML tools, digital twins, and geospatial dashboards with varied levels of security and privacy to serve industry needs — produced by seven groundbreaking, cross-disciplinary teams. By standardizing and centralizing these assets, NAFSI enables seamless access to data-driven solutions that accelerate discovery and impact across the food security landscape.

NAFSI Hub Liaison

• Serve as AquaSteady's liaison to the NAFSI Hub, coordinating data standards, managing platform integration, and supporting planning for the Hub's industry roundtable event.

• Conduct structured customer discovery across agriculture and adjacent industries (e.g., construction materials, horticulture, landscaping, soil remediation, water-management technologies, sustainable packaging).
• Synthesize interviews and identify adoption drivers, pain points, and product requirements.

• Build market intelligence frameworks to identify and validate AquaSteady's beachhead markets.
• Develop market sizing models and growth projections for agricultural and non-agricultural applications.
• Conduct competitive landscape mapping across hydrogels, soil additives, climate-smart farming tools, and bio-based polymer alternatives.

• Support the creation of investor materials, including pitch deck refinement, data room structure, and articulation of AquaSteady's investment story.
• Contribute to early go-to-market strategy assumptions and modeling.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (completed or in progress) in Business, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Economics, Agriculture, Data Analytics, or related fields, OR MBA / graduate-level student with strong capabilities in strategy, market analysis, or data-driven research.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including modeling and interpreting data.
• Ability to conduct structured research and synthesize insights into actionable recommendations.
• Clear communication and presentation skills.
• Interest in climate tech, regenerative agriculture, biomaterials, or sustainability-driven innovation.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with interest in building and leading ventures from the ground up.

• Regenerative agriculture or soil-health solutions.
• Bio-based materials, aquaculture, or seaweed-derived technologies.
• Competitive intelligence, customer discovery, or venture creation.
• Hydrogel or water-management systems.
• Agtech or food systems innovation experience.

This is a part-time opportunity requiring 60% onsite for approximately 20 hours per week for 10 months. Preferred start date is March 2026 to allow for Hub orientation and project onboarding. For the right candidate, this role could open pathways to deeper involvement, including leadership opportunities.

**Please Note: We are currently unable to support new H-1B visas for candidates residing outside of the United States. 
**For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume. If you are moved forward in the interview process professional references will be requested.

More information
https://www.aquasteady.com/
https://oneworldnetwork.io/aquasteady-sea-helping-land/
https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/center-for-convergence-science-and-innovation/

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pratt Institute recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

At Pratt, we prioritize equity and have established a systematic approach to guarantee fair treatment for everyone.  If your background and expertise align with the requirements of the position, you will be contacted for further instructions.