HCL Group and UpLink Open Applications for its Third Global Aquapreneur Innovation Challenge
HCL Group, a global conglomerate and UpLink, the open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum,
announced the third challenge of the Aquapreneur
Innovation Initiative, the “Tackling Water Pollution Challenge.” This
announcement was made during the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia. The
application deadline for submission is 31st August 2024. The winners will be
announced in January 2025 and the top 10 winners will receive a total financial
award of 1.75M CHF.
The Innovation Challenge aims to empower changemakers who are pioneering
groundbreaking technologies, strategies, and approaches to conserve, manage,
and protect water resources. HCL has pledged US$15 million over five years till
2027 to bolster entrepreneurs focusing on water-related endeavors. The challenge
will focus on the intersection of the quality and environmental impacts of
water, with the key aspects including:
1. Preventing contamination of water at source- Source control aims
to prevent or minimize the introduction of pollutants and contaminants at their
source. Solutions may be aimed at contaminants from industry, agriculture,
stormwater etc., and could include real-time monitoring and sensor networks, advanced
filtration, and nature-based solutions
2. Monitoring and treating onsite industrial
wastewater- Water is a core component in many industrial processes from
manufacturing, cleaning and sanitation, mining, and cooling. Technological
solutions offer a way to monitor water quality and reduce water contamination,
minimize environmental impacts and move towards zero liquid discharge for
industries.
3. Optimising urban infrastructure public water and
wastewater treatment systems- Water and wastewater treatment infrastructure
upgrades are expensive and the costs are climbing. This area will target a
broad range of technological solutions that can unlock value by improving
efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance.
4. Offering water quality solutions for households- The convergence of
environmental awareness, cost considerations, regulatory pressures, and health
concerns is driving the increasing popularity of personal water quality
solutions among individuals and households. Technological solutions may include
portable water testing, point-of-use water purification, and apps for
crowd-sourcing water quality data.
While launching the challenge, Sundar Mahalingam, President of Strategy
at HCL Corporation said, "At HCL, we understand the power of
innovation and through our partnership with UpLink, we are empowering
Aquapreneurs to scale their solutions and drive meaningful impact. The
first two editions of the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative have demonstrated
remarkable success, with participating entrepreneurs showcasing solutions that
address critical water challenges. The Aquapreneurs from the first challenge
have raised $54.5 million grants and venture capital funding since joining the
cohort. This validates the effectiveness of the initiative in nurturing and
supporting innovative ideas that address critical water challenges. We are,
therefore, thrilled to announce the third challenge, aiming to engage a broader
network of Aquapreneur globally.”
John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum, added, “At UpLink,
we believe innovation and collaboration are key to overcoming the complex water
challenges facing our planet. UpLink and HCL Group will tap into the world’s
brightest entrepreneurial minds working in this sector to help minimize the
problem of freshwater loss by connecting them to essential resources, experts,
and funding. The Tackling Water Pollution Challenge will ensure that the most
scalable solutions are deployed to ensure that this vital resource is
sustainably available to all.”
Leave A Comment