HCL, a global conglomerate and UpLink, the open innovation platform of the
The challenge calls for innovative water usage approaches to improve freshwater conservation from supply to demand, moving towards zero water waste. At the end of the challenge, 10 winners will receive a total financial award of
Important Dates to Note
21 August to
Open for submissions
17 October to
Review and selection process
Announcement of the winning Top Innovators
This is the second challenge out of five Challenges of the HCL and UpLink's Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative. Launched last year at
The focus of this year's challenge will be on: Capturing and protecting freshwater supply
Protecting groundwater reservoirs by capturing additional water resources. Solutions could focus on recharging groundwater, capturing storm- and rainwater or water from the atmosphere, preventing or minimizing leakages, boosting ecosystem resilience or monitoring and managing freshwater.
Water re-use and recycling of materials
Increase water-efficiency by reusing and recycling water resources. Solutions could include products that enable shower, washing machine and sink water to be recycled for non-potable uses, or reuse of water in industrial facilities, cleaner and greener tech to purify reused water etc. Ideally need to manage trade-offs, e.g. need to have sustainable energy support, as well as focus on water quality.
Saving water in agriculture
Reduce water withdrawal in agriculture through smart irrigation. Solutions could include precision irrigation, remote sensing, regenerative agricultural practices focused on water retention, and technologies such as mobile applications to optimize the amount and timing of water applied to crops.
Evaluation and selection criteria for 2nd year will include:
Organizational structure
Financially viable business model: solution demonstrates a sustainable business model and revenue approach, and presents proof of funding history, as well as investable opportunities for investors or philanthropic funders.
Stage: beyond the ideation phase and demonstrating the potential to scale and achieve long-term financial viability, impact, and sustainability. UpLink Top Innovators have typically reached the pilot to growth/scale phase of their operations.
Management team: committed, diverse and values driven management team with the right skillset and demonstrated execution capabilities, and including local staff, or the willingness to work with local stakeholders.
Measurement and standards verification: solution demonstrates a clear impact monitoring, evaluation, and verification framework. The metrics and indicators should be tracked transparently, reference and apply relevant, robust standards, and receive independent credentialing and third-party verification.
Governance and operating models: solution has a legal entity attached to the project or technology. The operating model shows the extent to which the project has achieved financial viability and sustainable revenue streams or has a vision and plan for achieving it.
Key characteristics: Innovative: while many water technologies already exist, innovation is needed in service, pricing, partnerships, and business models.
Replicability: submissions from across the globe that are scalable in their local contexts and potentially replicable in different parts of the world.
Holistic and sustainable impact: solution demonstrates 'win-win' benefits for multiple agendas, particularly society and the environment. Solution supports the water agenda in the long term, delivering impact that outlasts the length of the challenge.
External risk: solution is aware of any risks and uncertainties associated with achieving the desired outcomes.
Top 10 water- focused entrepreneurs will be selected as Top Innovators to join the UpLink Innovation Network, an exclusive program tailored for Founders, CEOs, Executive Directors, and more. They will get various benefits, including access to selected events, projects, and communities led by the
About
Founded in 1976 as one of
About UpLink
UpLink is the open innovation platform of the
Contact:
Dr.
Email: pooja_sikka@hcl.com
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