This announcement was made during the 10th
Important Dates to Note
21 May to
Open for submissions
1st September to
Review and selection process
Announcement of the Top Innovators
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
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, storm water etc., and could include real-time monitoring and sensor networks, advanced filtration, and nature-based solutions
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.
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.
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,
Evaluation and selection criteria for 3rd year includes: Business viability
Demonstrates a financially sustainable business model with a clear revenue approach.
Presents a funding history and potential for investment.
Identifies and manages external risks effectively.
Shows alignment with market demand locally or globally.
Has a legal entity and operational plan for financial sustainability.
Commitment to Deliver Impact Shows sustainable impact benefiting multiple sectors including society and the environment.
Aligns with long-term water agenda goals.
Utilizes a robust framework for impact measurement and verification.
Transparently tracks metrics and adheres to relevant standards.
Solution Novelty and Replicability
Offers unique aspects in product/service, pricing, partnerships, or business model.
Provides evidence of concept feasibility and replicability across different contexts.
As water scarcity and pollution continue to pose significant threats to communities and ecosystems globally, the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative seeks to harness the power of innovation to create sustainable solutions. Selected participants will receive mentorship, funding support, access to networks, media visibility, and other resources to scale their initiatives and maximize their impact.
About HCL
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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