The Water Council’s Spring Open Innovation Challenge is Now Live

The Water Council has launched its Spring Open Innovation Challenge, inviting researchers, startups, and SMEs to apply for an exciting opportunity to showcase breakthrough solutions in water technology. With applications open until May 2, this is your chance to gain recognition and access invaluable industry connections.

Supported by corporate partners A. O. Smith, Badger Meter, Watts Water, and new sponsor Xylem, the challenge seeks innovative solutions in:

1. Sensors for Biological Organisms & Disinfection Byproducts

The challenge seeks innovative solutions for detecting microbiological organisms or disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which result from organic compounds reacting with disinfectant chemicals. Applications include:

• Pathogen detection in water distribution systems, wastewater effluent, and biosolids

• Identifying illicit discharges in storm and sanitary sewers

• Process monitoring of wastewater treatment

• Detection of yeast in fermentation processes

  
  

2. Removal of Organic Contaminants from Water

This category is looking for novel treatment methods beyond activated carbon to remove organic contaminants from:

• Drinking water (point-of-use/entry systems)

• Municipal and industrial wastewater

• Cooling towers, boilers, and water circulation systems

• Well water

  
  

3. Lab-on-a-Chip for Water & Wastewater

Seeking lab-on-a-chip technologies for real-time monitoring and detection of emerging contaminants, including:

• Epidemiological detection of viral pathogens (e.g., H5N1)

• Portable PCR-based technologies

• Pharmaceuticals and byproduct detection

  
  

Why Apply?

With $10,000 in prize money, access to leading corporate R&D teams, and potential corporate partnerships, this challenge provides a unique opportunity to advance your innovation in water technology.

Interested? Find out more and apply https://thewatercouncil.com/open-innovation-programs/ before the deadline on May 2!