MILWAUKEE, March 2, 2020 — The Water Council, along with corporate sponsors A. O. Smith Corporation, Badger Meter and Zurn, a Rexnord company, today announced the third Tech Challenge competition with focused topics on leak detection technologies and energy harvesting from water networks.
The Tech Challenge was launched in 2018 to identify cutting-edge freshwater technologies or ideas with a high potential for commercialization or implementation. Finalists have an opportunity to win money, access to corporate R&D resources and a chance to partner on the development with corporate sponsors on the marketing, licensing or sale of the winning technology or solution. Since the first round of challenges, more than 40 applicants from nine countries have participated; a number of which have continued engagement with our corporate sponsors.
“The value of these connections goes beyond the application and the selection stage,” said Karen Frost, vice president of economic development at The Water Council. “The ability to meet face-to-face with corporate R&D teams adds long-term value to an applicant’s network, even after the competition concludes.”
The third round of Tech Challenge competitions seeks innovative solutions that address the following:
Anyone with an innovative technology or solution that addresses the listed topics is encouraged to apply. Prospective technologies or solutions can be submitted from entrepreneurs, university students or researchers, professionals already working in water-dependent industries, private sector and government labs or inventive individuals from any location in the world.
Tech Challenge topics, application criteria, entry forms and other Water Council program details are available at watertechhub.com. Applications are being accepted through May 3, 2020, with finalists selected shortly thereafter.
###
About A. O. Smith
A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a leading manufacturer of water treatment products.
About Badger Meter
Badger Meter is a leading innovator, manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement and control products, serving water and gas utilities, municipalities and industrial customers worldwide. Measuring a variety of liquids — from water to oil and lubricants in commercial processes — products from Badger Meter are known for accuracy, durability and the ability to provide valuable and timely measurement information.
About Zurn Industries
Zurn Industries, LLC, a Rexnord company, is a recognized leader in commercial, municipal, healthcare and industrial markets. Zurn offers the largest breadth of engineered water solutions, including a wide spectrum of sustainable plumbing products. Zurn delivers total building solutions for new construction and retrofit applications that enhance any building’s environment.