Open Innovation Programs

Spring 2026 Tech Challenge

We are seeking AI-native technologies that form the building blocks of a cognitive water ecosystem. These AI-native tools and systems should improve how water is sensed, treated, moved, recovered and managed—shifting systems from reactive and fragmented to more reliable, efficient and sustainable. Every submission must include a clear AI element that strengthens prediction, automation, optimization or decision-making.

DEADLINE: April 3, 2026

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We will hold a webinar to explain more about the Tech Challenge on March 12 at 10 a.m. EDT/9 a.m. CDT. Click here to register.

Building the future of water with AI-native technologies

This challenge is geared toward innovators building modular, AI-native components at or above TRL 3 that can plug into a cognitive water ecosystem. We are seeking:

Prototype-ready technologies or beyond
Demonstrable performance in relevant environments
Clear integration pathways with utilities or industrial applications AI as a foundational design principle

Eligible and Ineligible Solution Areas

Solutions related to data center cooling, digital water platforms and foam fractionation are NOT of interest.

Eligible concepts may include, but are not limited to, the areas below.

Molecular Intelligence & Green Synthesis

Technologies that include AI to improve water testing and treatment by:

Identifying chemicals in water quickly without using traditional chemical reagents

Forecasting when new contaminants may appear or when treatment processes drift off target

Exploring cleaner, low-chemical approaches to disinfection and water treatmentchemical approaches to disinfection and water treatment

Autonomous Infrastructure & Self-Healing Networks

AI-powered tools that enable autonomous monitoring and network resilience, such as:

Edge-AI devices using acoustic, pressure or thermal signatures for leak and anomaly detection

Dynamic digital twins that continuously update from sensor data

Predictive maintenance models that identify failures before they occur

Resource Stewardship

AI-supported approaches that help water facilities recover useful materials and operate more sustainably by:

Capturing nutrients, minerals, biosolids, heat or energy that would otherwise be wasted

Improving processes like nutrient recovery, biogas production, water reuse or electrochemical treatment

Using models to measure environmental impacts and understand how water systems connect with other sectors

Cognitive Conservation & Economic Optimization

AI-based tools that help utilities run more efficiently and reduce waste by:

Combining and analyzing data from multiple sources to detect unusual patterns

Optimizing energy use, chemical dosing, pumping schedules and asset lifecycles

Identifying where water, energy and money are being wasted—and how to reduce those losses

Technological Readiness

We seek solutions at or above TRL 3. At a minimum, the technology should have a functional prototype or lab-validated process, trained/verified AI components, and evidence of early-stage integration or pilot-scale viability.

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