tech challenge matches promising innovative water technologies to companies seeking novel solutions—ACCELERATING innovation for all
The semi-annual Tech Challenge program connects water innovators to innovative water users through topic-specific open innovation contests. Tech Challenge finalists win the opportunity to present their idea or innovation to company sponsors to compete for prize money, access to corporate R&D resources and the opportunity to partner on the development, marketing, licensing or sale of the technology or idea. Tech Challenge company sponsors save time in surfacing water and water-adjacent technologies by tapping into our powerful global network to find new ideas, talent and investment opportunities quickly and efficiently.
HOW TECH CHALLENGE WORKS
Targeted topics are selected by sponsoring companies, with challenges held each spring and fall. Water technology innovators from anywhere in the world—including inventive individuals, university students or researchers, water professionals or private sector and government labs—are invited to apply. After the close of the competition, applications are reviewed by our corporate R&D team sponsors. Winners are chosen and get the opportunity to present to sponsors and compete for:
- Funding with maximum total prize money of $25,000 per round
- Opportunity for potential joint commercialization with market leaders
- Access to sponsoring companies’ R&D team expertise and feedback
tech challenge SPONSORS
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“Our participation in Tech Challenge widens our access to innovators who have ideas but haven’t explored marketing their solutions through traditional channels yet. It’s been a valuable way to extend our R&D efforts for innovations that would have taken much longer to find on our own.”
Rebecca Tallon, engineering director – water treatment at A. O. Smith Corporation
TECH CHALLENGE TOP PRIZE WINNERS
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ARE YOU A LARGE WATER TECHNOLOGY COMPANY INTERESTED IN ACCELERATING R&D? LET’S CONNECT!
