Apply to Transforming Water Systems Challenge (Win CHF175000)
Grant / Award ShortlistOpportunity Details
-
Opportunity ID 286404
-
Degree Non Degree Program/Certificate
Opportunity Description
Are you an innovator or entrepreneur building scalable solutions for global water security? Do you need substantial funding and strategic backing to take your technology from early-stage to real-world deployment? The Transforming Water Systems Challenge is now accepting applications from global ventures—and it could provide the exact platform your business needs to scale.
Led by UpLink in collaboration with the HCL Group and the World Economic Forum’s Food and Water Initiative, this challenge is part of the Spring 2026 Innovation Series. It seeks to mobilize next-generation technologies—specifically AI, digital tools, and circular industry models—to solve critical water supply and pollution constraints. Winning ventures do not just receive recognition; they integrate into a massive ecosystem of global actors ready to support systemic transformation.
If selected as a winner, your venture will receive a CHF 175,000 prize from the HCL Group, alongside direct access to a global network of partners, investors, and deployment opportunities. Read on to discover the specific focus areas, eligibility criteria, and how to submit your startup for consideration before the final deadline.
Quick Overview
| Provider | UpLink, HCL Group, World Economic Forum |
| Location | Global |
| Program Type | Innovation Challenge / Prize |
| Funding | CHF 175,000 Prize per winner |
| Target Audience | Early-stage, for-profit ventures |
| Deadline | [Check Official Website] |
Important Dates
| Challenge Series Phase | Spring 2026 |
| Application Deadline |
Financial & Strategic Benefits
If your venture is selected for the Transforming Water Systems Challenge, here is what your package includes:
- Financial Prize: CHF 175,000 awarded by the HCL Group.
- Network Access: Direct entry into the World Economic Forum and UpLink global networks.
- Deployment Support: Engagement opportunities tailored to help selected solutions scale and integrate into existing industrial ecosystems.
Challenge Focus Areas
Your project must address one of the following priority themes:
- Next-Generation AI & Digital Technologies: Infrastructure delivery, innovative financing, and cybersecurity for future-ready water systems.
- Lowering Freshwater Intensity: Circular water use targeting heavy-demand sectors (data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, energy production).
- Strengthening Supply Reliability: Enhancing system resilience against climate volatility and contamination risk.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Transforming Water Systems Challenge, your venture must meet all of the following requirements:
Venture Stage & Structure
- You must operate as a for-profit entity.
- The venture must be at the pre-seed, seed, or Series A stage.
- You must have raised less than $50 million in total funding.
Scalability & Traction
You must demonstrate a coherent path to sustainable revenues (or repeatable funding) with a scalable delivery model. Traction signals must be validated via:
- Revenue from paying customers
- Signed contracts
- Contracted pilots (e.g., LOIs with terms)
Team Fit
The founding team must bring relevant lived or domain experience, show strong execution capability, and be ready to measure and verify positive change over time.
How to Apply
If you are ready to submit your venture, follow these steps carefully:
- Verify your venture’s stage (under $50M, pre-seed/seed/Series A, for-profit).
- Gather evidence of your market traction, customer base, and scalable business model.
- Submit your complete proposal via the official UpLink portal before the stated deadline.
For more information, please visit the
UpLink official website.
Other Opportunities You May Like
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my venture need to be generating revenue to apply?
While you must be at the pre-seed, seed, or Series A stage, the criteria emphasize “traction signals.” You must show validated demand, which can be evidenced through revenue, signed contracts, or contracted pilots (such as Letters of Intent).
Are non-profit organizations eligible for this challenge?
No. The challenge explicitly states that applicants must operate as for-profit entities.
What types of industries are prioritized for the freshwater intensity focus area?
The challenge specifically highlights high-demand sectors such as AI infrastructure, data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and energy production.
