HCL Group and UpLink Open Applications for its Third Global Aquapreneur Innovation Challenge
21 Mayo 2024 - 7:04AM
Business Wire
HCL Group, a global conglomerate, and UpLink, the
open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum, announced the
third challenge of the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative, the
“Tackling Water Pollution Challenge.” This announcement was made
during the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia. The
application deadline for submission is 31st August 2024. The
winners will be announced in January 2025, and the top 10 winners
will receive a total financial award of 1.75M CHF. Detailed
information and eligibility requirements can be accessed through
the following link.
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the full release here:
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Sundar Mahalingam, President of Strategy
at HCL Corporation, unveils Challenge 3 of the Aquapreneur
Innovation Initiative at the World Water Forum in Bali (Photo:
Business Wire)
Important Dates to
Note
21 May to 31st August 2024
Open for submissions
1st September to 1st November
2024
Review and selection process
January 2025
Announcement of the Top Innovators
The Innovation Challenge aims to empower changemakers who are
pioneering groundbreaking technologies, strategies, and approaches
to conserve, manage, and protect water resources. HCL has pledged
US$15 million over five years till 2027 to bolster entrepreneurs
focusing on water-related endeavors. The challenge will focus on
the intersection of the quality and environmental impacts of water,
with the key aspects including:
- Preventing contamination of water at source- Source
control aims to prevent or minimize the introduction of pollutants
and contaminants at their source. Solutions may be aimed at
contaminants from industry, agriculture, stormwater etc., and could
include real-time monitoring and sensor networks, advanced
filtration, and nature-based solutions.
- Monitoring and treating onsite industrial wastewater-
Water is a core component in many industrial processes from
manufacturing, cleaning and sanitation, mining, and cooling.
Technological solutions offer a way to monitor water quality and
reduce water contamination, minimize environmental impacts and move
towards zero liquid discharge for industries.
- Optimising urban infrastructure public water and wastewater
treatment systems- Water and wastewater treatment
infrastructure upgrades are expensive and the costs are climbing.
This area will target a broad range of technological solutions that
can unlock value by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and
ensuring compliance.
- Offering water quality solutions for households- The
convergence of environmental awareness, cost considerations,
regulatory pressures, and health concerns is driving the increasing
popularity of personal water quality solutions among individuals
and households. Technological solutions may include portable water
testing, point-of-use water purification, and apps for
crowd-sourcing water quality data.
While launching the challenge, Sundar Mahalingam, President
of Strategy at HCL Corporation said, "At HCL, we understand the
power of innovation, and through our partnership with UpLink, we
are empowering Aquapreneurs to scale their solutions and drive
meaningful impact. The first two editions of the Aquapreneur
Innovation Initiative have demonstrated remarkable success, with
participating entrepreneurs showcasing solutions that address
critical water challenges. The Aquapreneurs from the first
challenge have raised $54.5 million grants and venture capital
funding since joining the cohort. This validates the effectiveness
of the initiative in nurturing and supporting innovative ideas that
address critical water challenges. We are, therefore, thrilled to
announce the third challenge, aiming to engage a broader network of
Aquapreneur globally.”
John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum, added,
“At UpLink, we believe innovation and collaboration are key to
overcoming the complex water challenges facing our planet. UpLink
and HCL Group will tap into the world’s brightest entrepreneurial
minds working in this sector to help minimize the problem of
freshwater loss by connecting them to essential resources, experts,
and funding. The Tackling Water Pollution Challenge will ensure
that the most scalable solutions are deployed to ensure that this
vital resource is sustainably available to all.”
Evaluation and selection criteria for 3rd year includes:
- Business viability
- Demonstrates a financially sustainable business model with a
clear revenue approach.
- Presents a funding history and potential for investment.
- Identifies and manages external risks effectively.
- Shows alignment with market demand locally or globally.
- Has a legal entity and operational plan for financial
sustainability.
- Commitment to Deliver Impact
- Shows sustainable impact benefiting multiple sectors including
society and the environment.
- Aligns with long-term water agenda goals.
- Utilizes a robust framework for impact measurement and
verification.
- Transparently tracks metrics and adheres to relevant
standards.
- Solution Novelty and Replicability
- Offers unique aspects in product/service, pricing,
partnerships, or business model.
- Provides evidence of concept feasibility and replicability
across different contexts.
As water scarcity and pollution continue to pose significant
threats to communities and ecosystems globally, the Aquapreneur
Innovation Initiative seeks to harness the power of innovation to
create sustainable solutions. Selected participants will receive
mentorship, funding support, access to networks, media visibility,
and other resources to scale their initiatives and maximize their
impact.
About HCL
Founded in 1976 as one of India’s original IT garage start-ups,
HCL is a pioneer of modern computing with many firsts to its
credit, including the introduction of the 8-bit
microprocessor-based computer in 1978, well before its global
peers. Today, the HCL enterprise has a presence across varied
sectors that include technology, healthcare and talent management
solutions and comprises three companies – HCL Infosystems, HCLTech
and HCL Healthcare. The enterprise generates annual revenues of
over US$13.3 billion with 227,481 employees operating across 60
countries. For further information, visit www.hcl.com
About UpLink
UpLink is the open innovation platform of the World Economic
Forum, dedicated to unlocking an ‘entrepreneur revolution’ to
support positive systemic change for people and planet. Launched at
the Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2020 with support
from Salesforce and Deloitte, UpLink is now a thriving ecosystem of
entrepreneurs, investors and experts, who are collaborating around
innovation for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240521731615/en/
For more details, please contact: Dr. Pooja Arora |
pooja_sikka@hcl.com