GoHub, an international open innovation hub by GoAigua focused on creating better processes and more sustainable cities, and The Water Tower, a water innovation hub focused on helping water and wastewater utilities become more progressive through applied research, technology innovation, workforce development, and community engagement, announce the launch of The Ultimate Water Challenge – a 6-month program aimed at creating an ecosystem of innovation and technology sharing between startups, vendors, and pilot sites in the United States (application link: https://globalwaterchallenge.tech/waterchallengeus/).
Entrepreneurs with early-stage companies leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), robotics, and other water solutions should apply. Winners will receive:
- Up to $50,000 to fund the pilot
- Proprietary utility data to test and validate solutions
- Introductions to venture capital firms, investors, partners, and key players of the U.S. water industry
- Access to GoHub’s 6-month accelerator and venture programs, aimed at providing funding to their companies (up to $3 million via convertible note)
Winners will not only be mentored by GoHub and The Water Tower leaders, but also by industry experts from cutting-edge technology companies and universities like GoAigua, Siemens, University of Michigan, and more.
The Ultimate Water Challenge seeks to support entrepreneurial efforts in three key areas: improving the capture and treatment of stormwater, reducing energy consumption, and improving population health through wastewater surveillance.
"The Ultimate Water Challenge provides water startups an incredible opportunity to pilot their technologies and gain invaluable feedback throughout the process from high caliber mentors," said Melissa Meeker, CEO of The Water Tower. "We are thrilled to work with our partners at GoHub to help startups make a positive impact on the water industry."
Applications will be accepted through August 1, 2021 and winners will be announced on September 1, 2021. Pilot programs will begin on November 1, 2021.
To learn more or apply to The Ultimate Water Challenge, visit www.theh2otower.org.
