# TransformingWater Systems

A call for scalable, next-generation solutions, including AI and advanced technologies, that overcome systemic issues, enhance circularity, reduce dependencies in critical industries and strengthen supply reliability.


## Overview

Global water systems are under mounting strain from climate volatility, pollution and rising industrial demand, increasingly characterized by “too little, too much and too polluted” water. Utilities are struggling to ensure reliable supply, while water-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, energy and data centres face rising operational and financial exposure. Despite continued infrastructure investment, systems remain fragmented and reactive, constrained by delivery bottlenecks, capacity gaps and complex governance. As pressures intensify, water is emerging as both a systemic risk to economic resilience and a significant investment opportunity, requiring a structural shift in how water is sourced, managed, reused and governed.The Transforming Water Systems Challenge responds by mobilizing early-stage innovation across three priorities: next-generation AI solutions to transform water systems, reducing freshwater dependence in critical industries and securing water supply reliability. Together, these innovations aim to accelerate the transition towards integrated, circular and resilient water systems. Led by UpLink, in collaboration with the HCL Group and the World Economic Forum’s Food and Water Initiative, the Challenge activates a global ecosystem of partners. It positions selected innovators not only as technology providers but also as contributors to systemic transformation. By connecting breakthrough solutions to the right ecosystem of actors, the initiative aims to translate early-stage innovation into scalable impact, strengthening water security and economic resilience worldwide. Winners will gain access to a global network, visibility and engagement opportunities to support deployment and scale, and will each receive a CHF 175,000 prize by the HCL Group. Learn more about the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative. This Challenge is part of the UpLink Innovation Challenge Series – Spring 2026, a global call for early-stage solutions ready to move from innovation to real-world deployment at scale, shaping the markets, industries and systems of tomorrow.


### Accelerating the transition towards integrated, circular and resilient water systems


## Focus areas


### Transforming water systems using next-generation AI and digital technologies

Solutions that address systemic constraints in the water sector, including infrastructure delivery, regulatory and permitting bottlenecks, innovative financing, risk management, cybersecurity and institutional capacity challenges, enabling more efficient, resilient and future-ready water systems.


### Lowering freshwater intensity across water-intensive industries

Solutions that enable circular water use, improve industrial efficiency and reduce primary freshwater withdrawals, strengthening operational resilience and supporting resilience across high-demand sectors such as data centres and AI infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing and energy production.


### Strengthening the reliability, quality and continuity of watersupply systems

Solutions that enhance system resilience under climate volatility, contamination risk and rising demand by diversifying supply, improving treatment performance and reinforcing infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable and continuous water delivery.


## Selection criteria


## Frequently Asked Questions

*Common questions and answers*


### This challenge is now closed for new applications.

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## Benefits for selected UpLink Ventures

Approximately 10 submissions will be selected as winners, recognized as UpLink Ventures and become part of the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem, a curated programme designed for Founders, CEOs, Executive Directors, etc.,which provides:


### Access

Participation in World Economic Forum and partner-led events, projects and communities.


### Visibility

Global exposure via the Forum’s and UpLink’s digital media channels.


### Connections

Strategic introductions to select organizations in the Forum’s and UpLink’s network.


### Targeted support

Programming and support on technical, business and operational matters.


### Prize money

175,000 CHF in prize money to each winner, generously made available by HCL Group.


## Expectations of selected UpLink Ventures

Once selected, UpLink Ventures are expected to actively contribute as members of its Innovation Ecosystem, including:Events: Participating in UpLink and partner-led programming and events.Marketing and media: Sharing relevant information and assets for marketing campaigns and media requests.Impact reporting: Engaging in regular communication touchpoints, including meetings and surveys, to assess needs and impact.


## Challenge timeline


## Timeline

*Chronological events and milestones*


## Partners


## Funded by


*Partner organizations and sponsors*


## In collaboration with the World Economic Forum's Food and Water Initiative


## Ecosystem partners


## Members

*Browse and filter community members*