https://watertechhub.com/challenge/spring-2020-tech-challenge/
The Water Council helps connect people deploying new innovations in water technology through corporate-sponsored open innovation tech challenges.
If you have a water tech idea or prototype with high potential for implementation or commercialization, we’re the link to get you to the next stage of development with corporate sponsors ready to help you make your idea a reality. As an applicant, your application will be reviewed by the corporate R&D team sponsors and if you are chosen, you’ll get the opportunity to present your innovation in-person to A.O. Smith, Badger Meter and Zurn and compete for:
- Funding with maximum total prize money of $25,000
- Opportunity for high potential for joint commercialization with market leaders
- Access to sponsoring companies’ R&D team expertise
Accepting applications March 2 to May 3
SPRING 2020 CHALLENGE TOPICS:
Sensors & Enabling Technologies for Leak Detection
Our Corporate partners are seeking innovative solutions for detecting small water leaks in a pipe to identify opportunities for early intervention to repair or replace the pipe. Enabling technologies for detecting water quality parameters inline at a pipe without the need for grab samples, and operational aspects of using artificial intelligence/machine learning and IoT will also be considered. The solutions may be complete systems, algorithms or concepts by talented individuals with the focus on optimization of operation, condition assessment, conservation, leak detection and water quality controls.
The applications may be of various scales including:
- Plumbing systems in residential, commercial or industrial facilities
- Cooling water systems
- Drinking water distribution
- Wastewater collection
- Water reuse distribution
Key success criteria:
- Long lasting
- Durable
- Low cost
- Low energy usage
- Rapid response or real time
- Non-toxic reagents or no reagents required
- Limit of detection commensurate with the regulatory limit or concentration of interest for the substance being detected
REGISTER & APPLY
Energy Harvesting from Water Networks
Our Corporate partners are seeking innovative solutions for recovering energy from water networks, both small scale (in home or building) and large scale (water distribution and collection systems). Supporting technologies that store energy are also of interest. Potential uses for the energy recovered include:
- Extend battery life/Recharge batteries needed for data transmission in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
- Powering meters and sensors
- Powering actuators for valves and other
Key Success Criteria:
- Long lasting
- Durable
- Low cost