Ofwat Launches £4m Water Discovery Challenge

Support is being offered for a range of organisations to develop bids addressing the water sector’s most pressing challenges.

Ofwat’s new Water Discovery Challenge is a £4 million competition for innovations that can help solve the biggest challenges facing the water sector; today and in the future. The aim is to directly support organisations with innovative propositions and facilitate their engagement with water companies.

In particular, the funder is looking for innovations that have the potential to make a positive impact for water customers, society and the environment; and succeed, be sustainable and/or gain wide adoption across the water sector in England and Wales.

Successful applicants can win up to £500,000. Up to 20 finalists with the most promising entries will be awarded up to £50,000 to develop their innovation, with a range of expert support and access to mentoring from water companies. A maximum of ten winners will be awarded up to £450,000 to further grow their innovation, receiving additional support to further accelerate their progress.

Entries are invited from any sector and all types of organisations, domestic or international. This includes private limited companies, limited liability partnerships, incorporated charities and community interest companies.

The deadline for applications is 5 April 2023 (12:00 GMT).

(This report was the subject of a GRANTfinder Newsflash.)