Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) 2025

OVERVIEW

Innocentive is delighted to announce that the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination (GPID) has launched a new edition for 2025: the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW).

The Saudi Water Authority is investing US$1.8m in awards, pilot program value, and subsequent business support for successful prize winners.

This is the third annual edition of the Global Prize, and Solvers can win:

• $100,000 USD - for two Grand Prize award winners
• $50,000 USD - for 10 Impact Medal award winners

GPIW invites individual Solvers, teams, research groups, start-ups, accelerators, and organizations to submit their application, for a chance to win cash awards, global recognition, attend an exclusive event in Saudi Arabia, and gain ongoing support from a leading water authority.

Begin your journey to winning the GPIW today here by starting an application on the GPIW site.

Or, if you'd like more details, we'll send you all you need to know! Sign up for more details by logging in/registering and then clicking the 'Register for more information' button!

If you're interested in learning more about the Evaluators' requirements for this Challenge, we invite you to participate in our upcoming webinar:

Solvers will retain all rights to any proposal submitted. Following the piloting period, the GPIW may open discussions with awarded winners to discuss IP and further rights, however this is not a part of this initial application.

The best solutions have the opportunity to win up to $100,000 for meeting enough of the GPIW's application criteria. 

The Challenge requires a written proposal, a pitch video, and supporting documentation to be submitted and Awards will be contingent upon the theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the GPIW.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on September 14th, 2025.

- Login and select 'Register for more information' to learn more! -

HOW DO I SUBMIT AN APPLICATION?

Applying is completely free and it should take just 2 minutes to sign up to the GPIW 2025, and 30 minutes to complete your application.

You can begin today by following this link: 'Start My Application'.

You’ll be redirected to the GPIW website, and prompted to create an account:

GPIW’s Create your Account page

Once you’ve created your account and filled out some personal details, you can select ‘Submitted Requests’ on the left-hand side, and start your application to the GPIW by clicking the ‘Start apply for the prize’ button!

Homepage for your GPIW Profile

You’ll enter the Prize Application portal, where you’ll run through several sections to complete your application. Here, you can self-select the category of the Prize you’d like to apply for: Discovery Award (for earlier-stage, TRL1-3 technologies), Breakthrough Award (for proof-of-concept and emerging technology, TRL4-7 solutions), or the Special Mention categories (market-ready or established water solutions, TRL8-9).

You’ll be asked several questions about yourself/team/organisation, your project and its history, as well as some technical questions about your solution and technology.

Prize Application Portal, with the question sections

In Section 2 of your application, ‘Prize Details’, be sure to mark ‘Innocentive’ when asked how you heard about the GPIW! See below for an example:

Section 2: when asked about how you heard about the prize, be sure to reference Innocentive!

After you’ve finished your written application, in Section 5 ‘Upload Documents’, you’ll be asked to provide some additional attachments – including any relevant research for the judges (in PDF format), and a short pitch video (in .mp4 format).

Section 5: for additional attachments and the pitch video.

Then, when you’ve finalised your application, you can review all your information. Then, once you’ve read and accept the Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Consent form, you can submit your application.

Final confirmation and acceptance of the T’s & C’s.

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of your application process. If you need any help with your application, don’t hesitate to contact us at community@innocentive.com.

Or, if you're not ready to start yet but you'd like more information - register for updates here!

ABOUT THE SEEKER & ELIGIBILITY

The Global Prize for Innovation in Water, founded in 2023, is dedicated to advancing the technologies and practices of water technologies, to address global water scarcity and improve the lives of people worldwide.

Pilot programs for awarded Solvers would be hosted at Saudi Water Authority (SWA) and Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA) facilities. The SWA, the world's largest producer of desalinated water, operates 30 plants and is committed to promoting sustainable water solutions through innovation.

Solvers who work for, are associated with, or have financial links to the GPIW, SWA, or WTIIRA are not eligible to receive awards for this Challenge.

This Challenge is open to individuals, teams, and organizations from across the globe.

As of the date of submission, each applicant must own, or hold appropriate license rights to, all technologies, methods, resources, and Intellectual Property (IP) included in the submission.

REAL APPLICANTS, REAL IMPACT

Real Applicants, Real Impact

Last year, Sue Mecham of NALA Membranes and Lee Nuang Sim of Nanyang Technological University won the Grand Prizes, and were awarded $100,000 USD each.

Dr. Ngai Yin Yip of Columbia University applied through Innocentive and won $50,000 USD.

Additionally, MayMaan Research, Aquasolis, and Natural Ventures all applied through Innocentive and were awarded Special Mentions by GPIW.

You can read more about the success of Wazoku Crowd/Innocentive applicants in the 2024 edition of the award here.

FAQs

• What is the GPIW?
  Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW), is an initiative aimed to recognize and reward those making significant contributions to the field of water and inspire others to join us in our mission to find sustainable water solutions.
   
• What is the most appealing and significant aspect of participating in the GPIW beyond the cash prize?
  Beyond monetary Prizes, GPIW awardees gain entry to an accelerator program and access to piloting facilities provided by SWA or other partners, amplifying the impact of their innovations.
  
  All shortlisted Solvers will be given access to Saudi Water Innovation Center (SWIC) services and resources - an incubation program with a leading venture capital in water. This will help to supercharge Solver's technologies, solutions, and water technology programs as well as directly connecting you to decision makers across academia, industry, and private ventures.
   
• How many entities will be awarded, and what is the prize amount?
  The GPIW will award 2 Grand Prizes and 10 Impact Medals: 1 Grand Prize and 5 Medals for the Discovery Award (TRL1-3), and 1 Grand Prize and 5 Medals for the Breakthrough Award (TRL4-7). Each Grand Prize is valued at $100,000, and each Impact Medal at $50,000.
  
  The Special Mentions that will be announced for TRL8-9 & Market-Ready proposals are not accorded formal prize money, but there are unique cash prizes and networking opportunities available as well as special recognition at the award event.
   
• When and where does the GPID take place? Can I participate remotely?
  The submission phase runs through to September 14^th, 2025. Then, the evaluation process by the International Jury will occur, with shortlisting taking place in October 2025. Both phases are conducted remotely without requiring physical presence. However, attendance is required for the award ceremony – which will be scheduled for later in 2025 - with the option to designate a representative if necessary.
   
• Who can apply for the GPIW?
  Individuals without affiliation, Teams, Researchers, Research groups, Startups, Companies, NGOs, universities: anyone with an innovative idea in water or the research skills to develop the sector. 
   
• Can companies participate if they have already raised funding?
  Yes. Companies who have raised seed funding could still be awarded with the prize.
   
• How is the review process organized for the application submissions and who will assess the applications?
  The review process for application submissions is meticulously structured to ensure comprehensive evaluation across multiple dimensions. An international jury constituted by respected professionals with diverse backgrounds, collectively possessing high technical abilities, business insights, and financial expertise. 
   
• Can applications be submitted in collaboration with another company or research institution?
  Yes, applications can be submitted in collaboration with other entities, such as research institutions or companies. This collaborative approach fosters synergies, enhances innovation, and broadens the scope of potential impact. Please name all associated organizations in your submission to one of the GPID Challenges.
   
• Will the selection process be affected if the research associated with the project has already been published?
  No, the selection process is not affected by prior publication of associated research. Intellectual property and commercial rights remain with the innovator or affiliated entities, with no transfer to the GPIW organization, as the initiative does not seek intellectual property rights of the innovation.
   
• What additional benefits does the GPIW offer beyond monetary prizes and piloting innovations?
  Participating in the GPIW provides exposure and networking opportunities with industry leaders, potentially influencing career paths or company development. Collaboration with fellow award winners fosters knowledge sharing and innovative idea exchange, enhancing transformative impact across the water sector.
   
• Is it mandatory to pilot the technology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or can the applicant choose where to pilot their technologies?
  The pilot program occurs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at SWA-TWIIRA facilities. After the award ceremony, discussions between winners and SWA-TWIIRA, facilitated by Wazoku and other partners, determine piloting requirements. Tailored support ensures successful implementation and advancement of winning technologies, aligning with each project’s objectives and potential impact.
   
• Are there any limitations on how to apply for the GPIW?
  There are no limitations on applying for the GPIW. Applicants can apply individually, with their teams, or under research centers, institutions, or companies. Collaboration with other companies under pre-existing agreements is permissible, with only the requirement to designate a contact person for communication.
  
  Just remember to put ‘Wazoku’ or ‘Innocentive’ when you’re asked about how you came to the GPIW 2025!
   
• Are there any restrictions on how to utilize the cash prize awarded by GPIW?
  Recipients have complete flexibility in using the cash prize from GPIW, with no restrictions or requirement to provide proof of expenditure.
   
• Is the Award ceremony an open event or does it require an invitation?
  The Award ceremony is open to all applicants with prior registration. Everyone interested can attend and celebrate the achievements of the GPIW initiative.
   
• Will winners need to arrange their travel to the event location?
  No. GPIW will handle all logistics to ensure the presence of one representative from each winner technology at the event. All expenses, including travel from the original destination to Jeddah and back, as well as hotel accommodation and transfers since you arrive to Jeddah, will be covered by GPIW organization. Additionally, any necessary documentation for visa purposes will be provided, although visa costs are not covered by GPIW.
   
• Is there any cost associated with applying for the Prize?
  No, there is no cost associated with the GPIW application. Please report anyone asking you to spend to apply to community@innocentive.com.
   
• What happened at last year's GPID 2024 awards?
  You can learn more about the results, winners, and success of the 2024 event here.

PARTICIPATION GUIDANCE

1. Submission Close Date: Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (Arabian Standard Time, UTC+3hrs) on September 14th, 2025.
2. Late submissions: Late submissions will not be considered.
3. Multiple submissions, 5 Maximum: In case of multiple submissions by the same Solver, only 5 submissions will be considered. Each submission must have a unique title, with a different application or category selected. Any other submissions will be deleted prior to evaluation.
4. Use of AI: Please note that any submissions produced solely with generative AI are not of interest.
5. Learn more: Find out more about the GPIW program here.