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Global Prize for Innovation in Water

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The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has launched a new edition of the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) in 2026.

This year, the world’s largest water sector prize is awarding a total of 14 prizes across 6 categories in TRL 1-3 and TRL 4-7, with special mention recognitions to higher TRL projects.

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

  • $100,000 USD – for two Grand Prize award winners
  • $50,000 USD – for 12 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.

To get started with GPIW 2026, please join the 2026 Challenge below:

Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) 2026

Closing date: 30th Sep 2026

Award: $800,000

View Challenge

Background

At present, 26% of the world’s population resides in water-stressed regions and faces challenges in accessing safe drinking water. In recent years, there has been a 30% increase in the number and duration of drought crises, with 15% of natural disasters being associated with drought. The GPIW seeks to address these pressing issues by recognizing innovative solutions in the water sector and promoting advancements in the research of related technologies and the deployment of innovative business models.

In 2025, in celebration of the success of the second edition, the conference concluded with the official announcement of the prize’s expanded scope—from innovation in desalination to innovation across the entire water sector—under the new name: Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW).

This evolution aims to attract more researchers and innovators from diverse disciplines, enabling the development of impactful solutions that enhance the sustainability of water resources and improve water management efficiency worldwide.

Previous winners

2025

During the ceremony, the names of 14 winners were revealed after their solutions successfully surpassed the strict evaluation criteria set by the international judging panel. The total value of the awards across all stages amounts to USD 10 million, in recognition of the winners’ efforts in transforming research ideas into technologies ready for real-world application.

The Grand Impact Prize was awarded to Han Qing Yu of China, while the Grand Discovery Prize went to Guihua Yu of the United States of America.

In addition, 12 winners from different tracks were honored, including: Charlie Norton, Primalal Balakrishna Pillai, and Omar Dawood from the United Kingdom; Jianan Gao from Hong Kong, China; John Gradic, Hamid Reza Samouei, and Andrushevets from the United States of America; Alina Camps and Inés Larría from Spain; Walid Soufi from Turkey; and Abrar Dhafer from Saudi Arabia.

The awards followed a final qualification stage that featured 36 finalists from 22 countries, representing leading universities, advanced research centers, and global technology companies. The winning innovations covered six key tracks vital to the water sector: advanced water production technologies, water quality improvement and reuse, smart treatment solutions, scaling-reduction technologies, digital models for process optimization and automation, as well as sustainability-focused innovations and solutions.

2024

The winners of the second edition of the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination (GPID), held on November 30, 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, saw wide participation from innovators and researchers from around the world, who presented a diverse array of innovations and projects.

The conference welcomed a distinguished group of sector leaders, including policymakers, developers, heads of research centers, and senior executives from across the water supply chain. This edition of the prize focused on driving innovation and fostering future breakthroughs in desalination, accelerating progress in scientific, technological, and social research related to water, while also empowering institutions, companies, researchers, and non-profit organizations to shape a better future.

Innocentive and Wazoku Crowd provided several winners: Dr. Ngai Yin Yip of Columbia University applied through Innocentive and won an Impact Medal, and was awarded $50,000 USD.

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

In 2024, Sue Mecham of NALA Membranes and Lee Nuang Sim of Nanyang Technological University won the Grand Prizes, and were awarded $100,000 USD each.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The GPIW will award 2 Grand Prizes and 12 Impact Medals: 1 Grand Prize and 6 Medals for TRL 1-3 submissions, and 1 Grand Prize and 6 Medals for TRL 4-7 submissions. 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.
  • The submission phase runs through to September 30th, 2026. Then, the evaluation process by the International Jury will occur, with shortlisting taking place in October 2026. Both phases are conducted remotely without requiring physical presence. However, attendance is required for the award ceremony – which will be scheduled for later in 2026 – with the option to designate a representative if necessary.
  • 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.
  • Yes. Companies who have raised seed funding could still be awarded with the prize.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 2026!
  • Recipients have complete flexibility in using the cash prize from GPIW, with no restrictions or requirement to provide proof of expenditure.
  • The Award ceremony is open to all applicants with prior registration. Everyone interested can attend and celebrate the achievements of the GPIW initiative.
  • 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.
  • No, there is no cost associated with the GPIW application. Please report anyone asking you to spend to apply to community@innocentive.com.
  • You can learn more about the results, winners, and success of the previous awards here

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

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4

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Award Potential

We've awarded more than $60 million to thousands of Solvers from around the world.

The average award amount is approximately $20,000, but some challenges come with awards of over $100,000 or collaboration agreements.