Aquapreneur Winners Announced at Zero Water Waste Challenge

The HCL Group and UpLink announced the winners of the Zero Water Waste Challenge, part of the ongoing *Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative, at an event in Davos, Switzerland. The program is a five-year, CHF 15 million effort to foster entrepreneurial solutions that advance freshwater conservation, reuse, recycling, and efficient water use globally. 

From nearly 200 applicants representing diverse regions, ten early-stage water innovators were selected to receive financial awards from a CHF 1.9 million funding pool to scale their solutions. The competition prioritized technologies that improve freshwater supply protection, recycling, and agricultural water use through advanced methods including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable water use practices. 

Among the winners was Fluid Analytics, recognized for its work in urban water analytics and pollution management. Acceptance into the Aquapreneur cohort affirmed Fluid Analytics’ vision to eliminate urban water pollution and engage with a global ecosystem of innovators, investors, and partners. Fluid Analytics’ CEO noted that the award supports efforts to bring its technology and insights to broader markets. 

HCL Group’s Chairperson highlighted the urgency of addressing freshwater scarcity amid climate change, while senior representatives from the World Economic Forum emphasized that early-stage, water-focused entrepreneurship will be critical in building sustainable and resilient water systems worldwide.