Deadline: 22-Mar-2026

The Université Côte d’Azur Foundation, in partnership with the Alpes-Maritimes Department, is launching the Water Trophies to support sustainable water management initiatives. The program offers €5,000 for student or association projects and €15,000 for innovative start-ups, promoting education, innovation, and territorial impact in the Alpes-Maritimes region.

Overview

The Water Trophies initiative aims to encourage innovative and concrete projects that promote sustainable and responsible water management across the Alpes-Maritimes. The program prioritizes projects with a territorial impact, combining education, innovation, and entrepreneurship to address challenges in water resource management and aquatic ecosystem preservation.

Award Categories and Funding

The program features two calls for applications:

• Education & Society Trophy

  • Value: €5,000

  • Eligible applicants: Students or associations

  • Focus: Projects contributing to sustainable development of the Middle and Upper Country of the Alpes-Maritimes, with attention to water and aquatic ecosystems

• Young Company Trophy

  • Value: €15,000

  • Eligible applicants: Start-ups or young companies

  • Focus: Innovations improving water management or enhancement, especially relevant to the tourism sector in Alpes-Maritimes territories

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated by a distinguished jury consisting of:

• Researchers and teacher-researchers

• Business leaders or cluster representatives

• Members of the Université Côte d’Azur Foundation

• Representatives from the Alpes-Maritimes Department

• Members of IMREDD

• Coordinator of the partnership chair “Water in the territories of the Alpes-Maritimes”

The jury ensures that each project is assessed for:

• Scientific rigor

• Practical territorial impact

Who Can Apply

Eligible participants include:

• Students

• Associations

• Start-ups and young companies with relevant innovations

Why It Matters

The Water Trophies:

• Promote sustainable water management in the Alpes-Maritimes

• Support education, innovation, and entrepreneurial solutions

• Encourage projects with tangible impacts on local communities and ecosystems

• Offer financial support to bring ideas to life and showcase initiatives

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate the territorial and environmental impact of your project

• Highlight innovation and relevance to water management

• Ensure alignment with the program’s focus areas (education, tourism, ecosystem preservation)

• Provide detailed plans showing measurable outcomes and sustainability

FAQs

1. What are the two award categories?

• Education & Society Trophy (€5,000) for students or associations

• Young Company Trophy (€15,000) for start-ups or young companies

2. Who can apply?
   Students, associations, and young companies implementing sustainable water management projects in Alpes-Maritimes

3. What is the focus of the Education & Society Trophy?
   Projects that contribute to sustainable development and preserve water and aquatic ecosystems in the Middle and Upper Country of Alpes-Maritimes

4. What is the focus of the Young Company Trophy?
   Innovations in water management or enhancement, with emphasis on the tourism sector

5. Who evaluates the applications?
   A jury of researchers, business leaders, foundation representatives, departmental members, and partnership coordinators

6. What criteria are used in selection?
   Projects are assessed for scientific rigor, innovation, and practical territorial impact

7. Why participate in the Water Trophies?
   Participants gain financial support, recognition, and the opportunity to implement projects that positively affect local communities and ecosystems

Conclusion

The Water Trophies offer a strategic opportunity for students, associations, and young companies to contribute to sustainable water management in Alpes-Maritimes. By fostering innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, the program supports projects that create real-world impact on communities, ecosystems, and regional water resources. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate both innovation and territorial relevance to maximize their chances of success.

For more information, visit Université Côte d’Azur Foundation.