Apply for AI Innovation Challenge to Transform Water Systems

Deadline: 03-Apr-2026

The Water Council is inviting applications for AI-native technologies that enhance water system management, treatment, and sustainability. Submissions should integrate artificial intelligence at their core to improve prediction, automation, optimization, and decision-making, supporting a cognitive water ecosystem across utilities and industrial applications.

Overview

This challenge focuses on transforming water systems from reactive, fragmented approaches into efficient, reliable, and sustainable operations using AI. Eligible technologies should:

• Be modular and integrable into a cognitive water ecosystem

• Use AI as a foundational element rather than an added feature

• Demonstrate performance in relevant environments (prototype-ready or more advanced)

• Show pathways for integration with utilities or industrial systems

Key Focus Areas

1. Cognitive Water Ecosystem Development

   • AI-enabled prediction, automation, optimization, and decision-making

   • Dynamic digital twins updating in real time with sensor data

   • Autonomous infrastructure and self-healing networks

2. Water Testing and Treatment

   • AI-powered molecular intelligence and green synthesis methods

   • Contaminant forecasting without traditional reagents

   • Cleaner approaches to disinfection and treatment

3. Monitoring and Network Resilience

   • Edge-AI devices for leak detection and predictive maintenance

   • AI-based failure detection and network optimization

4. Resource Stewardship and Recovery

   • Recover nutrients, minerals, biosolids, heat, or energy

   • AI tools for energy optimization, chemical dosing, pumping schedules, and asset lifecycle management

   • Support for processes like nutrient recovery, biogas production, water reuse, or electrochemical treatment

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should ensure their solutions:

• Are Technology Readiness Level 3 or higher (functional prototype or lab-validated process)

• Include trained or verified AI components

• Demonstrate early-stage integration or pilot-scale viability

• Clearly embed AI as a core design principle

Out-of-scope solutions:

• Data center cooling

• Digital water platforms

• Foam fractionation

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Confirm readiness: Ensure solution meets TRL ≥3 and integrates AI natively.

2. Define focus area: Select one or more areas, e.g., water testing, monitoring, resource recovery.

3. Prepare technical documentation: Include AI design, prototype data, and pilot evidence.

4. Demonstrate integration plan: Show how the solution can be deployed in utilities or industrial applications.

5. Submit application following Water Council guidelines before the deadline.

Benefits of Participation

• Opportunity to scale AI solutions in real-world water systems

• Support for innovators developing cognitive water ecosystems

• Exposure to utilities, industrial partners, and sustainability initiatives

• Contribution to reliable, efficient, and sustainable water management

Tips for a Strong Submission

• Emphasize AI as a core component, not an add-on

• Provide prototype or lab validation data

• Include clear integration and deployment plans

• Focus on measurable impact on efficiency, resource recovery, or sustainability

• Avoid submitting solutions outside the scope of the challenge

FAQs

1. What types of solutions are eligible?
AI-native technologies improving water testing, treatment, monitoring, resource recovery, or network resilience.

2. What level of technology readiness is required?
Technology Readiness Level 3 or higher (functional prototype or lab-validated process).

3. Does the AI need to be embedded in the core design?
Yes, AI must be a foundational element, not a secondary feature.

4. Can early-stage prototypes apply?
Yes, if they demonstrate functional AI components and pilot feasibility.

5. Are digital water platforms eligible?
No, solutions related to digital water platforms, data center cooling, or foam fractionation are out of scope.

6. What outcomes are expected?
Improved prediction, automation, optimization, resource recovery, and decision-making in water systems.

7. Can the solution be modular?
Yes, modular technologies that integrate into a cognitive water ecosystem are encouraged.

Conclusion

The Water Council AI Challenge is a strategic opportunity for innovators to transform water systems with AI, driving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Submissions should demonstrate prototype-ready AI solutions capable of integration into real-world water management applications.

For more information, visit The Water Council.