HCL Group and UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) innovation platform, have announced the launch of the Water Resilience Challenge — the fourth and latest in their joint Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative. The global competition aims to support groundbreaking solutions to strengthen freshwater resilience amid growing climate, industrial and agricultural pressures.
Unveiled at the WEF’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China, the challenge is now open for submissions through August 4, 2025, with winners to be revealed in January 2026. A total of CHF 1.75 million in funding will be distributed among the top 10 innovators.
The initiative is part of a five-year, CHF 15 million collaboration between HCL, UpLink, and WEF’s Food and Water team, supporting early-stage solutions that protect and manage global water systems.
The challenge seeks entries across three key focus areas:
- Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience
Innovative approaches to boost urban and rural water systems’ ability to withstand climate extremes, close infrastructure gaps, and manage demand. - Rethinking Agri-Food Water Use
Solutions that promote water conservation in agriculture using regenerative, nature-based, and reuse practices. - Optimising Water in Tech and Energy
Technologies to enhance water efficiency in AI data centres, semiconductors, and energy systems — including wastewater-to-energy solutions.
“We are helping build a global ecosystem for water innovation — one changemaker at a time,” said Sundar Mahalingam, President of Strategy at HCL Group. “In just three years, 30 supported innovators have raised over $90 million and saved more than 12 billion litres of water.”
John Dutton, Head of UpLink, added: “This challenge addresses water demands in sectors from agriculture to AI, and supports the innovators building tomorrow’s resilient water systems.”
A Platform for Global Impact
The Water Resilience Challenge builds on the success of previous Aquapreneur challenges, which have helped early-stage companies scale solutions through financial support, mentorship, and exposure. A key goal is to empower 50+ changemakers over the life of the initiative.
Former winner Mansi Jain, CEO of DigitalPaani, shared: “The credibility and connections from being selected changed the trajectory of our business. We gained access to partners, investors, and a powerful community — and even secured direct support from HCL.”
An official announcement will also be made at the Chief Sustainability Officers Meeting during London Climate Action Week on June 26, reinforcing the initiative’s alignment with global climate and sustainability goals.
By focusing on equitable, scalable solutions for the planet’s most critical water challenges, the initiative underscores a commitment to ensuring global water resilience for generations to come.
To apply or learn more, visit: https://wef.ch/4kTNwHD
