AI water technology innovation is the focus of a new global Tech Challenge launched by The Water Council, aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence-driven solutions for next-generation water systems.
The spring 2026 competition is seeking technologies that contribute to a cognitive water ecosystem — systems capable of advanced prediction, automation, optimisation and decision-making across sensing, treatment, distribution, recovery and water management processes.
AI water technology innovation to advance autonomous systems
The challenge is open to researchers, start-ups, established companies, university teams and individual innovators worldwide. Submissions must be at technology readiness level (TRL) 3 or higher and demonstrate artificial intelligence as a core design element that enhances water system performance and real-world application.
Katie Kollhoff Mouat, Director of Innovation Programs at The Water Council, said: “We are looking for technologies that move the water industry from reactive to autonomous. If your technology redefines how water is sensed, treated, distributed or recovered, we want to see it.”
Finalists will present directly to experts from corporate sponsors Badger Meter, Watts Water Technologies and Xylem, receiving strategic feedback and exposure to potential partnership opportunities.
Participants will compete for cash prizes of up to $10,000, along with access to corporate expertise and evaluation support designed to help accelerate commercialisation.
Building the next generation of digital water infrastructure
Applications are open until 3 April 2026. Technologies related to data centre cooling, digital water platforms and foam fractionation are outside the scope of this round.
The Water Council will host a webinar on 12 March at 9 a.m. CDT to provide further details on application requirements and evaluation criteria.
Since launching the Tech Challenge in 2019, the organisation has completed 15 rounds of the semi-annual programme, awarding $260,000 to 26 innovators across 12 countries.
Read more about research and development in water technology.
