37 Teams Selected for XPRIZE Water Scarcity Semi-Finals

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The XPRIZE Foundation, in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, has unveiled a list of 37 semi-finalist teams for the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition. This phase marks a significant milestone in the initiative aimed at tackling the pressing issue of water scarcity globally.

Launched in March 2024, the competition represents a five-year global challenge, featuring a substantial commitment of US$150 million from The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, contributing to an overall prize pool of US$119 million.

The competition aims to advance access to clean water through the development of seawater desalination technologies that are not just affordable but also reliable, energy-efficient, and ecologically sustainable. Moreover, it seeks to raise awareness regarding the global water crisis and facilitate the deployment of practical solutions on a large scale.

Following a rigorous assessment during the Qualified Teams Testing phase, 37 teams have been chosen based on their technical expertise, practicality, and operational effectiveness across two key competition tracks.

In Track A, focusing on System-Level Innovation, 20 teams have been selected, sharing a total funding of US$5 million to further enhance their technological solutions.

Track B, which centers on Novel Materials and Methods, features 17 finalists, all of whom will receive funding of up to US$300,000 for additional testing and refinement of their concepts.

Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, highlighted the critical nature of global water scarcity, emphasizing the initiative's role in supporting technologies that can enhance the scalability, sustainability, and affordability of desalination methods for various communities.

Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE, remarked that the competition is concentrated on devising innovative solutions to provide millions with safe, reliable water sources. She noted that the semi-finalists are focused on developing energy-efficient, cost-effective desalination systems tailored for regions severely impacted by water shortages.

Lauren Greenlee, Executive Vice President at XPRIZE, stated that the initiative is poised to transform desalination technology by driving down costs, decreasing energy consumption, and lessening environmental impacts.

Semi-final testing is set for 2026, with finalists to be revealed in early 2027. Comprehensive testing will occur between 2027 and 2028, culminating in the announcement of competition winners in 2028.

In addition to the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative is committed to fostering innovation through various programs, including the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, which focuses on minimizing water usage in agriculture while ensuring crop yields, especially in water-scarce areas like the UAE.

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