Calling on Aquapreneurs to Join the World Bank Youth Innovation Challenge!
The World Bank Youth Innovation Challenge: Water Solutions for a New Climate Reality is an exciting opportunity for young aquapreneurs from around the world to showcase their innovative solutions and contribute to addressing global water challenges. This challenge, a joint initiative of the World Bank’s Solutions for Youth Employment (S4YE) and Water Global Practice’s Utility of the Future Program, aims to accelerate innovation and unlock the potential of the next generation of youth aquapreneurs. Participants in the Youth Innovation Challenge will have the chance to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills through various activities such as pitching to investors, developing business plans, and receiving market feedback from water and sanitation utilities. They will also have the opportunity to network with successful entrepreneurs, water experts, investors, and other innovators, creating valuable connections within the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. One of the highlights of the challenge is the 6-month Accelerator Program, exclusively available to the winners. This program offers one-on-one mentoring by successful water tech CEOs, providing invaluable guidance and support to help participants scale their solutions from the lab to the market. The challenge invites youth aquapreneurs aged 18-35 to apply with innovative solutions addressing one or more of the following global water challenges: too much water, too little water, contaminated water, and mismanaged water. The application deadline is February 23, 2024. The Youth Innovation Challenge was launched at CoP28 on December 8th, 2024, and will run through October 2024. It has garnered support from influential partners including CEO Champions from Water-Tech Companies and Outreach and Learning Partners. If you are a young aquapreneur with a passion for water solutions and a drive to make a positive impact, don’t miss this opportunity to join the World Bank Youth Innovation Challenge. Apply now and be part of a global movement that is shaping the future of water innovation. For more information and to apply, visit: