Water scarcity is a huge problem that will only become more important in the years to come. The World Water Challenge is an international contest for solutions for problems in this sector. It was created as a special program of the Science and Technology Process in the 7th World Water Forum. The Challenge wants to identify water problems in the real world and find corresponding solutions that are based on present science and technology. The total prize amount for the World Water Challenge 2018 is KRW 16,000,000 (approx. US$ 14,000). The Award Ceremony will be held on September 14 at the closing ceremony of KIWW (Korea International Water Week) 2018 and the winners will be presented with a cash prize and trophy respectively. In this article, we give you some tips on how to apply and what to look out for.
In a first phase, the World Water Challenge 2018 seeks problem owners who can present water problems. The six problems that are chosen will be published on the homepage of the KIWW 2018 with all necessary details. Subsequently, from June 11th until July 30th, solutions to the presented problems can be submitted to the committee for review. Anyone (as an individual or on behalf of an organization) who is interested in water or would like to propose creative and applicable solutions is welcome to participate in the program. Up to six selected solution providers will be invited to the final round during the KIWW 2018 to present their concepts.
The following problems in the water sector have been chosen:
For further details about the problems please see the homepage of KIWW and the long form descriptions.
If you want to apply for the World Water Challenge 2018 and want to present a solution to one of the listed projects that are based on science and technology, you need to fill out an online form. After giving contact information and a short summary of the solution, you are asked to describe the case study (research, idea) or previous application (project name, region, budget, period, description, etc.) of your solution within 5 pages. Applications will be reviewed under the following criteria:
Make sure to address all these aspects in your proposal. Also, make sure to check out our article with tips for proposals in the water sector!
For further information please see the homepage of the Korea International Water Week 2018.
Best of luck!
Eva is based in Germany and has worked for nearly a decade with NGOs on the grassroots level in Nepal in the field of capacity development and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. Before that, she worked in South America and Europe with different organizations. She holds a Ph.D. in geography and her field of research was sustainability and inclusion in development projects.
