Funding

Grant

Entrepreneurship•Remote

Transforming Water Systems

UpLink, World Economic Forum

Application Deadline

Closed · June 29, 2026

Official Page

The Transforming Water Systems Challenge mobilizes early-stage ventures developing scalable solutions for more integrated, circular and resilient water systems. UpLink leads it with HCL Group and the World Economic Forum’s Food and Water Initiative.

The challenge covers next-generation AI and digital tools, lower freshwater use in water-intensive industries, and reliable, high-quality water supply. Selected ventures join the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem and are expected to participate in programming, media activity and impact reporting.

Benefits & funding

  • Approximately 10 winners each receive CHF 175,000 from HCL Group.
  • Winners gain access to World Economic Forum and partner events, projects and communities.
  • The package includes global digital visibility, strategic introductions and technical, business and operational support.

Eligibility

  • The call targets early-stage ventures with scalable solutions ready to move from innovation toward real-world deployment.
  • A submission should address AI or digital transformation of water systems, reduced freshwater intensity in critical industries, or reliable and continuous water supply.
  • The official listing frames the call as global; the accessible pages do not publish nationality, residency, degree, age or gender restrictions.

Can you apply?

Open to all applicants

No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.

Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.

We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.

Application process

  1. 1
    Review the three focus areas, selection criteria, benefits and participation expectations on the official challenge page.
  2. 2
    Submit the venture through UpLink during an open call; the 2026 submission window is closed.
  3. 3
    Shortlisted applicants proceed through review and selection, followed by an October pitch event and a January 2027 cohort announcement.

Program timeline

  1. Challenge launch and submissions open.

    22 April 2026

  2. Application deadline.

    29 June 2026

  3. Review and selection process.

    July–August 2026

  4. Pitch event for shortlisted candidates.

    October 2026

  5. Cohort announcement.

    January 2027

  6. Cohort programme.

    2027

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