Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, in collaboration with the XPRIZE Foundation, has revealed that 37 teams have reached the semi-final stage of the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition. This advancement represents a significant leap in the global pursuit of innovative solutions to the escalating issue of water scarcity.

Initiated in March 2024, this five-year global challenge, supported by a generous US$150 million from The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, boasts a total prize pool of US$119 million.

The primary objective of this competition is to enhance access to clean water by developing seawater desalination technologies that are cost-effective, reliable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness regarding global water shortages and to advocate for the large-scale adoption of practical water solutions globally.

The semi-finalist teams were chosen following an extensive evaluation during the Qualified Teams Testing phase, where teams were assessed on their technical capabilities, feasibility, and operational efficiency across two distinct competition tracks.

In Track A, emphasizing System-Level Innovation, 20 teams will collectively share US$5 million to advance their technological developments.

Track B, which prioritizes Novel Materials and Methods, has selected 17 teams that will benefit from up to US$300,000 in funding for further refinement and testing.

Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, highlighted that the global crisis of water scarcity is among the most pressing challenges the world faces today. She reiterated the initiative's dedication to fostering transformative technologies that will render desalination more scalable, sustainable, and accessible for communities around the world.

Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE, expressed that the competition aims to inspire bold innovations that can provide safe and reliable water supplies for millions. She noted that the semi-finalists are working on energy-efficient and cost-effective desalination systems tailored for communities most impacted by water deficits.

Lauren Greenlee, XPRIZE's Executive Vice President of Food, Water, and Waste, commented that the competition is poised to redefine desalination technology by lowering costs, minimizing energy consumption, and reducing environmental impacts.

Testing for the semi-finals is set to occur in 2026, with finalists to be unveiled in early 2027 and final evaluations between 2027 and 2028. The winners will be announced in 2028.

Beyond the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative is promoting innovation through additional programs, including the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, aimed at lessening water usage in farming while enhancing crop yields, particularly in water-scarce areas like the UAE.

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