WEF UpLink Water Systems Challenge 2026
By World Economic Forum UpLink
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Quick Answer
About 10 early-stage water ventures each win CHF 175,000 (about ₹2 crore) from HCL Group, and join the World Economic Forum's UpLink network. Spring 2026 call closed.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- World Economic Forum UpLink
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 29 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by World Economic Forum UpLink. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The Transforming Water Systems Challenge is closed. Submissions ran from 22 April to 29 June 2026, and the page says it is now closed to new applications. It does not announce another round of this challenge, though it is part of the UpLink Innovation Challenge Series, which runs seasonal calls.
The challenge is run by UpLink, the World Economic Forum's open innovation platform, with the HCL Group and the Forum's Food and Water Initiative. It is for early-stage companies, so it suits startups rather than NGOs. The page sets no country limit, so Indian startups could apply. Shortlisted ventures pitch at an event in October 2026; the page does not say where. This page helps founders prepare for a future call.
What the challenge offers
About 10 winners are selected as UpLink Ventures. Each receives CHF 175,000 (about ₹2 crore) in prize money, made available by HCL Group. Winners also join the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem, which gives access to Forum and partner events, projects and communities; visibility through the Forum's and UpLink's media channels; strategic introductions to organisations in their network; and support on technical, business and operational matters. The page presents the prize as prize money and does not describe it as equity or a loan.
Who can apply
Eligible ventures must be for-profit, at pre-seed to Series A stage, and have raised less than US$50 million, according to the series page. Your solution must address one of three focus areas:
- AI and digital tools for water systems. Solutions to constraints such as infrastructure delivery, permitting, financing, risk management, cybersecurity and institutional capacity.
- Lower freshwater use in water-hungry industries. Circular water use and less primary freshwater withdrawal in sectors such as data centres, semiconductor manufacturing and energy production.
- Reliable, safe water supply. Better treatment, diversified supply and stronger infrastructure under climate stress and contamination risk.
A good fit is an Indian water-tech, water-reuse or industrial-efficiency startup with a working product and early customers. A pre-product idea, a non-profit or a company that has raised more than US$50 million does not fit.
How to apply
Submissions were made on the UpLink platform during the open window. Read the focus areas and the selection criteria on the challenge page, then submit your solution. The page does not list the form's questions or the application language, so check them when the next call opens. A practical tip: prepare evidence of traction, such as pilots, customers or measured results, because traction is one of the stated criteria.
How submissions are judged and what happens next
The stated criteria are general criteria, solution quality, impact, business model scalability, traction signals and the team, listed as headings without detail. The timeline was review and selection in July and August 2026, a pitch event for shortlisted candidates in October 2026, the cohort announcement in January 2027 and the cohort programme running through 2027. The series page shows a different, earlier schedule for the series as a whole, so treat dates as indicative.
About UpLink and the partners
UpLink is the World Economic Forum's open innovation platform. The water challenge is led by UpLink with HCL Group and the Forum's Food and Water Initiative. Ecosystem partners listed include Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Ecolab, Grundfos and Xylem, among others.
Things to check before you apply
- Commitments after winning. Winners are expected to join events, share assets for marketing and media requests, and take part in regular impact reporting such as meetings and surveys.
- Currency. The prize is in Swiss francs.
- Foreign funds. Indian companies receiving money from abroad should check FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser.
- Dates. The page does not state how and when the prize is paid.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
Each of about 10 winners receives CHF 175,000 in prize money (about ₹2 crore), made available by HCL Group. Winners also become UpLink Ventures, with invitations to World Economic Forum and partner events, exposure on the Forum's and UpLink's channels, introductions to organisations in the Forum's network, and programming on technical, business and operational matters. In return, ventures are expected to join events, share material for media requests and take part in impact reporting.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Submissions are reviewed on general criteria, solution quality, impact, business model scalability, traction signals and the team. Shortlisted candidates pitch at an event, and about 10 are named UpLink Ventures.
Application Process
- 1
Submit solution
Apply on the UpLink platform.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian startups apply for the UpLink Transforming Water Systems Challenge?
The challenge page sets no country restriction. Ventures must be for-profit, at pre-seed to Series A stage, and have raised under US$50 million.
How much do winners get?
Each winner receives CHF 175,000 in prize money (about ₹2 crore), made available by HCL Group. About 10 ventures are selected.
Is it a grant or equity?
The page calls it prize money and does not mention equity or repayment.
What are the focus areas?
AI and digital tools for water systems, lowering freshwater use in water-hungry industries such as data centres, semiconductors and energy, and strengthening the reliability and quality of water supply.
What was the deadline and what if it has passed?
Submissions were open from 22 April to 29 June 2026, and the challenge is closed. The page announces no next round of this challenge.
What do winners get besides money?
Membership of the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem, with access to Forum and partner events, visibility, strategic introductions and technical and business support.
What are winners expected to do?
Join UpLink and partner events, share assets for marketing and media requests, and take part in regular meetings and surveys for impact reporting.
Do I have to travel?
The page lists a pitch event for shortlisted candidates in October 2026 but does not say where it is held or whether it is in person.
Is it free to apply?
The page does not mention an application fee.
When are results announced?
The page gives review and selection in July and August 2026, a pitch event in October 2026 and the cohort announcement in January 2027. The cohort programme runs in 2027.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
