37 Teams Progress to XPRIZE Water Scarcity Semi-Finals

The XPRIZE Foundation, in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, has revealed 37 semi-finalist teams for the XPRIZE Water Scarcity challenge. This significant milestone accelerates global efforts toward developing innovative technologies to address water scarcity.

Launched in March 2024, this five-year challenge is backed by a substantial US$150 million investment from The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, with a total prize pool of US$119 million.

This competition aims to enhance access to clean water by fostering the development of seawater desalination technologies that are more cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable. Moreover, it strives to raise awareness about the pressing global issue of water scarcity and to facilitate the deployment of practical water solutions worldwide.

The semi-finalist teams were selected after an intricate evaluation process during the Qualified Teams Testing phase, assessing their technical performance, feasibility, and operational efficiency across two competition tracks.

Track A highlights System-Level Innovation, where 20 teams will share a funding pool of US$5 million to further their technological advancements.

Track B centers on Novel Materials and Methods, with 17 selected teams receiving up to US$300,000 in total funding for continued testing and development.

Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, emphasized the urgency of addressing global water scarcity. She stated that the initiative is dedicated to promoting innovative technologies that aim to make desalination more accessible, sustainable, and economically feasible for diverse communities worldwide.

Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE, added that the competition is geared towards devising innovative solutions that can help millions of people secure safe and reliable water sources. The semi-finalists are focused on creating energy-efficient and cost-effective desalination systems tailored for communities grappling with severe water shortages.

Lauren Greenlee, Executive Vice President of Food, Water, and Waste at XPRIZE, noted that the competition is revolutionizing desalination technology by cutting costs, lowering energy consumption, and reducing environmental impact.

Semi-final testing is set for 2026, with finalists expected to be announced in early 2027, followed by final testing from 2027 to 2028. The competition's winners are slated to be revealed in 2028.

In addition to its Water Scarcity challenge, The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative is also fostering innovation through various programs, including the Al Miyah Challenge, which targets reduced water consumption in agriculture while enhancing crop yields, especially in arid regions like the UAE.