In order to find innovative solutions to water-related problems faced by local communities around the world, GlobalGiving, InnoCentive and the Rockefeller Foundation have come together to sponsor challenges in this area. While the challenges will help find solutions for the water problems, the solution providers will also earn cash rewards of up to US $40,000. There are five challenges for addressing the problems in five different locations around the world and the solutions will be implemented by nonprofits or NGOs some with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation. Social innovators, creative thinkers, technologies, engineers and entrepreneurs are invited to participate in these challenges by joining the InnoCentive network. The challenges under this program are:
“Design of a Solar Water Treatment System based on TiO2 Nanoparticles
Reward: $15,000 USD
The Rockefeller Foundation is providing support to this Seeker for the design of a low cost water treatment system based on solar radiation and titanium dioxide (TiO2). It is part of the Global Giveback Innovation Challenge Set. A prototype design will be required using known proven technology supplied by the Seeker.
Small-scale River Turbines for the Peruvian Jungle
Reward: $20,000 USD
A design is required for a robust and easy to assemble river turbine producing 6 kWh per 24 period of operation from a river flowing at approximately 1 meter per second. The turbines are for platform-mounted use on the rivers of the Peruvian jungle.
Make Water from Lake Victoria Safe to Drink!
Reward: $20,000 USD
This Challenge requires a design for an easy-to-use and robust method that purifies water from Lake Victoria so that it is safe to drink. This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted.
Design of a Low Cost Rainwater Harvesting Storage Tank in a Wetland Region
Reward: $20,000 USD
The Rockefeller Foundation is providing support to this Seeker for the design of a new rainwater harvesting storage tank for use in a wetland Region in India. Affordability, high water table, flooding, differential settlement and acidic soil are just some of the issues to be overcome with the proper design.
Sunlight/UV-light dose Indicator
Reward: $40,000 USD
The Seeker is looking for an indicator which gives a visual sign of being exposed to sunlight/UV-light. This is a reduction-to-practice Challenge that requires a written proposal and experimental proof-of-concept data.”
There are different deadlines for each of these challenges. For more information, visit this link.
