ripple2wave Incubator launches Digital Water Hackathon: $250,000 R&D funds for startups with solutions to tackle Singapore water issues

SINGAPORE – Media
OutReach – 24 February 2021 – Ripple2wave (R2WI),
together with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), is organizing
its first Digital Water Hackathon to grow and nurture high potential startups
in the area of water technology. Winners will receive prizes including S$50,000
Startup SG Founder Grant*,  S$250,000
potential R&D funding, and up to S$6,000 Alibaba Cloud credits. Winning
solutions will also have guidance to expand globally and get further exposure
into the ecosystem. Registration at https://digitalwaterhackathon.com closes on
28 February 2021.

 

Singapore has set its sights on being
self-sufficient in water by 2060, while water demand is expected to double in
the same time frame. With current technical solutions, such as NEWater and
desalination, only 85% of the demand would be met. Infrastructure investments,
increasing operational costs required to maintain water systems, manpower
constraints, and the impact of climate change are some of the related
challenges Singapore’s water ecosystem is facing.

 

Given this situation, Singapore has invested
heavily in becoming a Global HydroHub, continuously evaluating and embracing
fresh ideas and perspectives to meet the future’s challenges.¹

 

“The Digital Water Hackathon will contribute
to these efforts (a) by raising awareness to the importance and challenges of
water management and (b) by attracting talent developing digitally based ideas
and solutions,” said Dr. Helge Daebel, Managing Director at ripple2wave,
and added: “The digital space has proven to deliver solutions giving
answer to the complexities of the water space. Singapore can leverage its
reputation, collaborative ecosystem and talent to become a leader in the
digital water space. We look forward to deploying our skills by creating,
nurturing, and growing related startups.”

 

The Digital Water Hackathon will run from 6 March
2021 — 24 June 2021. Participants are provided with six problem statements from
PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, Optiqua, ZWEEC Analytics and other
major water players in the Singapore Ecosystem.

*Subject to
Fulfilment of Startup SG Founder Eligibility Criteria

¹ https://www.pub.gov.sg/watersupply/singaporewaterstory