Global Water Award Opens $1 Million Opportunity for Water Innovation

Last Updated 11 hours ago by Kenya Engineer

Engineers, researchers and innovators developing technologies to address water scarcity have until 30 September 2026 to submit their projects for the fifth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, which carries a total prize value of US$1 million.

Global Award Targets Water Challenges

The award, overseen by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable solutions to global water challenges.

According to the organisers, the award is particularly focused on solutions that can improve access to safe water in communities most affected by water shortages.

The initiative provides a platform for innovators to develop and scale technologies addressing different stages of the water cycle, including water production, treatment, storage, distribution and quality monitoring.

Four Categories Cover Water Innovation

The competition is divided into four main categories, providing opportunities for organisations and individuals working across different areas of water innovation.

The Innovative Projects Award includes Large Projects and Small Projects categories, while the Innovative Research and Development Award recognises both national and international institutions.

Individual innovators can compete under the Innovative Individual Award, which includes Distinguished Researcher and Youth awards. A fourth category, the Innovative Crisis Solutions Award, focuses on solutions addressing water challenges during crises.

Evidence of Impact Key to Applications

Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed information demonstrating how their innovations work and the stages involved in delivering the solution.

Supporting evidence can include field photographs, prototype results, case studies, videos and performance data, giving judges information on the effectiveness and real-world impact of the proposed technology.

The award’s organisers say the initiative is intended to encourage investment in advanced technologies while helping innovators develop and scale solutions capable of addressing water scarcity.

Applications Close September 30

Applications for the fifth cycle remain open until 30 September 2026.

The opportunity could be of interest to engineers, researchers, universities, technology developers, water-sector institutions and young innovators developing practical solutions for water production, treatment, distribution, monitoring or crisis response.

Applications can be submitted through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award’s official website. The organisers have also provided award@suqia.ae for enquiries.