How HCL Group & UpLink Tackle the Water Resilience Challenge
As climate change amplifies its impact, the water demand is experiencing continual growth, placing water systems worldwide under severe pressure.
This issue is being addressed through an initiative spearheaded by the World Economic Forum's UpLink, known as the Water Resilience Challenge.
This challenge receives financial support of CHF 1.75 million from HCL Group.
The initiative seeks innovative technology-driven solutions to enhance adaptability, drive efficiency and support the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure across sectors like infrastructure, agri-food, technology and energy.
Importance of technological integration
Technological advancements such as AI and semiconductors have led to an increased demand for clean water.
For instance, data centres are projected to consume more than 660 billion litres annually by 2027, a volume sufficient to sustain a city of one million people.
This sharp increase highlights the critical role that technology must play in advancing water resilience.
"Through HCL’s collaboration with the World Economic Forum and UpLink, we are helping build a global ecosystem for water innovation, one changemaker at a time," says Sundar Mahalingam, President of Strategy at HCL Group.
"We focus on strategic support, enabling promising innovators to access global platforms, visibility, investors, policymakers and peer networks.
"In just three years, 30 innovators supported through this initiative have raised more than US$90 million and saved more than 12 billion litres of water.
"Our goal is to empower at least 50 such changemakers and many more in the years ahead.”
Challenges and opportunities
Groundwater extraction rates in places like India, China and the United States far surpass replenishment rates by as much as 3.5 times, posing a significant threat to water availability.
In the face of these challenges, the role of technology becomes increasingly vital, offering innovative solutions to rethink water efficiency and supply chains.
Ecolab, a key Ecosystem Partner for the Water Resilience Challenge, is particularly invested in furthering water-centric technological advancements.
Emilio Tenuta, SVP and CSO at Ecolab, says: “Ecolab is excited to team up with the World Economic Forum’s UpLink for the Water Resilience Challenge, a global call for bold, water-focused startups tackling some of today’s toughest challenges.
“We believe innovation and collaboration are key to a water-resilient future. That’s why we’re supporting UpLink’s mission to scale early-stage solutions that strengthen infrastructure, transform agri-food systems and optimise water use across tech and energy.”
Evaluating technological impact
The initiative will evaluate applications based on criteria that hone in on business viability, innovative propositions and the potential for replicability and impact.
“UpLink and HCL Group’s Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative recognises that solving the water crisis demands a dynamic ecosystem to scale effective solutions," explains John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum.
He highlights the necessity for tech-driven innovations and collaborative efforts.
He adds: "By supporting breakthrough innovators and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we’re working together to build the water resilience every industry needs to thrive in a water-stressed world.”
The selected 10 submissions will receive equal portions of CHF 1.75 million (nearly US$2.2 million), gain access to the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem, benefit from the World Economic Forum’s digital channels' visibility and enjoy ongoing technical and operational support.
This challenge underscores the pivotal role technology plays in addressing water scarcity and promoting resilience across industries, thereby ensuring sustainable water management and infrastructure solutions.
