As the announcement of the winners approaches on December 8, the Global Prize for Innovation in Water has unveiled its final shortlist of 36 projects, selected from more than 2,570 submissions representing 119 countries. The award attracts innovators from around the world seeking practical solutions that can improve lives in water-challenged communities, strengthen water security, and ensure the sustainability of resources.
The shortlisted projects reflect a wide spectrum of innovation fields, evaluated across six main tracks: water desalination, treatment, quality, reuse, water governance, and smart technologies.
Among them are advanced treatment solutions with higher efficiency rates, technologies designed to reduce water loss, and AI-powered systems that enhance sustainability and optimize resource management—meeting global sector priorities and supporting countries seeking effective, scalable innovations.
The winners across all six tracks will be honored during the 4th edition of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference – IDWS2025
The finalists are now undergoing a rigorous evaluation process by an international jury panel of 28 experts representing 12 countries spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, including Belgium, China, Egypt, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
This diverse representation underscores the scientific strength of the evaluation criteria and the rich technical and research experience behind them, enhancing credibility in selecting projects capable of real-world application and global expansion.
Since opening submissions, the prize has welcomed innovators and researchers committed to developing solutions that secure access to safe water, minimize losses, and improve efficiency, especially as climate change and water scarcity continue to intensify worldwide. The projects stand as promising contributions to improving quality of life, particularly in regions facing chronic water shortages.
The winners across all six tracks will be honored during the 4th edition of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference – IDWS2025, held in Jeddah on December 8, with the attendance of global leaders, experts, and innovators. The event will spotlight transformative technologies shaping the future of the water sector and highlight Saudi Arabia’s role in driving this progress on the world stage.
