New and emerging technologies resulting from the thriving start-up ecosystem in India is providing breakthrough solutions to some of most critical challenges. This ecosystem needs to be harnessed for achieving the objectives of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0) i.e., ‘Water Secure Cities’ by developing innovative solutions and addressing complexities in the urban water and wastewater sector.
Besides, providing central assistance for universal coverage in water supply in all statutory towns, upscaling coverage of sewerage and septage management in 500 AMRUT cities, rejuvenation of water bodies (including urban wetland) and creation of green spaces, AMRUT 2.0 also aims to encourage innovative solutions under Technology Sub-Mission. Mission envisages identification of innovative, proven and potential environment friendly technologies in the fields of water & used water treatment, distribution and water body rejuvenation. To achieve the envisioned goal, start- ups will be encouraged in urban water sector.
India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Govt. of India, has initiated a one-of-a-kind startup challenge to invite applications/ proposals from interested/ eligible start-ups to provide innovative technology, business solutions to address challenges in the urban water sector in India.
The challenge will be perpetual in nature. Once sufficient number of applications are received, those will be evaluated and results will be announced.
Aim
The challenge aims to encourage start-ups to “Pitch, Pilot-and scale” solutions to address challenges in the urban water sector. The objectives of the challenge are as follows:
Identify technological as well as business solutions/ innovations.
Endorse viable solutions that are suitable for different sizes, geographies, and class of cities.
Pilot test/ lab demonstration and handhold to scale the shortlisted technologies/solutions in select cities.
Bridge the gap between innovators/manufacturers and beneficiaries - i.e ULBs, citizens.
Creating an ecosystem of start-ups in the water sector.
Promotion of `Make in India` initiative by promoting Indian origin startups and technological solutions.
Partnership with private sector, institutions, industry associations etc for implementation of solutions.
Thematic areas
The start-ups providing innovative technological/ business solution in the following areas, are eligible to participate:
Fresh water systems
Real-time spatio-temporal mapping of groundwater quality / surface water quality
Real-time spatio-temporal monitoring of water levels/volumes in aquifers and surface water bodies
Nature-based treatment systems for ground and surface waters with least water and carbon footprints
Innovative Rainwater harvesting systems
Atmospheric water recovery systems
Hydro informatics – use of water + data for
Better water management in preventing floods and droughts
Creating a positive impact on the health and economic prosperity of peri-urban communities or urban slums
Estimating virtual water in the production of goods and services and thereby enabling a fair price for water
Used water management
Better sewage and septage management including – On-site sanitation solution for slums
Technologies to maximise recycling of used water in industries
Innovative business models for trading in used water
Recovery of value from used water and creating a circular economy
Treatment technologies, especially for hilly regions
Urban Water Management
Decentralised circular economy solutions for communities connecting groundwater recharge, greywater management, sewage recycling and solid-waste management with real-time quality and quantity information
Decentralised water supply solutions to slums
Restoration and preservation of rivers, lakes, ponds, shallow aquifers
Urban flooding and storm water management
Mapping and Management of urban aquifer systems
Salinity ingress in urban settlements in coastal regions
Monitoring of water service delivery standards (quality, quantity & accessibility)
Water metering
Desalination with Control discharge / Reject water
Efficient flow Polymer/ Metal plumbing fixtures including taps without aerators
High recovery/efficiency RO systems
Retrofitting devices for conservation of water or wastage reduction
Innovative water supply solution for hilly areas
Agricultural Water Management
Reduction of water usage per ton of crop along with reduced use of energy, fertilisers and pesticides
AI-ML based systems that help farmer reduce their dependence on monsoons
Urban Sewerage Management
Better sewerage and septage management including – On-site sanitation solution for slums
Odourless, Waterless urinals
Water governance
Reduction of non-revenue water
Secure systems for 24X7 supply of potable water on tap
Fostering education and awareness on water
Targeting net zero water and net zero waste projects
Showcasing water and energy nexus
Sustainable solution for water packaging
Innovation in conventional taps and plumbing systems
Smart taps indicating water usage, wastage, recording efficiency, IOT enabled and connected to a central database for monitoring and improvement of performance
Eligibility criteria
All entities recognised as start-ups by Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Start-up must be providing solutions in the aforementioned thematic areas.
How to participate in the Challenge
India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge will be available for application at innovateindia.mygov.in
The participants can register for the challenge using any valid email-id. Once registration request is made by the applicant, an email will be sent to the registered email -id acknowledging their registration and providing details of the participation process.
3. The registered applicant can upload proposal by choosing `Participate` button.
Evaluation Process & Criteria
A two-step screening process will be adopted to evaluate and shortlist the submitted proposals. Screening Committee will do initial shortlisting and shortlisted proposals will be scrutinized by ‘Expert Committee’ for final selection. The following broad parameters shall be considered by committees for evaluation of the proposals:
Innovation
Usability
Relevance to the subject matter
Impact on society i.e., how helpful will it be in solving critical water related challenges in cities
Replicability
Scalability
Ease of deployment/roll-out
Potential risks involved in implementation of the solution
Completeness of the proposal
Important Dates
21st November 2023Start Date
20th November 2024 End Date
Funding & Other Support
Selected start-ups in the India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge will be given a grant amounting to a maximum of Rs. 20 lakh, in three tranches of Rs. 5 lakh, Rs. 7 lakh and Rs. 8 lakh respectively on fulfilling certain conditions/ milestones of work as per their project proposal.
Selected start-ups will be facilitated mentorship support.
MoHUA will facilitate scaling up of solutions in partnership with industries & urban local bodies.
Start-ups, who achieved desired outcomes, will be promoted for wider visibility.
Citation from the Ministry.
Terms and Conditions
All participants must meet the eligibility criteria to participate in the Challenge
The funding awarded shall be consumed for development/ augmentation of the solution & piloting with a city of choice. The participant will be required to provide Fund Utilisation Certificate at each stage of milestone completion.
Winners will retain the solution/product developed as part of the challenge. The winner/s will however have to conform to the terms and conditions defined for the challenge during the competition and post winning the award.
Anyone found to be non-compliant may get their participation cancelled.
For any dispute redressal, MoHUA's decision will be final on the matter.
Correspondence
Any correspondence with participants will be done through an email provided by the participant at time of filling the application form. Organizers are not liable in case of email delivery failures.
Disclaimer
MoHUA reserved the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, suspend this contest and modify the rules, prizes and funding related to the contest without prior notice. In no event shall MoHUA/MyGov/NIC or any other organizers be liable for any claims, losses, expenses or damages, arising out of or in connection with the foregoing.
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