The Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) is a global innovation platform launched by the Saudi Water Authority to recognize and accelerate transformative solutions to water-sector challenges. The 2026 edition is open worldwide to innovators, researchers, startups, universities, technology developers and entrepreneurs, with applications open from 8 June to 30 September 2026.
Introduction
The Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) is an international prize focused on advancing water innovation, water sustainability, resource efficiency and technology adoption.
GPIW was launched in 2023 as an initiative of the Saudi Water Authority and has evolved into a global platform supporting innovations across the wider water sector. The programme seeks to connect researchers, entrepreneurs, technology developers, universities and other innovators with opportunities for recognition, piloting, collaboration and implementation.
History and Background
Launch of the Global Prize for Innovation in Water
GPIW was established in 2023 to strengthen research, innovation and adoption of advanced technologies addressing water-sector challenges.
The initiative was initially developed as a national Saudi platform but has expanded its international reach. The programme now welcomes participants from around the world and aims to accelerate the transition from innovative ideas and research to practical water-sector applications.
Expansion from Desalination to the Wider Water Sector
The programme initially emphasized innovation in desalination and water production. It subsequently expanded its scope to cover a broader range of water challenges, including water reuse, resource conservation, digitalization, smart water management and wastewater solutions.
This wider approach allows innovations at different stages of development to participate, from early-stage research and emerging technologies to solutions approaching commercial deployment.
Global Participation
The previous edition demonstrated the international reach of the prize:
- 2,570 applications were received.
- Applications represented 119 countries.
- Submissions came from 316 organizations and institutions.
- 36 projects from 22 countries reached the finalist stage.
- An international judging panel evaluated the finalist projects.
- 14 winners were ultimately recognized.
Mission and Purpose
The main purpose of GPIW is to identify and support innovative solutions capable of addressing major challenges in the global water sector.
The programme focuses on:
- Advancing water technology and innovation.
- Improving water production and desalination.
- Increasing water-use efficiency and conservation.
- Promoting water reuse and circular economy approaches.
- Supporting environmentally sustainable water-resource management.
- Developing digital and smart-water technologies.
- Improving wastewater treatment and resource recovery.
- Connecting innovators with researchers, investors and operational stakeholders.
- Accelerating the adoption and implementation of promising water technologies.
Governance and Structure
Saudi Water Authority
The Global Prize for Innovation in Water is an initiative of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), which oversees the programme and its development as an international water innovation platform. (gpiw.net)
International Jury
GPIW uses an international jury comprising academics, researchers, technology specialists, innovators and entrepreneurs with expertise in water and related technologies.
The jury evaluates participating innovations and contributes to the selection of finalists and winners. The programme’s published jury includes experts working across areas such as desalination, membranes, water systems, environmental engineering, digital technologies and water sustainability.
Evaluation Process
The GPIW process includes several stages:
- Application submission
- Initial scientific and technical evaluation
- Applicant shortlisting
- Coordination with shortlisted applicants
- Final winner selection
- Winner announcement
- Support and potential implementation or piloting of selected innovations
Funding and Awards
GPIW provides financial recognition and additional opportunities intended to help promising water innovations progress toward practical implementation.
The exact award structure can vary between editions and categories. In the 2025 edition, the programme had an overall value of approximately US$1.8 million in awards, pilot-program value and subsequent business support, while the 2025 awards ceremony recognized 14 winners with total awards across all stages reported at US$10 million by the programme’s conference organizers.
Beyond monetary awards, GPIW can provide opportunities such as:
- Technology piloting.
- Access to testing facilities in Saudi Arabia.
- Innovation and incubation support.
- Connections with investors and industry stakeholders.
- International visibility.
- Networking with researchers and water-sector decision-makers.
- Opportunities to move innovative solutions toward real-world adoption.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Advanced Water Production and Desalination Technologies
This category supports technologies designed to improve water production and desalination.
Relevant innovations may address:
- Desalination efficiency.
- Energy consumption.
- Water production costs.
- Advanced membrane technologies.
- New water-production processes.
- Reliability and scalability of desalination systems.
Water Reclamation, Circular Economy and Zero Liquid Discharge
This category focuses on technologies that improve water reuse and resource recovery.
It includes innovations related to:
- Water reclamation.
- Wastewater reuse.
- Circular water systems.
- Resource recovery.
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD).
- Reduction of waste streams from water-treatment processes.
Water Efficiency, Conservation and Consumption Management
The 2026 edition includes a dedicated category focused on water conservation and efficient water use.
The category encourages solutions that improve demand management, optimize water resources and reduce unnecessary consumption across different sectors. (Saudi Press Agency)
Potential areas include:
- Water-loss reduction.
- Efficient irrigation.
- Smart consumption monitoring.
- Demand management.
- Water-efficient technologies.
- Data-driven resource management.
Digitalization, Automation and Smart Water Management
This category recognizes digital solutions that improve water-system performance.
Relevant technologies may include:
- Artificial intelligence.
- Digital monitoring.
- Automation.
- Smart water networks.
- Predictive analytics.
- Data management.
- Remote sensing and operational optimization.
Environmental Sustainability and Water Resource Conservation
This category supports innovations that protect water resources and improve environmental sustainability.
Projects may address:
- Water-resource conservation.
- Environmental monitoring.
- Climate-related water challenges.
- Ecosystem protection.
- Sustainable water management.
Accessible and Cost-Effective Wastewater Solutions
This category focuses on wastewater technologies that can improve affordability, accessibility and treatment outcomes.
The objective is to encourage solutions that can be deployed effectively in different contexts while supporting water reuse, environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
Conclusion
The Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) has developed from a Saudi water innovation initiative into an international platform for recognizing and accelerating transformative water technologies. Its focus spans desalination, water reuse, conservation, digitalization, environmental sustainability and wastewater solutions.
For researchers, universities, startups, entrepreneurs and technology developers working on water sustainability, water security, resource efficiency and advanced water technologies, GPIW provides an opportunity to gain international recognition and potentially access funding, piloting, partnerships and implementation pathways.
The 2026 edition is currently accepting applications until 30 September 2026, making it an important opportunity for innovators seeking to advance practical solutions to global water challenges.
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