Cypriot innovators eligible for DCO AI water-sector challenge

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cypriot startups, researchers, innovators and technology teams are eligible to apply for the Digital Cooperation Organisation’s Future Makers AI Challenge for Critical Sustainability, which seeks AI-enabled solutions to water-sector challenges.

The initiative is being launched with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

Water-sector solutions

The challenge will seek practical technologies to address real-world water challenges across DCO member states, including Cyprus.

Organisers said the initiative will focus on solutions that improve water-system operations, reduce water losses, use resources more efficiently and limit the sector’s environmental impact.

The challenge will also seek technologies that reduce energy consumption, strengthen resource reuse and recycling, and improve the resilience of the wider water value chain.

Development and testing

Future Makers will be delivered through NexaBridge, the DCO’s open innovation initiative, which connects real-world challenges with innovators and aims to support promising solutions from development towards the market.

Selected teams will be able to further develop and demonstrate their solutions through the programme. Successful teams may also have opportunities to test their technologies under controlled conditions in Saudi Arabia.