Tech Challenge Puts AI at Forefront of Water Innovation

Milwaukee, WI, Feb. 26, 2026 – The Water Council seeks AI-native technologies shaping the future of water systems for its spring 2026 Tech Challenge. This challenge focuses on innovations that form the building blocks of a cognitive water ecosystem, improving how water is sensed, treated, moved, recovered and managed through advanced prediction, automation, optimization or decision-making capabilities.

The challenge invites water innovators worldwide – including researchers, startups, established companies, university teams and individuals – to submit solutions at technology readiness level (TRL) 3 or higher. Submissions must clearly integrate artificial intelligence as a principal design element that enhances water technology performance and real-world applicability.

“We are looking for groundbreaking technologies that move the water industry from reactive to autonomous,” said Katie Kollhoff Mouat, The Water Council director of innovation programs. “If your tech redefines how water is sensed, treated, distributed or recovered, we want to see it.”

Participants will compete for:

• Cash prizes of up to $10,000
• Access to corporate expertise and feedback
• Opportunity for potential corporate partnership

Finalists will present their innovations directly to water technology experts from the program’s corporate sponsors, Badger Meter, Watts Water Technologies and Xylem, gaining exposure and strategic feedback on advancing their solutions from concept to market.

Applications are open now through April 3, 2026. Solutions for data center cooling, digital water platforms and foam fractionation are out of scope for this challenge. The Water Council will hold a webinar March 12 at 9 a.m. CDT to explain more about the challenge.

Since launching the Tech Challenge in 2019, The Water Council has executed 15 rounds of the semi-annual competition, awarding $260,000 in funding to 26 innovators from 12 countries.

About The Water Council
The Water Council (TWC) is a global hub dedicated to solving critical water challenges by driving innovation in freshwater technology and advancing water stewardship. Built on more than a century of innovation, TWC has coalesced one of the most concentrated and mature water technology clusters in the world from its headquarters at the Global Water Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Recognizing the need for smarter and more sustainable use of water worldwide, TWC also promotes water stewardship as a natural complement to water innovation in the effort to preserve freshwater resources in the Midwest and around the world. Today, The Water Council has established itself as a global leader in the water industry and one of America’s premier economic development clusters as recognized by government agencies, Brookings and the Harvard Business School.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.