The Water Discovery Challenge 2 is a funding competition that aims to attract innovative solutions to the challenges facing the water sector. It focuses on organisations from outside the sector, providing a structured route for new solutions to be developed, tested and scaled within the industry.
There is a total funding pot of £7.5 million that will be shared between 20 finalists and 10 winners: each finalist may receive up to £100,000 in seed funding, together with support and mentorship to help with the development of their solutions; 10 winners will then be selected and awarded up to £550,000 to continue progressing their solutions.
Entries are invited from all types of organisations from any sector.
The challenge launches on 20 January 2026 when further details will be available: you can sign up for updates and join the launch webinar on 29 January 2026.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Funding to accelerate the development and adoption of disruptive solutions by the water sector that benefit customers, communities and the environment
Application deadline:
8 April 2026