비영리 지원 기업가 활동과 물 분야 혁신을 위해 Imagine H2O는 회사의 여섯 번째 사업 혁신 프로그램인 Infrastructure Challenge출시를 발표했다. 문제를 찾고 비용 절감이나 환경 영향의 결과로 수질 및 폐수처리 시설을 향상시키는 혁신적인 물 산업 확장형 솔루션을 지원한다.

15개국에서 350개가 넘는 신생기업이 새로 등장하고 개발된 시장 혁신을 지원하는 국제 프로그램에 참가하고 있다고 밝혔다. 참가한 물 기업은 상금과 현물 서비스, 분야의 전문가와 투자자 소개, 전략 파트너 및 실수요자의 도움을 받을 수 있는  Imagine H2O's Accelerator Program 가입을 위해 경쟁할 예정이라고 밝혔다. 또한, 프로그램은 우승한 회사를 물 공공사업과 협회의 회사 성장 네트워크의 시설로 연결할 계획이다.

Imagine H2O, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in the water sector, launched its Infrastructure Challenge -- the company's sixth annual Business Innovations Program. The challenge will identify and support innovative water businesses presenting scalable solutions that improve water and wastewater infrastructure, which ultimately result in quantifiable cost savings or environmental impact.

To date, over 350 startups from 15 countries have participated in the international program, which supports innovations in emerging and developed markets alike. Participating water startups will compete for cash awards and in-kind services, as well as admission to Imagine H2O's Accelerator Program, where they will receive mentorship from sector experts and introductions to investors, strategic partners and end users. The program will also connect winning companies with utilities from the company's growing network of water utilities and agencies, which currently serves over 25 million people in major metropolitan areas throughout the country.

Over 400 industry experts and Imagine H2O's Scientific Advisory Council guided the topic selection process. They chose infrastructure for the innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities it presents. Nearly $20 trillion in investment is needed to meet the water infrastructure needs of the global population, according to a recent McKinsey report. As of 2012, 83 percent of those without access to an improved drinking water source lived in rural areas, and continued rapid population growth in urban areas will further strain existing water supply. According to 21 mayors in major U.S. metropolitan areas in a letter to President Obama, one fifth of the U.S. economy would "grind to a halt" without a reliable and clean supply of water.

"Systematic failure related to extreme weather patterns and growing population place more stress on global water infrastructure and supply," said Imagine H2O COO Scott Bryan. "Deteriorating and nonexistent water infrastructure is a concern to populations all across the world, and catalyzing and supporting entrepreneurial water solutions is an essential step toward building a secure water future and more resilient infrastructure."

Imagine H2O's judging panel, which has previously included leading industry experts from companies such as CH2M Hill, American Water, Ecolab, and True North Venture Partners, will base its selection of the winners and runners up on their commercial viability, customer value proposition, go-to market strategy, and financial plan. Imagine H2O's major financial supporters include Wells Fargo (Headline Sponsor), Grundfos, Cooley LLP, and the California Water Foundation.

[출처 = Water World / 2014년 5월 29일]