The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has announced the launch of the new identity for the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) and has officially opened the call for participation in its third edition.
The announcement coincides with preparations for the award ceremony, which will take place in Jeddah on December 8, 2025, in parallel with the fourth edition of the Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS).
Recognized as one of the world’s leading platforms for advancing water innovation, GPIW aims to foster scientific and technological breakthroughs that address current and future challenges in water sustainability.
The previous two editions of the prize attracted over 650 submissions from 44 countries, with participation from more than 120 international institutions, including universities, research centers, and startups.
With its renewed identity, GPIW continues to position itself as a global hub for research and development in water technology. The award is grounded in rigorous international scientific standards, offering a competitive and supportive environment that transforms ideas into implementable solutions in real-world settings.
The six primary categories of this year’s edition include:
- Advanced Water Production Technologies
- Water Quality Improvement and Reclamation
- Circular Economy and Zero Liquid Discharge Processes
- Digital Modeling, Process Optimization & Automation
- Sustainable Water Production and Environmental Conservation
- Cost-Effective Wastewater Treatment Technologies
GPIW is structured around three core award tracks:
- Discovery Track for early-stage innovations
- Leadership Track for advanced projects
- Impact Awards for 12 initiatives with demonstrated success in operational environments
In addition, honorary recognitions will be granted for market readiness, policy impact, and innovation ecosystem excellence, further expanding the scope of scientific and commercial visibility for outstanding projects.
To date, the prize has supported over 22 winners with a combined total of more than $2 million USD in financial awards and operational opportunities. This reflects its commitment to empowering innovation and accelerating technology transfer across the global water sector.
Through this initiative, the Saudi Water Authority reaffirms its strategic vision of positioning innovation as a cornerstone for sustainable water resource management, and invites innovators, researchers, and organizations worldwide to take part in this globally recognized platform.
