Boston,1 March 2024 — The International Desalination and Water Reuse Association (IDRA) is formally announcing its support for XPRIZE’s new competition designed to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time – water scarcity. IDRA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate as a partner on XPRIZE Water Scarcity, a groundbreaking 5-year, $119M competition sponsored by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative to revolutionize desalination systems and technologies.
Under the terms of the MOU, IDRA will collaborate in increasing the visibility of the prize by reaching out to potential participants and stakeholders. Leveraging its extensive network and platform, IDRA will facilitate connections and collaborations with key figures in the water sector and introduce XPRIZE Water Scarcity to key global water associations, including regional affiliates and partner organizations.
XPRIZE Water Scarcity addresses the critical need for reliable, affordable, and sustainable seawater desalination solutions. Despite the planet being covered by 70% water, a staggering two-thirds of the global population will face severe water shortages by 2025.
The competition challenges teams to harness cutting-edge technology, reimagine systems, methods, and materials, and seize unprecedented business opportunities to make clean water more accessible for all. The goal is to preserve marine life, protect the environment, and ensure universal access to clean water, ultimately redefining the landscape of affordable and sustainable desalination on a global scale.
“We are thrilled to partner with IDRA in our quest to develop cutting-edge breakthroughs in desalination that will unlock Earth’s Ocean water and increase widespread access to clean water. This collaboration on XPRIZE Water Scarcity enables us to combine the expertise and resources of two leading organizations dedicated to finding innovative and sustainable solutions. Together, we can harness an engaged international community to help create a world where clean water is equitably and sustainably abundant,” said Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE.
In endorsing this collaboration, Shannon McCarthy, Secretary General of IDRA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential impact. “Water scarcity is a complex issue that requires collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. It’s exciting to witness this significant investment by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, a resounding commitment to fostering innovation in desalination, and by teaming up with XPRIZE, we believe our community can make significant strides in addressing this global challenge. IDRA is committed to leveraging its network and engaging its stakeholder community to ensure the success of the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition.”
For more information about IDRA’s involvement in the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, please contact IDRA at info@IDRAwater.org.