Ofwat is consulting until 30 April on doubling the value of its Innovation Fund in 2025-30 to £400m, and on how the enlarged fund should operate.
Among the key areas it is seeking feedback on are the following:
The continuation of annual Water Breakthrough Challenge ‘Catalyst’ and ‘Transform’ competitions led by water companies, valued at £250m – including questions on funding levels and intellectual property rights arrangements.
Two rounds of the Water Discovery Challenge (total £20m), for non water sector innovators.
The introduction of a £50m funding stream for collaborative challenges to support all companies to work together on a strategically important area – including funding levels, arrangements and who should be involved.
The introduction of a £40m allocation for cross-sector projects.
The introduction of a £40m implementation fund.
Swapping the current underpinning Innovation Fund themes for the 2050 Water Innovation Strategy themes.
What more Ofwat could do to support innovation and encourage knowledge sharing.
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