HCL Group and UpLink Announce Winners of ‘Tackling Water Pollution Challenge’ Under the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative
HCL Group, a global technology and services leader, in collaboration with UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation platform, has unveiled the winners of the “Tackling Water Pollution Challenge.” This is the third challenge under the ongoing Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative, a CHF 15 million, five-year program designed to address global water issues through entrepreneurial innovation. This challenge focuses on discovering and scaling solutions to mitigate the growing threat of water pollution worldwide.
After an extensive evaluation of over 270 submissions from 60 countries, the 10 winners—dubbed the ‘UpLink Top Innovators and Aquapreneurs’—were selected for their groundbreaking solutions in the freshwater sector. These innovators, hailing from nine countries, are developing technologies and strategies that could transform the way the world approaches water pollution. The winners will share a pool of CHF 1.75 million in financial awards, which will support the scaling of their operations and the amplification of their impact. Along with the monetary grants, they will receive access to vital resources, mentorship, and global networks provided by HCL Group and UpLink.
The challenge, dedicated to tackling freshwater issues with a focus on water pollution, highlighted innovative approaches to filtration, wastewater treatment, industrial water reuse, and water quality monitoring.
Remarks from Key Leaders
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Group, emphasized the critical nature of water pollution and scarcity. “Water scarcity and pollution are existential threats to humanity and biodiversity. Through the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative, we aim to support the most innovative startups and scale-ups that are addressing the world’s most urgent water challenges. The 20 winners from the past two years have collectively saved over 12 billion liters of water in 2024 alone, equivalent to Switzerland’s entire annual water footprint. These innovators have treated 3 billion liters of wastewater and raised US$70 million in funding. Congratulations to the 10 new winners. I look forward to hearing about their successes at next year’s Davos meeting,” she said.
Olivier Schwab, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, added, “Water challenges are becoming increasingly urgent. The collaboration between HCL Group and UpLink sets a global standard for how innovation can drive large-scale, lasting change. This initiative is not just about finding immediate solutions; it’s about creating scalable, bold approaches to ensure a sustainable future where clean, accessible water is available to all.”
The Global Challenge of Water Pollution
Water pollution remains one of the world’s most pressing issues. According to the UN, approximately 80% of global wastewater is released untreated into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This contributes to over 485,000 premature deaths each year, costing the global economy an estimated $260 billion annually. Industrialization only intensifies the problem, with the contamination of freshwater sources by chemicals like microplastics and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances), or “forever chemicals,” posing a serious risk to public health.
The impact of these pollutants is far-reaching. As freshwater ecosystems continue to degrade, the need for innovative solutions has never been more critical. This is where the winners of the 2025 Tackling Water Pollution Challenge come in. They are offering innovative solutions that could have a profound impact on the global fight against water contamination.
The 2025 Winners of the Tackling Water Pollution Challenge
- Aquagga (USA): Specializes in the destruction of PFAS using its Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT) technology, providing an effective method for environmental remediation and wastewater treatment.
- Digital Paani (India): Aims to enhance operational efficiency in water treatment, focusing on scalability in areas struggling with water scarcity and pollution.
- Fluidion (France): Innovates with water intelligence by developing advanced sampling technologies that allow real-time monitoring of pollution and water quality across various environments, from urban areas to industrial zones.
- FREDsense (Canada): Provides in-field, lab-based water quality testing tools, equipping utilities and environmental consultants with real-time data to manage water resources more effectively.
- Fungi Life (Colombia): Uses fungal biotechnology to create sustainable ingredients while striving for net-zero emissions. The company also works to revalorize agro-industrial waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Mimbly (Sweden): Develops cutting-edge water-saving technologies for the laundry industry, including filtration and recycling systems that optimize water use.
- Oxyle (Switzerland): Provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution to PFAS contamination, offering a method for eliminating these harmful chemicals from water supplies.
- SENTRY (Canada): A biological activity and water quality monitoring platform that uses bio-electrode sensor technology to monitor microbial performance in wastewater treatment systems.
- Syrinx (Australia): Offers nature-based solutions for water treatment through its “Wetland-in-a-Box”® (EnPhytoBox), helping to address water pollution and increase climate resilience, particularly in agricultural settings.
- WASE (United Kingdom): Aims to treat industrial wastewater on-site, helping industries comply with regulations while generating bioenergy and reducing carbon emissions.
A Path Forward for Water Solutions
These innovators will receive more than just financial support; they will also benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders, global institutions, and other experts. By participating in events organized by the World Economic Forum and its partners, they will have the chance to scale their projects and ensure that their solutions reach those who need them most.
The Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative has already seen remarkable progress since its inception. Past winners have been able to raise millions of dollars in additional funding, expand into new markets, and scale their solutions to help tackle water pollution and conserve freshwater resources. The initiative has also driven significant progress in wastewater treatment, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and the creation of new jobs within the water innovation sector.
The Road Ahead
HCL Group and UpLink’s collaboration underscores the urgent need for large-scale, sustainable solutions to global water pollution challenges. Through this partnership, the two organizations aim to foster innovation that not only addresses immediate water contamination issues but also supports the long-term sustainability of water resources worldwide.
As the 2025 winners embark on the next phase of their journey, the hope is that their work will inspire others to engage in the global effort to tackle water pollution. By continuing to support innovation and entrepreneurship, HCL Group and UpLink are helping to ensure that clean, accessible water will remain a priority for all, now and in the future.
