NEW ORLEANS – The Water Challenge is an annual pitch competition that awards $15,000 in total start-up funding to businesses, nonprofits, and ideas improving urban water, coastal environment, or local water economy.
The event takes place at Propeller during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week on March 21, 2018.
In urban, coastal, and economic contexts, water poses the biggest challenge to creating a sustainable future in our state. As the coast erodes, the ripple effects impact local communities, fisheries, and our safety in the face of future storms.
In urban environments, residents experience subsidence, nuisance flooding and water quality concerns. Salinity and sediment impact the maritime industries as well as our ability to implement large-scale restoration projects.
Each submission will be judged by the following criteria:
1. Potential for impact: The solution must improve the coastal environment, urban water management or reduce disparities in the water economy.
2. Financial sustainability: Solutions should demonstrate a viable and sustainable revenue stream, if revenue is required for implementation.
3. Viability: Convince us that you and your team have what it takes to make your idea a reality given your experience, track record, and expertise.
Originally seeded by the Greater New Orleans Foundation and The Idea Village, the Water Challenge is funded by the Greater New Orleans Foundation and supported by by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
There will be Q&A sessions about the program, including a virtual session on Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 12–1 p.m., an information happy hour at Broad St. Cider & Ale on Thursday, January 11 from 5:30–7 p.m. and an in-person Q&A at Propeller on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Email Propeller Senior Water Manager, Allison DeJong at adejong@gopropeller.org
