Be Part of California's Drought and Water Solutions
Currently, California suffers from an annual water deficit in excess of 6 million acre-feet, unsustainably drawn from the state’s two primary water resources–groundwater and surface waters. This water deficit is higher during a drought, and California is in the fourth year of one of the state's worst droughts in the past century that has led to fierce wildfires, water shortages and restrictions, and staggering agricultural losses. While the water problem in California is not new, there are multiple efforts across the state to reduce water consumption to counter balance the shortfall. California Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order in April 2015 that cities throughout the state reduce water usage by 25 percent, a groundbreaking mandate from the Governor's office to limit water use for the first time ever.
Traditional water supply and demand solutions have overall failed to solve California’s water problems. We have an unprecedented opportunity–and the focus of this challenge–to generate 21st century water solutions today that promise innovative, resilient supplies for tomorrow.
It is important to take into consideration that water issues are not limited to California, but a growing concern across the United States. As drought, flooding and climate change restrict America's water supply, demands from population growth and energy production are expected to increase. While other U.S. States have not been ordered to reduce water use, 40 out of 50 states have at least one region that is expected to face some kind of water shortage in the next 10 years. Water supply solutions in California can be a catalyst to address water issues throughout the United States and other parts of the world.
Three Winning Teams
Three winning teams will be chosen. These teams will have developed novel solutions using exponential technologies that are able to achieve the greatest gain (in total acre-feet) in new forms of water supplies, capture or reuse for any agricultural, industrial, commercial or residential application within the state of California (but can be equally applicable beyond California).
Judging Criteria
All applications will be judged according to the following criteria:
Use of Exponential Technology
Technical Feasibility & Rigor
Innovative Solution
Market Viability
Scalability
Design & Utility Function
Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate proof of concept in the form of a prototype to validate their ideas or solutions.
A panel of judges, comprised of SU faculty, local and state government representatives, and Impact Partners will determine the 3 winning teams and the 3 runners up. The judges will evaluate all entries and assess compliance with the judging criteria.
The Prize
The prize for 3 winning teams is a place in the Entrepreneurs in Residence program at the SU Startup Lab on our campus at NASA Research Park in Silicon Valley. http://startup.singularityu.org/
Each winning team receives US$5,000, space at the SU Startup Lab, mentoring and access to the SU Startup Lab network and the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem.
In addition, the top 3 runners up receive the opportunity to pitch their ideas/solutions at the SU Startup Lab to the SU community.
All winning teams and runners up receive recognition in the Singularity University newsletter, Impact Challenge webpage and through social media efforts.
Competition Schedule
Competition Opens: June 15, 2015
Competition Closes: September 15, 2015
8 - 10 Finalists Announced: Mid-September (The finalists will be invited to pitch their solutions to a panel of judges at a public Pitch Event.)
Winners Announced: At a Pitch Event, End of September/Early October 2015 at Singularity University (The panel will select 3 winning teams that will be invited to become Entrepreneurs in Residence at SU Startup Lab. The 3 runners up will be invited to spend a day at the SU Startup Lab to to pitch their solutions to the SU community.)
Start date for 3 Winning Teams to become Entrepreneurs in Residence at SU Startup Lab: Between October and December 1, 2015. Other start dates can be discussed.
Application Requirements
CV/Resume
Summary of accomplishments
Abstract of idea or prototype. Include anticipated timeframe needed as an Entrepreneur in Residence at SU Startup Lab, possible start date, and what would be accomplished during that timeframe. There is a preference that the state date be no later than December 1, 2015.
Video of idea or prototype (must provide the URL/webpage to video -- DO NOT send the video)
Competition Rules
The competition is open to international applicants.
Teams are welcome to submit an application and can submit more than one solution. A team is 2+ members. Submissions from individuals will be considered but preference will be given to submissions from teams.
Applicant must indicate compliance of Terms and Conditions by click through acceptance before applying.
Instructions for Applying
Step 1) Sign in at the top of the page.
Step 2) Once you complete the sign in process, you will get an email to confirm your registration. Check your spam box just in case! Please add us to your safe sender list so that you can continue to receive messages from us.
Step 3) Upload all application material on the site as per the instructions you will see upon log in.
Advisory Committee
An advisory committee comprised of SU faculty, local and global experts and partners will advise on the design and execution as well as provide oversight of the 2015 SU Impact Challenge.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the application process, contact us at: impact@singularityu.org (With subject line: SU Impact Challenge 2015)
