Imagine H2O is the go-to partner for entrepreneurs building transformative solutions for the future of water
We believe that water is solvable. By doing everything we can to help our entrepreneurs and their ideas succeed, we make innovation more accessible to those who need it—and transform how water is used, treated and accessed. Our programs work together to make this happen. From our startup bootcamps to industry networks to pilot funding, we provide tailored support across the startup lifecycle to develop and scale innovative water solutions.
We identify the most promising startups.
In an effort to accelerate urgent progress towards SDG 6—universal access to water and sanitation—we seek solutions that transform water access, efficiency, safety and resilience. Drawing from an annual pool of 400 unique applications, a committee of over 100 industry leaders helps us select the cohorts to participate in our programs each year. Our support for innovation extends beyond those top startups: applicants who aren’t accepted in a given year may receive feedback and hands-on guidance to reapply.
We partner with them to develop and build their solutions.
Our entrepreneurs receive the insights they need to grow their companies and break into new markets. Introductions to a growing network of tech adopters and investors opens critical doors for each of them. And year-round, global showcase events create a platform to identify new pain points and partners. All of this support—and more—is highly specialized to reflect the diverse needs, technologies, and geographies of each of our startups every year.
We scale impact by funding pilots and extending long-term support to alumni.
Water’s slow technology adoption cycle means that startups may struggle to prove their solution’s impact. In order to jumpstart pilot and demonstration projects, we go beyond mentorship and customer introductions. We fund select pilot projects every year to help end users get to “yes” faster. We back that up with in-country support and increased visibility to help entrepreneurs broadcast their success around the world. These early proof points are vital to incentivizing wider adoption.