Innovation Accelerator Event Format & Request for Presenters
The Challenge:
Provide Biologically and Chemically Safe Drinking Water
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Throughout the developing world, people are being steadily poisoned by traces of environmentally persistent synthetic chemical toxins such as pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, industrial effluents, and waste breakdown products in their drinking water.
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So far, the WASH sector has focused on microbiological threats to human health and has neglected chronic implications of toxic chemical exposure.
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Affordable, accessible, and sustainable technologies for controlling toxic chemicals along with microbial pathogens in drinking water are urgently needed!
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Do you have an innovative approach to controlling synthetic chemical water contaminants?
Can it be effectively deployed under resource constrained and developing community circumstances?
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If so, we want to hear from you!
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The Forum:
Pitch your idea at our Innovation Accelerator!
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This event will feature selected game-changing safe water technologies in dynamic and engaging ten-minute "TED Talk" / "Investor Pitch" style presentations.
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The Perks...
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Each presentation will recieve immediate critical-constructive feedback from our distinguished Panel of Experts.
The Panel, comprised of eminent environmental engineers and scientists and experienced global WASH practitioners, will evaluate presentations based on (1) scientific and technical merits, and (2) practicality and feasibility for implementation in resource constrained communities.
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Representatives from major government agencies, I/NGOs, and philanthropic foundations engaged in research, development, and funding of WASH programs will be in attandance as observers. The discourse of pitches and expert feedback will unfold dynamically under the visage of officials who can move institutional and financial resources towards critical needs and innovative solutions.
The Innovation Accelerator event will conclude with
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(1) A statement of reflection-response from participants, and a discussion of next steps for development of programmatic and funding support for research, pilot testing, implementation, monitoring, and scale-up of promising initiatives, and
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(2) Formation of an interdisciplinary Working Group on Toxics in WASH to carry the mission forward.
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Professional networking and forging of new scientific and humanitarian service engineering collaborations will be major outcomes of this event!
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How to Apply
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Tell us about your idea - highlighting why it is innovative, impactful, and feasible - in:
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A one-page Overview of your technology or project​
​Descibe a particular technical challenge or circumstance where control of chemical water pollutants is needed and how your innovation will address it. How will you evaluate your technology in the lab? In the field? What is the plan for piloting, deployment, and scale-up? How will you monitor and evaluate impacts? Where are you in the process currently and what are critical next steps? -
Optional: a two- to three-minute Video Short
​Illustrate your technology or project and the problem it solves, as well as the people and place(s) it serves. Show us the current status of the project, what the next steps are, and how you will leverage participation in the Innovation Accelerator to make the leap to the next level.
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Submit your Overview document and Video Short* to: accelerator@aqsolutions.org
[ Be sure to inlcude your professional affiliations and contact info! ]
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Deadline: September 30, 2016**
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And don't forget to register for the Water & Health Conference! You must be registered for the conference in order to attend the Innovation Accelerator.
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* If file size is too large for email, please provide a web link.
** Applicants will be notified by early October if your innovation is selected for presentation. Spaces are limited for this highly competetive event!
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