
ACCELERATING INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
WAITRO INNOVATION AWARD
SOLVING CHALLENGES AROUND THE GLOBE
HOW IT WORKS
Researchers of WAITRO member organizations form project teams. Project teams consist of at least two WAITRO members from different countries.
Project teams jointly develop innovative solutions to tackle global challenges.
Project teams apply for the WAITRO Innovation Award. Get more information on the eligibility and evaluation criteria, the application and assessment procedures, and the required application documents below.
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility by the Executive Board and the Secretariat and will then be forwarded to the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee selects the finalists.
Finalists will be invited to the workshops (costs covered by WAITRO).
Finalists will be invited to pitch their innovative project proposals at the WAITRO Global Innovation Summit (costs covered by WAITRO). Two projects will be awarded the WAITRO Innovation Award and will receive US$ 25,000 for project-related activities.
DETAILED INFORMATION
ELIGIBILITY
WAITRO MEMBERSHIP
Employees of research and technology organizations (RTOs) that are WAITRO members in good standing are eligible to apply for the WAITRO Innovation Award.
PROJECT TEAMS
To be eligible for the WAITRO Innovation Award, project teams have to consist of at least two WAITRO members from different countries. Only project proposals developed through SAIRA will be considered for the WAITRO Innovation Award.
Project teams for the Innovation Award can be formed in two ways on SAIRA:
- Upload a challenge and/or project idea on SAIRA, so that other researchers can browse through your challenge and apply to join your team.
- Browse through challenges and ideas uploaded by other researchers on SAIRA and submit your proposals.
Both these ways can mark the starting point for researchers to kick-start a collaboration and an application forthe WAITRO Innovation Award.
EXAMPLE: Partner A uploads challenge or project idea on SAIRA (RTO CHALLENGE – CREATE A BOTTOM-UP R&D PROJECT). Partner B shows interest in collaborating with Partner B and submits a proposal. (SHOW CHALLENGE – DRAFT A PROPOSAL – SAVE – SUBMIT PROPOSAL). Partner A accepts proposal of Partner B and invites Partner B to a workspace.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PROJECT PROPOSALS
Project teams from anywhere in the world who are in their early stages can apply. The WAITRO Innovation Award does not support events such as conferences or workshops.
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Project proposals will be scored on their responsiveness in the four categories listed below by the Evaluation Committee. Finalists will have the highest overall score, without significant deficiencies in any single category (at least a score of 3 in every category).
Criteria | Description and quantifiable metrics | Score | Weight |
Technical quality | Innovative product or service, ground-breaking within the borders of the country or region where the intended beneficiary is located. |
0 – 10 |
30% |
Impact on Sustainability Goals | Show how the idea can contribute to sustainable development and the SDGs. What concrete social impact does the idea have on the targeted populations/regions? Examples include potential to increase per capita income or improve quality of life (e.g. at least one of housing, food, water, energy, life expectancy, health, environmental quality, etc.), economic value created or significant contributions to productivity or competitiveness. |
0 – 10 |
30% |
Feasibility | Potential for long-term financial sustainability. Net Present Value (NPV), revenue or economic value created by the innovation. Feasibility that idea will be quickly implemented and achieve financial sustainability within 5 years. |
0 – 10 |
20% |
Team Strength | Quality of the technical team, commitment and ability to invest the time required to achieve success. |
0 – 10 |
20% |
APPLICATION MASK AND REQUIERED DOCUMENTS
Applicants fill out the online application mask and upload project proposals(see template) and supporting documents. Please note that complete applications for the WAITRO Innovation Award are only accepted through the WAITRO Intranet.
ONLINE APPLICATION MASK
For your application, you will have to provide the following information:
- Project Title
- One-sentence Pitch
- Project Team
- Research Area
- Key words
- Sustainable Development Goal(s)
- Team Leader Name
- Email address
- Executive Summary (maximum 1000 characters)
- References
Furthermore, you have to submit your project proposal. You can download the template on the WAITRO Intranet. You may also upload additional documents that you feel may add value to your application.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
(PDF upload on the WAITRO Intranet)
- Short outline of project proposal (template)
- Written authorization of the company/partners for or with whom the project is undertaken
- A declaration of agreement to apply for the award signed by all team members
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (PDF upload on the WAITRO Intranet)
Copies of relevant publications and/or patent specifications concerning the innovation (if any)
PROJECT PROPOSAL (TEMPLATE)
- Project Title
- Lead Researcher
- Name
- Qualification
- Affiliation
- Project Experience
- Research Partner
- Name
- Qualification
- Affiliation
- Project Experience
- Research Team
- Project Abstract
- Problem Statement
- Project Proposal (Elaborate on technological advancement, market prospects, project timeline and estimated budget (maximum length five pages, 11pt font, 1” margins all round)
- Intended Use of WAITRO Innovation Award
- Other Supplements
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Proponent entities or institutions, led by their legal representative, declare that the innovation and associated ideas presented are their own, are original and do not contain material from others, protected works or violate the copyright and industrial property of third parties. Proponent entities or institutions retain intellectual property and copyright of their ideas and solutions.
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USE OF PERSONAL DATA
WAITRO will collect the data supplied in order to contact and notify participants, as mentioned in this document, as well as to carry out promotional activities related to the WAITRO Innovation Award. Applicants authorize WAITRO for the use of their name, voice, photograph, brand, recorded interviews to be published jointly or separately, in any way or means that WAITRO deems appropriate, without violating the confidentiality of the details contained in the proposals.
FOCUS AREA: WATER
WAITRO INNOVATION AWARD 2020
Water is one of the world’s most precious resources yet water scarcity and water-related catastrophes are increasing around the globe. Because of the urgency and importance of this issue, the WAITRO Executive Board has agreed to make water a top priority. As the leading global network of RTOs, WAITRO aims to enable the development and implementation of technological solutions addressing water-related challenges around the globe.

This information was updated on 25 November 2019.