The Capricorn Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Network for Global Innovation (NGIN) and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) Namibia, recently launched the global Just Transition to the Future (JTF) Water-Energy Nexus Open Innovation Challenge.
The aim of the challenge is to address critical challenges surrounding water and energy in Namibia’s drought-prone regions.
The challenge, sponsored by the Capricorn Foundation, officially closed for entries on 17 February 2025.
It received a strong global response, with 162 registrations and 49 innovative entries submitted.
Entries came from countries such as Afghanistan, Austria, Botswana, Cambodia, Congo, India, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Moldova, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Turkey, showing the challenge’s international interest and reach.
Submissions included several creative solutions for addressing water issues. These ranged from biotechnology and renewable energy-powered filtration systems to chemical-free desalination methods, new water-harvesting methods and innovative irrigation techniques. Other important ideas featured advanced water use methods in food production, new storage solutions and applications of artificial intelligence and the internet of things.
These diverse solutions highlight the creativity that open innovation platforms can inspire. The first round of evaluation was conducted by a diverse panel of independent judges and experts in relevant fields to the challenge.
The entries were evaluated based on specific criteria to identify the best solutions.
The top 30 entries have been invited to participate in NGIN’s Disruptor’s Blueprint Programme.
This programme is designed to refine ideas and prepare for investor pitches, boosting development and commercial viability.
Following the Disruptor’s Blueprint Programme, the entries will undergo a second round of judging to narrow down to the top 10.
The finalists will then present their solutions live, demonstrating innovations to a panel of judges at the final event, which is scheduled for 2 April 2025 in Windhoek, where the top three winners will be announced.
Rikus Grobler, the manager of innovation at Capricorn Group, said “the Water-Energy Nexus Challenge has shown how open innovation can address critical issues in water and energy sustainability. We are excited to see different and creative solutions from this challenge. We look forward to supporting these ideas as they get closer to implementation and making a real difference in our communities”.
Despite the good rains Namibia received this year, the country still faces water shortages due to droughts, rapid urban growth and climate change.
Agriculture, which is vital for many rural communities, depends on water, but often lacks the proper infrastructure to use it effectively.
Many areas struggle with energy waste because they use fossil fuels to power water systems. This method is costly and not sustainable. The JTF Water-Energy
Nexus Challenge aims to create solutions that improve how we use water and energy while also meeting the needs of our communities.
It’s been very inspiring to work with young Namibian entrepreneurs who have applied for the Just Transition to the Future Technology Challenge: Integrated water energy solutions for drought-resilient communities.
With 49 entries, the JTF/Namibia has attracted innovative solutions that use sustainable energy to increase access to affordable water. These entrepreneurs are not only building new companies but also a better future for Namibia,” said Fred Walti, president and CEO of Network for Global Innovation.