Cypriot startups invited to AI competition for the water sector
UA.NEWS12
September
2026
10:14
In Cyprus, startups, researchers, innovators and technology teams can apply for the international Future Makers AI Challenge for Critical Sustainability competition, dedicated to artificial intelligence-based solutions for the water sector. The initiative was launched by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), of which Cyprus is a member, Cyprus Mail reports.
Solutions for water systems
The competition is being held in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
The organizers are seeking AI-based solutions for practical water-sector challenges in DCO member states. Participants can propose technologies to reduce water losses, improve the efficiency of water systems and use resources more rationally.
The competition also covers developments intended to reduce energy consumption, strengthen resource reuse and recycling, and increase the resilience of the entire value chain in the water industry.
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Development and testing of solutions
The program is being implemented through NexaBridge, a DCO open-innovation initiative designed to connect practical challenges with developers and help promising solutions move from the development stage to the market.
Selected teams will be able to refine and demonstrate their solutions as part of the program. Successful participants may also be offered an opportunity to test their developments under controlled conditions in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, the solutions created may be adapted for use in other DCO member states, potentially giving companies and research teams access to a broader international market.
Applications are accepted from those who are already developing relevant solutions, want to apply their experience to existing water-sector challenges, or seek to cooperate with organizations and teams from other countries. The application deadline is October 4, 2026.
