The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the XPRIZE Foundation have announced 37 semi-finalist teams for the next stage of the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition. The move marks a major step forward in the global effort to develop advanced technologies that can help solve the growing problem of water scarcity.

The competition was launched in March 2024 as a five-year global challenge in partnership with the XPRIZE Foundation. It is backed by a US$150 million contribution from The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, with a total competition prize pool of US$119 million.

The main goal of the competition is to improve access to clean water by supporting seawater desalination technologies that are more affordable, reliable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. The initiative also aims to increase awareness about global water shortages and support large-scale deployment of practical water solutions worldwide.

The 37 semi-finalist teams were selected after a detailed judging process during the Qualified Teams Testing phase. Teams were evaluated based on technical performance, feasibility, and operational efficiency across two competition tracks.

Under Track A, which focuses on System-Level Innovation, 20 teams have been selected and will share total funding of US$5 million to continue developing their technologies.

Under Track B, which focuses on Novel Materials and Methods, 17 teams have been chosen and will receive up to US$300,000 in total funding for further testing and development.

Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, said global water scarcity remains one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. She said the initiative is committed to supporting transformative technologies that can make desalination more scalable, sustainable, and affordable for communities across the globe.

XPRIZE Chief Executive Officer Anousheh Ansari said the competition is focused on creating bold solutions that can help millions of people gain access to safe and reliable water supplies. She added that the semi-finalists are developing energy-efficient and cost-effective desalination systems designed for communities most affected by water shortages.

Lauren Greenlee, Executive Vice President of Food, Water and Waste at XPRIZE, said the competition is helping redefine desalination technology by reducing costs, lowering energy use, and minimizing environmental impact.

Semi-final testing is scheduled to take place in 2026. Finalists will be announced in early 2027, followed by final testing between 2027 and 2028. Winners of the competition will be revealed in 2028.

Alongside the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative is also supporting innovation through other programs, including the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture. The program focuses on reducing water use in farming while maintaining or improving crop production, especially in water-scarce regions such as the UAE.