Wavemakers challenge invites innovation in the world of water

The University of Nottingham has a long history of engagement and partnership with Severn Trent, so when discussions took place about how to save and reuse water, they came together, along with other university partners, to support the launch of Severn Trent’s Wavemakers competition.

This new annual challenge aims to nurture talent and innovation in the community and invites ideas that could impact anything related to the world of water, one of life’s essential assets that we have a duty to protect.

Richard Powell, Innovation Manager at Severn Trent, said: “We’re really excited to be launching Wavemakers, as we believe that working collaboratively is the best way to create innovative ideas that have the potential to change the lives of individuals within our communities.

The first round of Wavemakers will give potential future innovators aged 16+ the opportunity to develop ideas on how to reuse and/or save water, and in return could potentially see one lucky participant rewarded with either a one-year university course or £2,000 cash-prize towards supporting their development.

Water and energy are deeply connected not least through the amount of energy required to pump water around the network, heat it for use and clean it up. Saving and reusing water makes good sense to reduce energy use and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, but also to adapt to climate change where water scarcity is likely to become a much more common feature of everyday life.

“We all have a duty to do our bit by saving water and by looking after it, so that’s why we’re inviting members of our communities to help us on this mission, as well as investing in their potential.”

The University of Nottingham Energy Institute supported Wavemakers by bringing together Severn Trent with colleagues in our Business School, and Enactus, a global network of academic and student leaders working to make the world a better place.

Wavemakers officially launches on 1st April and is open until 20th June for the submission of ideas. Those shortlisted will have the chance to design and build their business case and prototype with support from a range of partner organisations including the University of Nottingham.

For more information, please visit: www.severntrent.com/wavemakers