World Bank Utility of the Future Challenge: Delivering water and sanitation services in 2050

Deadline: August 6, 2021

The Utility of the Future challenge invites you to imagine the future (2050) where water utilities are providing reliable, safe, inclusive, transparent, and responsive WSS services through best-fit practices that allow them to operate in an efficient, resilient, innovative and sustainable manner. But the challenge does not stop at envisioning the future; you must also come up with a strategy to fulfil your vision.  Put on your thinking cap and help a utility in trouble become a Utility of the Future.  

Your reward:  

Bragging rights at the upcoming World Water Week hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) being held from August 23-27; the opportunity to participate and present your idea at the 2022 World Bank Water Week; meeting World Bank’s senior water experts to grow your network and discuss the latest trends in water and sanitation; and last but not least – being shortlisted for a winter internship with the WB Utility of the Future team so you can help real utilities travel to 2050.

The UoF Challenge

This is the roadmap you must follow – don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of space to be wildly creative!  

Part A: The future today  

• Step 1: The Utility of the Present – understand your client
• Step 2: Tell them about what’s cool and trendy and how it can help UOTP-WSS

Part B: Imagine the UoF 

• Step 3: Imagine the future
• Step 4: Back to the present

Benefits

• Bragging rights at the upcoming World Water Week hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) being held from August 23-27;
• The opportunity to participate and present your idea at the 2022 World Bank Water Week; meeting World Bank’s senior water experts to grow your network and discuss the latest trends in water and sanitation;
• Last but not least – being shortlisted for a winter internship with the WB Utility of the Future team so you can help real utilities travel to 2050.

Eligibility

• Open to applicants from around the world;
• Max 30-years old;
• Groups of 2 to 3 people. Make sure your group is diverse and inclusive!

Evaluation

A multidisciplinary team from the World Bank will review and rate the proposals based on the following criteria: 

Part A: The future today  

• Step 1: Selection of the three challenges/areas for improvement based on the assessment given (10%) 
• Step 2: Identification of innovative practices to address the challenges identified for the utility based on emerging and disrupting trends/technologies (40%) 

Part B: Imagine the UoF 

• Step 3: Narrative about what the water and sanitation utility would look like in 2050 (20%) 
• Step 4: Action plan to materialize the strategy 2021 to 2050 (30%)

To Apply: Click here

Official Website: Click here