A startup competition aimed at discovering innovative water management technologies and business ideas to address the climate crisis and the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) will be held. The government will award up to 20 million won to outstanding ideas and companies, providing support for commercialization, including patent and marketing assistance, as well as participation in domestic and international exhibitions.
The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced on August 19 that it will recruit participants for the '2026 Korea Water Industry Innovation Startup Competition (STARTUP WATER 2026)' from August 20 to October 19.
Now in its seventh year, the competition, which began in 2020, aims to identify ideas and innovative companies that can respond to water issues arising from climate crises such as floods and droughts, as well as the digital transformation of water management.
The competition is divided into two categories: the 'Idea Category' for the general public and the 'Commercialization Category' for startups. Participants can propose solutions across all areas of water management, including water safety, water environment, and water use, focusing on climate crisis responses, AI-based water management, and water-energy convergence technologies.
After evaluations of documents and presentations, nine teams will be selected from each category. These selected teams will receive specialized training through a 'boot camp' to refine their ideas and enhance their presentation skills.
The top four teams from each category will advance to the final competition scheduled for November. Winners will receive awards from the Minister of Climate and a cash prize of up to 20 million won.
Following the awards, additional support for commercialization will be provided. This includes specialized training in patent and marketing, as well as assistance in participating in domestic and international exhibitions, in collaboration with partner organizations such as the Intellectual Property Office and the Startup Promotion Agency.
Results from previous competitions have shown success. Over the past six years, the Ministry has identified a total of 108 innovative startup companies through the competition, which have collectively generated 147.6 billion won in revenue, attracted 64.1 billion won in investments, and created 747 jobs.
Last year's grand prize winner, Water Trinez, participated in the world's largest information technology and consumer electronics exhibition, CES 2026, held in Las Vegas in January, where it received an innovation award.
Kim Ho-eun, Director of Water Use Policy at the Ministry, stated, "In the era of the climate crisis and AI transformation, innovative water management technologies are crucial for enhancing national competitiveness. We will support the discovery of creative ideas and innovative technologies to develop them into growth engines for Korea's water industry."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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