Pitch to Change the Future of Water
Big ideas start small. But the right platform can help them ripple across the world.
Hosted by the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) and its Young Leadership Program Committee, this global challenge offers innovators a chance to connect with top venture capitalists, utilities, policy leaders, and fellow changemakers in the water space.
The water crisis is real. But so is your potential to solve it. Applications are open now. Continue reading below to learn more.
The Challenge
Water is the Defining Challenge of Our Time
Across the globe, continents, nations, and communities are grappling with shrinking freshwater supplies, mounting climate pressure, and outdated infrastructure. The numbers are sobering:
2.2 billion
people lack access to safely managed drinking water.
3.5 billion
people don’t have access to safe sanitation.
By 2050
nearly 5 billion people could be living under water-stressed conditions.
6% of GDP
In some regions, water scarcity could wipe out up to 6% of GDP.
And yet, less than 10% of utilities in low and middle income countries use advanced technologies like AI, smart sensors, or innovative treatment methods.
NextWave Live Pitch Event Agenda
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Location: IDRA Reykjavik Summit 2024: Harpa Conference Center, Reykjavik, Iceland
16:30 – Welcome and Introduction
16:35 – Making Waves: An Investment Perspective on Water
During this Discussion, Panelists will:
- Explores the distinctive perspective of private equity in funding water tech including strategic priorities and exit strategies.
- Balances financial returns with impactful environmental and social benefits, while navigating regulatory complexities.
- Highlights how Emerald’s first Global Water Fund and Veralto’s partnership shape future visions for Global Water Fund 2
Panelists
Jan- Hendrick Imholze
Moderator
David Henderson
Managing Partner
XPV Water Partners
Melissa Aquino
Senior Vice President & Chief Segment Officer Water Quality
Veralto
Bertrand Camus
Partner
Summa Equity
17:00 – IDRA NextWave Start Up Competition pitches
Five teams will pitch their start-ups to the IDRA NextWave Judges.
- Each team gets 5-minutes of pitch time, and 10 minutes Q+A from Judges and Audience
Nizar Kammourie
IDRA Board Member
Chief Executive Officer
SAWACO Water Group
Devesh Sharma
IDRA Board Member
CEO
Aquatech
Latifa Lahsine
IDRA Member
Head of Desalination Center of Excellence and Deputy Head Engineering and Technical Support
Engie AMEA
Detlef Taprogge
IDRA Member
Managing Director
Taprogge GmbH
Steven Lam
IDRA Member
Head of Technology
Gradiant
18:20 – Wave of Innovation: Piloting WaterTech Solution
Eng. Islam Al-Wudhaynani from WTIIRA will present new innovative solutions.
18:25 – Closing Remarks
Closing Remarks from IDRA Secretary General, Shannon McCarthy
18:30 – 20:30 – IDRA Welcome Reception
IDRA Reykjavik Summit 2024 Welcome Reception
Awards &
Recognition
More Than a Prize. It’s a Platform.
Winning the NextWave Pitch Competition opens doors far beyond a trophy.
What You’ll Receive
- A featured booth and free passes at the IDRA World Congress 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- A presentation slot at IDRA World Congress 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Exposure across IDRA’s global community of utilities, investors, scientists, and policymakers
- Media and social promotion before, during, and after the Summit
- Publication in IDRA’s Innovation Spotlight
- Ongoing connections to VCs, corporate partners, and international networks.
Even if you don’t win, just being selected as a finalist means your idea is among the world’s most promising.