FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

The/Nudge Prize- Ashirvad Water Challenge is open to individuals, groups of individuals, and organisations (profit and non-profit) that have a solution to increase access to clean drinking water for domestic use.

You must have a registered organisation (for, or not-for profit) in India by December 2022 in order to receive a grant.

I have an existing organization. Can I apply?

Yes, existing organisations may apply for the challenge.

What will the contestants get?

The challenge is designed to offer stage appropriate support to contestants. The pilot phase will include knowledge sessions, technology development support, access to pilot locations and introductions to investors. 

Finalists will receive hands-on mentoring, funding and go-to-market support from different ecosystem partners. 5 finalists will receive milestone grants of INR 15 lacs each. The winner and runner-up will receive grants of INR 1 Cr and INR 75 lakhs respectively.

Opportunity for high potential contestants to receive further funding from a pool of INR 400+ Cr from investors like Social Alpha, Aavishkaar, Bharat Innovation Fund and Lightrock.

Opportunity for finalists to be fast tracked to the Imagine H2O Asia Accelerator, along with connects to other accelerators and incubators like BITS Pilani PIEDS, Indus Water Institute and SIIC.

Where can I submit my detailed application?

You can submit your application by clicking here.

What is the deadline for detailed application?

May 10, 2022

My solution is not a tech solution. Can I submit it?

You are free to submit any solution that serves the problem statement and meets the evaluation criteria as mentioned on the home page.

When will the pilot phase contestants and finalists be declared?

Kindly refer to the timelines section on the home page.

Are you looking for a solution in a particular water domain?

Yes, the solutions should pertain to the areas and water related challenges listed on the home page. The solution should result in increase in access to clean water for rural households, and the increase in water provided should be measurable

Will there be a designated number of hours/days I will have to put in during these 18 months?

We expect the challenge to be very competitive, with a lot of teams committing full-time, and rallying a base of supporters to accelerate their progress towards the goals of the challenge. However, there is no mandated number of hours/days which is expected to be invested from your side.

How much travel should one expect during the competition?

There is no prescribed travel for the challenge other than what is needed to achieve the challenge goals. However, we may require you to travel for pitch days and grand events (contingent on COVID-19 travel and event restrictions).

Are there any other opportunities to get seed funding other than the announced grant?

During the course of the challenge, we will facilitate introductions with our investor circle which may provide the contestants an opportunity to pitch before the investors and engage with them outside the challenge.

Will I have to provide data during the different phases of the challenge?

Yes, we will collect data and updates from you in a standard format at regular intervals starting June which will help us to keep track of the progress you are making as well as showcase the updates on different channels.

Can I submit more than one solution?

Yes. you are free to do that provided each of these solutions meets the eligibility criteria

Is Clean Drinking Water for All affiliated with any other contests?

No, The/Nudge Prize-Ashirvad Water Challenge is an independent contest run by The/Nudge Centre for Social Innovation.

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