The IBM Sustainability Accelerator is now accepting proposals for the next cohort, which will focus on water management solutions. This program uses IBM technologies such as hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence, as well as an ecosystem of experts, to improve and scale projects aimed at vulnerable populations.
More than 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries, according to the World Health Organization. Climate change and population growth are expected to exacerbate this problem in some areas.
In accordance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, IBM will seek to support projects that, among other things, improve equitable access to safe drinking water for all, improve water quality by reducing pollution, increase water-use efficiency across all sectors, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, improve sanitation management, and reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
The RFP process will include input from IBM representatives from various disciplines, as well as representatives from organizations such as Water.org and the United Nations Development Program. The applicant's capacity and readiness to support communities that are especially vulnerable to water-related threats, technical feasibility and sustainability for the envisioned solution, and transparency in measurement and reporting - among other things - will be considered in the selection criteria.
"Water management for the world's most vulnerable communities is a tremendous challenge," said IBM VP and Chief Impact Officer Justina Nixon-Saintil.
"Following our first two cohorts on sustainable agriculture and clean energy, now we look forward to working with organizations with initiatives that scale technology solutions that will support communities in overcoming water challenges, including shortages, pollution, or conservation."
Non-profit and government water management initiatives can apply to the RFP until the end of May 2023. The participants who have been chosen will be announced in November 2023.
More than 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries, according to the World Health Organization. Climate change and population growth are expected to exacerbate this problem in some areas.
In accordance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, IBM will seek to support projects that, among other things, improve equitable access to safe drinking water for all, improve water quality by reducing pollution, increase water-use efficiency across all sectors, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, improve sanitation management, and reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
The RFP process will include input from IBM representatives from various disciplines, as well as representatives from organizations such as Water.org and the United Nations Development Program. The applicant's capacity and readiness to support communities that are especially vulnerable to water-related threats, technical feasibility and sustainability for the envisioned solution, and transparency in measurement and reporting - among other things - will be considered in the selection criteria.
"Water management for the world's most vulnerable communities is a tremendous challenge," said IBM VP and Chief Impact Officer Justina Nixon-Saintil.
"Following our first two cohorts on sustainable agriculture and clean energy, now we look forward to working with organizations with initiatives that scale technology solutions that will support communities in overcoming water challenges, including shortages, pollution, or conservation."
Non-profit and government water management initiatives can apply to the RFP until the end of May 2023. The participants who have been chosen will be announced in November 2023.