Global Prize for Innovation in Water Names 14 Winners in Jeddah with $10 Million Awards
The Global Prize for Innovation in Water announced 14 winners during its third edition in Jeddah today, awarding $10 million in prizes for water technology solutions. The ceremony took place at the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS2025), with researchers from 12 countries honored for their work addressing water scarcity and climate change challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Two grand prizes awarded to researchers from China and the United States
- 14 total winners selected from 36 finalists representing 22 countries
- Saudi researcher Abrar Zafar among the honorees
- Winners selected across six water technology innovation tracks
- International jury comprised 28 experts from 12 countries
Grand Prize Winners Lead Water Innovation Recognition
HanQing Yu from China received the Grand Impact Award, while Guihua Yu from the United States won the Grand Discovery Prize. The two grand prizes represent the highest recognition in the competition, according to the organizers.
The awards recognize solutions that transform research concepts into practical water technologies with demonstrated economic feasibility and environmental impact.
Twelve Additional Winners Span Global Research Community
The remaining 12 winners include four researchers from the United Kingdom: Charlie Norton, Premlal Balakrishna Pillai, Omar Daoud, and Felipe Torres. Additionally, Jianan Gao from Hong Kong, China, and three United States-based researchers—John Gradek, Hamidreza Samouei, and Andrew Schevets—received recognition.
Elena Campos and Ines Larrea from Spain, Walid Soufi from Turkey, and Abrar Zafar from Saudi Arabia completed the list of honorees. The Saudi winner highlights the Kingdom’s growing role in water technology research.
Competition Focused on Six Critical Water Technology Areas
Winners were selected across six tracks addressing water sector priorities. These include Advanced Water Production Technologies, Water Quality Improvement and Reuse, and Circular Treatment with Zero Liquid Discharge Technologies.
Furthermore, the competition recognized innovations in Digital Models, Process Optimization and Automation, Sustainable Water Production and Environmental Conservation, and Cost-Effective Wastewater Treatment Technologies. Each track addresses specific challenges facing global water security.
International Jury Evaluates Solutions for Real-World Impact
The 28-member international jury from 12 countries evaluated 36 finalists. According to the organizers, submissions came from universities, research centers, and technology companies worldwide.
The jury assessed solutions based on economic feasibility, environmental impact, and potential to address water scarcity. The evaluation process emphasized practical applications over theoretical research.
What’s Next
The awards align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for environmental sustainability and the Saudi Green Initiative’s water conservation goals. Water technology innovation remains a strategic priority for the Kingdom, which faces significant water scarcity challenges due to its arid climate.
The Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference continues in Jeddah, providing a platform for further discussion on water technology solutions and sustainability strategies.
