Water Dragons innovation challenge
An innovation competition connecting pioneering water technology creators with industry decision-makers. Turn ground-breaking ideas into real-world implementation.
Put your ideas in the spotlight
Brilliant ideas deserve to be seen and heard. We’re connecting visionary creators with the decision-makers who can turn their ideas into real-world solutions.
Make strategic industry connections
Connect with influential leaders and driving forces in the industry.
Validate your technological breakthrough
Put your solution under the microscope with rigorous expert assessment.
Accelerate commercial potential
Turn technical innovation into tangible business opportunities.
How to apply
Streamline your path from concept to industry recognition in a few easy steps.
Step 1
Fill out an application form.
Step 2
Your application will be reviewed by our panel. Better start practising your pitch!
Step 3
Present your 8-minute pitch to a panel of industry leaders, followed by 8 minutes of questions.
Step 4
If successful, you’ll be sent to the final to deliver your winning pitch.
Upcoming competitions
Discover what’s next and how to get involved.
Success stories and winning pitches
Since 2008, over 370 companies have entered the Water Dragons competition with innovative technologies and solutions. Meet the innovators who made it to the top.
2021
International Heat Winner: FloNergia Inc. – FloMov™
Canadian company FloNergia presented their FloMov pump system, demonstrating how the water sector requires lower-energy solutions and a more efficient pumping system. By highlighting the potential market value in the UK water sector, they won the competition, giving them visibility and a platform for potential collaboration. For the water supply chain, this kind of innovation presents an opportunity to adopt more efficient infrastructure and reduce operational cost – an attractive value proposition.
2021
Highly Commended: AquaSensing – Battery-free Leak Detection
AquaSensing developed true battery-free leak-detection sensors using energy-harvesting technology. Their pitch addressed the major challenge of water leaks and non-revenue in the sector, emphasising how a maintenance-free, battery-free sensor could transform development in hard-to-reach or high-cost-to-maintain locations. They were awarded Highly Commended, gaining valuable exposure to UK water sector stakeholders.
2020
Winner: Qinov8 – leak seeking solution
Qinov8 is a UK-based water innovation company that presented their AQUAPEA technology – a small polymer device that can be introduced into a water supply pipe to seal leaks internally without excavation, resulting in measurable water savings. Their innovative solution impressed the judges and won the Water Dragons Award, gaining validation and visibility in the sector and making them a recognised and credible supplier.
2016
Winner: iVapps - Enston Valve
iVapps is a UK-based smart engineering company specialising in monitoring, analysis and flow management of water through a network of pipelines. They took their smart monitoring valve solution to Water Dragons and won, giving them exposure to key stakeholders and addressing major challenges in the water sector. Their technology is now being integrated into wider digital network solutions.
“Our Water Dragons win in 2012 gave us so many opportunities to get our product in front of the right people; the decision makers within the water industry. As a result, sales for our Watertight Manhole System have rocketed.”
2012
Winner: Stanton Bonna - Watertight Manhole System
UK-based manufacturer of precast concrete drainage and manhole systems took their Watertight Manhole System to Water dragons, designed for safer, faster installation and improved watertightness. They won the Presentation Award at the competition, gaining exposure with key decision-makers in the water industry and securing a boost in market attention.
Will you be the next winner?
Bring your innovation and see if you can go from idea to industry breakthrough.