The BlueArk Challenge, initially launched as a hackathon and then as a call for projects, is evolving and becoming a residency programme for SME, start-up and water specialists. This new format was officially presented at the BlueArk Conference on 21 November, attended by over 320 water specialists. Companies with a solution related to the multiple use of water are invited to apply and test their innovations in the Val de Bagnes for at least three months.
After six successful editions, the BlueArk Challenge is reinventing itself to provide a better response to today’s water management challenges. In 2025, the programme will focus on the multiple use of water, a crucial issue in an era of climate change and dwindling water resources. “The BlueArk Challenge residency programme offers companies and water specialists a unique opportunity to test their innovations in real-life conditions in the Val de Bagnes area,” explains Anyssia Bovier, coordinator of the BlueArk Challenge.
For three months, the selected participants will benefit from the Val de Bagnes region’s water-related infrastructure and data, as well as a financial package of up to CHF 50,000 to support their installation and development work.
Cash, infrastructure and support
The services offered include privileged access to water-related infrastructure and data in the Val de Bagnes area, as well as a minimum cash amount of CHF 10,000 to finance the initial technical elements or installation costs. “The concept also includes direct feedback from an initial customer (the municipality of Val de Bagnes and its ALTIS water management service), logistical infrastructure (offices and accommodation) so that we can work as close as possible to the Val de Bagnes water networks, as well as tailor-made support to roll out the solution and seek additional funding,” says Anyssia Bovier. A network of specialists in the water sector will be able to supplement the technical and economic aspects to help the selected companies move forward with their solution.
To apply for the BlueArk Challenge residency programme, companies and specialists must propose a solution that meets the challenge of multiple use of water, with a technology that has reached a certain stage of maturity. “Applicants must also have the ambition to develop their solution in real-life conditions and set up on site in the Entremont region for the time needed to carry out the tests,” points out Anyssia Bovier. The projects selected will have to present their solution to a selection committee.
Three main areas
The programme will focus on three main areas: infrastructure, governance and user awareness. In terms of infrastructure, the aim is to optimize existing infrastructure, create new infrastructure for better water management and connect existing networks. Governance will involve prioritizing uses and users, using data to manage water networks and transforming water pricing models. Finally, raising awareness among users will include making the most of users’ ‘water balance’ and using gamification to raise awareness of water consumption.
Val de Bagnes, the 4th largest municipality in Switzerland, covers an area of 302 km² and is home to over 10,000 people of 65 different nationalities. With its drinking water, wastewater and irrigation networks, the municipality is an ideal testing ground for innovations in real-life conditions.
Source : press release