A new round of the Victorian Climate Innovation Challenge has launched. The program supports new ideas to help the water sector respond to climate change.
The 2025 challenge offers a total prize pool of $280,000. It is open to all water corporations across Victoria. The program is led by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action with support from the Intelligent Water Networks.
This year has been very dry in Victoria. Rainfall is the lowest it has been this century. More funding has been provided to support larger and more collaborative projects.
Water corporations are encouraged to design smart and practical solutions. These can reduce climate impacts or turn challenges into new opportunities. Past winners have included technology-driven and environmental projects.
Last year’s winner was South East Water with RMIT University. Their project focused on using solar energy and recycled water to produce green hydrogen. This system is modular and can connect to existing infrastructure.
The water sector is also moving toward 100 percent renewable energy. This change supports a goal of reaching net-zero emissions.
Entries for the challenge can be submitted at climateinnovationchallenge.org.au.