Water Breakthrough Challenge 4

Please note: The entry period for Breakthrough 4  is now closed. Information on this webpage and within the Breakthrough 4 resources is provided for historical reference for existing entrants.

The next round of the Water Breakthrough Challenge will open in autumn 2024. More information will be published in the summer – sign up to our Newsletter to receive updates straight into your inbox!

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The fourth round of the Water Breakthrough Challenge (‘Breakthrough 4’) will make approximately £40 million available to highly collaborative water-sector innovations, aiming to deliver benefits for customers, society and the environment.

In Breakthrough 4, Ofwat is eager to hear even bigger and bolder ideas, with a greater focus on generating and sharing knowledge, and rolling out successful innovations.

As in previous rounds of the Water Breakthrough Challenge, entries must be submitted in partnership with a water company (including NAVs) in England or Wales. If you’re new to the water sector, but would like to participate in our future challenges, you’re encouraged to begin reaching out to water companies and Spring, the water sector’s centre of excellence for innovation.

Water companies who would like help to brief their staff or supply chain about the opportunities presented by Breakthrough 4 can email the delivery team.

The previous round, Water Breakthrough Challenge 3 concluded in 2023, with 16 finalists awarded a total of £38 million. Learn about the previous challenge and the winning innovations.

If you would like to be considered for the next round of the Water Breakthrough Challenge, sign up to our newsletter to hear about the launch, taking place in August 2024!