C-WIN Shines Bright: Secures Second Place in National Water-Energy Nexus Innovation Challenge

We are thrilled to announce that the Centre for Water Innovation Namibia (C-WIN) has clinched second place in the prestigious Just Transition to the Future (JTF) Water-Energy Nexus Open Innovation Challenge! This national competition, spearheaded by the Capricorn Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Network for Global Innovation (NGIN), and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) Namibia, aims to address critical water and energy challenges in Namibia's drought-prone regions.

(Photo credit: www.capricorn.com.na) From left to right: Hon. Dept. Minister Ballotti (Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture), Her Excellency Ms Cécile Vigneau (French Ambassador to Namibia), Mr Sacky Nalusha (Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Green Team Consultants and 1st Prize Winner), Ms Michelle (Centre for Water Innovation Namibia and 2nd prize winner), Mr Fred Walti, Co-Founder & Founding CEO at NGIN, Dr Rikus Grobler, Innovation Manager, Capricorn Group, Mr Mchenge Nyoka, National Project Coordinator, UNIDO.

C-WIN's innovative solution, which integrates renewable energy with advanced water management technologies, was recognized for its potential to enhance water accessibility and energy efficiency in communities facing water scarcity. The Centre's approach emphasizes sustainable practices tailored to Namibia's unique environmental conditions.

The challenge attracted a global response, with 162 registrations and 49 submissions from countries including Afghanistan, Austria, Botswana, Cambodia, Congo, India, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Moldova, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Turkey. These submissions showcased a range of solutions, from biotechnology and renewable energy-powered filtration systems to chemical-free desalination methods and innovative irrigation techniques. 

C-WIN's participation and success in this challenge underscore its commitment to developing scalable and sustainable solutions that address the intertwined issues of water scarcity and energy efficiency. The Centre looks forward to furthering its mission of fostering innovation and resilience in Namibia's water and energy sectors.

For more information about the challenge and its winners, visit the official announcement: 

https://www.capricorn.com.na/Pages/Capricorn-Foundation/News/Capricorn-Foundation-Announces-the-Water-Energy-Nexus-Challenge-Winners.aspx

https://economist.com.na/96594/general-news/green-team-consultants-tops-local-water-energy-innovation-challenge/