Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched the inaugural India edition of ‘Stockholm Junior Water Prize’, a Global Water Challenge for school students in Classes 9th to 12th.

It is being organized to recognize and celebrate the innovative efforts of young minds in addressing critical water-related challenges. The champion team will represent India at the esteemed Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden, which will be held August 25th to 29^th 2024 as a part of World Water Week.

This competition is being hosted by Sustainability Venture Studio at the School of Sustainability, IIT Madras, in partnership with Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and sponsored by Aquamap – Center for Water Management and Policy, IIT Madras.

Participants can fill out the application form and submit comprehensive project documentation by the deadline of 30th April 2024. The top 25 teams will be selected through a rigorous process by subject matter experts. Interested School Students in Classes 9th to 12th and above 15 years of age can apply through the following link – https://sjwpindia.in/

Highlighting the need for such competitions, Dr. Indumathi M Nambi, Professor of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “The need for Innovations in the water domain should be seeded in the minds of students at a very young age. When they prepare and participate in such programs, it exposes them to the larger challenges faced by society, gives them the confidence that they can make a difference and opens the door to career choices in these domains.”

The competition aims to spotlight outstanding projects tackling various global water challenges, including but not limited to Water Pollution, Unequal Access to clean water and sanitation, Water Scarcity, High Groundwater Stress, Agricultural Water Use, Water Governance & and management, and Ecosystem Degradation.

This competition not only provides a platform for students to showcase their innovative solutions but also fosters a global network of young water enthusiasts, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The Key Highlights of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize include:

• Ten outstanding teams from the top 25 will be honoured with the National Water Champions Award.
• The top 25 teams will have the chance to exhibit their projects at IIT Madras.
• Recognition will be given to schools demonstrating commitment to water and environmental concerns.
• Each of the top 25 teams will undergo training in presentation skills and receive certificates from SJWP India and IIT Madras.