EY SDG Accelerator: Freshwater x AI

Scaling AI-driven solutions to strengthen freshwater systems, improve water access, and build climate resilience

In collaboration with:

Why?

Freshwater scarcity is accelerating due to climate change, pollution, and weak infrastructure. Over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and demand is rising fast.

While AI has the potential to play a powerful role in enabling more innovative and resilient water systems, many impact‑driven ventures would benefit from the expertise and networks needed to scale solutions where they matter most.

What?

The EY SDG Accelerator: Freshwater x AI is a free, six-month programme supporting AI-driven ventures tackling freshwater access, quality, sanitation, climate resilience, infrastructure, and governance.

Through a competitive application and interview process, five startups are selected to join a structured accelerator designed to help solutions mature and scale.

The programme focuses on strengthening innovation that improves freshwater resilience, restores degraded ecosystems, and expands equitable access to clean water across water-stressed regions worldwide.

Benefits?

Selected ventures will receive the following support:

Each venture will have opportunity to receive 1-on-1 EY Coaching, capacity-building workshops (e.g., investor readiness, financial modeling, etc.), and facilitated brainstorming sessions to help ventures address bottlenecks and scale their ideas.
Access to a global network of investors, including introductions and workshops with impact investment funds, other corporates, research institutions, and water-security experts.
Opportunity to showcase solutions and connect with stakeholders at a global conference.
Regular peer-to-peer calls to build a global community.

Applications open

28 January 2026

Applications close

28 February 2026

Successful applicants notified

4 March 2026

Short interview process for shortlisted applicants

Final selection of 5 ventures by 14 March 2026

Timeline

Focus Areas

Water Access & Equity

Water Quality Monitoring and Management

Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Water Governance, Rights, and Community-led systems

Freshwater Infrastructure and Innovation

Climate-Resilient Water Systems

Who is it for?

Tech for Freshwater Impact: Ventures must use AI, machine learning, or advanced data tools to address challenges across freshwater systems, including water access, quality, sanitation, climate resilience, infrastructure, or governance.
Mission-Driven Enterprise: The programme is designed for mission-driven ventures (for-profit, nonprofit, hybrid, or cooperative) delivering measurable social and environmental impact related to freshwater systems.
Geographic Focus: Ventures must operate in water-stressed regions, including Africa, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, or other regions facing significant freshwater risk.
Legal & Operational Status: The business must be legally incorporated and have been in active operation for at least one year.
Growth Potential: The applicant must be looking to grow both the business’s income and impact.
Language Requirement: Proficiency in English (as this is a global program).

For general inquiries on the program, please contact harry@bright-tide.co.uk