The open call for the Ideas into Action Award invites water and/or sanitation utilities in Latin America and the Caribbean to present their implemented innovations.

This year, the call is also inviting utilities to submit challenges that can be tackled through innovative solutions on smart technologies, desalination, water reuse and/or management.

In 2020, the two Ideas into Action Award categories are.

CATEGORY 1

Innovative Excellence

We are looking for successful and fully implemented innovations developed water and/or sanitation utilities, which have been tested and implemented; and have had a positive impact in one of the following categories:

Environmental and
social innovation

Technological
innovation

Process
innovation

If your utility has implemented an innovative program, practice, product, or service in the environmental, social, technological, or procedural area in WATER and/or SANITATION, this category is for you!

CATEGORY 2

Challenges

For water and/or sanitation utilities in Latin America and the Caribbean facing challenges that can be tackled through innovative pilots in the smart technologies, desalination, water reuse and/or management areas

Smart
Technologies
(Smart Water
Infrastructure
Technologies -
(SWIT))

Desalination

Wastewater
treatment
and reuse

Innovations in
management of
water and
sanitation
services

If your utility presents a challenge in WATER and/or SANITATION that can be solved through the implementation of innovative technologies in one or more of the innovation areas described, this category is for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

In 2020, Ideas into Action has two categories, Can my utility participate in both categories?

Yes. Water and/or sanitation utilities can apply to one or both categories of the 2020 Ideas into Action Award. Make sure to review the terms and conditions of each of these categories and submit your innovation and/or challenge proposal in the respective category.

CATEGORY: INNOVATIVE EXCELLENCE.
For innovations implemented by water and/or sanitation utilities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Up to a maximum of three (3) innovations per utility.

CATEGORY: CHALLENGES.
For water and/or sanitation utilities in Latin America and the Caribbean facing challenges that can be solved through innovative solutions in smart technologies, desalination, reuse and/or management. Up to a maximum of two (2) challenges per utility.

In which language can I send my application(s)?

The application(s) to the two categories may be submitted in any of the IDB's four official languages: Spanish, French, English, or Portuguese.

Category challenges

My challenge can be solved through one or more innovative solutions in the described areas. Can I select one or more areas in the application form?

Yes. At least one (1) or up to a maximum of four (4) areas can be selected. This category seeks to identify challenges that can be solved through innovations in one, or a combination of the following technological and/or management areas:

Smart Technologies (Smart Water Infrastructure Technologies - (SWIT))
Desalination
Wastewater treatment and reuse
Innovations in management of water and sanitation services.

My challenge can be solved through another technological area. Can I participate in this category?

In this call, Category Challenges, only challenges that can be solved through the implementation of innovative pilots in smart technologies, desalination, reuse and/or management will be evaluated and selected.

Do I need the utility’s cover letter for the challenge?

Yes, it is necessary to present the challenge’s cover letter in the conditions described in the guidelines of the call.

Category innovative excellence

The utility's initiative is not yet being implemented or executed, but the business plan and partners are ready. Can I participate?

In this call, only innovative initiatives that have been implemented in the last 5 years and that can demonstrate results will be considered.

There are several questions that must be answered. Do I have to answer them all?

Yes, all questions must be answered respecting the word limit for each field. It is important to mention concrete results, figures, indicators, and impact.

Do I need the authorization letter from the utility or can I only have an approval email?

Yes, it is necessary to present the authorization letter in the conditions described in the guidelines of the call.

Will the video be published in the IDB's communication channels?

The videos can be used in different communication channels or scenarios of the IDB within the framework of the call or in general in the framework of innovation management of the IDB. By submitting the application, the participants agree to assign to the IDB the right to use said videos for promotional purposes and to disseminate the prizes.

Will the video be used only within the time and frame of this call?

The material may be used for different purposes within and outside the framework of this call for instructional, educational, purposes.

Can other utilities see my video?

Yes, the videos will be published on communication channels with open access.

In the proposal and video, should I include how does the innovative initiative address solutions aimed at minimizing the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the continuity of the operations of the water and / or sanitation utility?

This question is optional. If the innovative initiative in water and/or sanitation addresses solutions aimed at minimizing the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the continuity of the operations of the water and / or sanitation utilities, let us know in the application and video how your initiative, practice or model contributes to respond to this challenge

In the proposal and video, should I include how has the initiative, practice, or model successfully implemented a green infrastructure system for flood control in an urban context?

This question is optional. If the initiative, practice, or model has successfully implemented a green infrastructure system for flood control in an urban context, let us know in the application and video how it has been done and what the results have been.

YOUR INNOVATION AND/OR CHALLENGE MATTER

CATEGORIES

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