Ofwat has opened its fifth Water Breakthrough Challenge innovation fund competition. Water companies in partnership with innovators can apply for funding for projects to address the sector’s most pressing challenges, including climate resilience, enhancing the environment and finding better ways to meet customer expectations.

Up to £40 million will be awarded through two streams:

• Catalyst – for partnerships seeking between £150,000 and £2m. This will close for entries on 6 January 2025.
• Transform – for partnerships seeking between £2m and £10m. First stage entries close on 30 September 2024 with the most promising entries then invited to enter a second stage in mid-November 2024.

The winners of both streams will be announced in May 2025.