Imagine H2O Program Finds Growth in Startups Tackling Crumbling Water Infrastructure

Imagine H2OTM (IH2O) announced 12 finalists selected to advance to its water tech Accelerator Program. These 12 startups competed in IH2O's 6th annual Business Innovations Competition to receive mentorship from industry leaders, introduction to investors and a global network of beta customers and utilities. These companies join IH2O's portfolio of water startups, which represents over $1 in every $10 of early-stage water financing.

An estimated $20 trillion investment is needed to meet the water needs of the global population, according to a recent McKinsey report. The critical need for innovation and investment in water and wastewater infrastructure has become evident in light of recent high-profile events including the California drought and a series of recent water system failures in major cities. IH2O's path-to-market opportunity advances emerging businesses with scalable solutions to these growing water and wastewater infrastructure challenges.

The global competition attracted entrants from 20 countries, including the U.S. Smart infrastructure solutions represented over a third of the entrants. The competition also received a significant number of entrants presenting green and capital efficient solutions to improving water and wastewater infrastructure. Competition winners and finalists will be honored at Water Gala'15 on March 18, sponsored by Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco.

Imagine H2O's judging panel, which includes industry experts from venture capital firms, water utilities and engineering businesses, based its selection of the finalists on their market viability, value proposition and go-to market strategy. The program's major financial supporters include Wells Fargo (Headline Sponsor), Grundfos, Tetra Tech and the California Water Foundation.

For a complete list of the 12 finalists.

Source: Imagine H2)