Green Team Consultants win water challenge
The Capricorn Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Network for Global Innovation (NGIN), and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) Namibia, announces the winners of the Just Transition to the Future (JTF) Water-Energy Nexus Open Innovation Challenge.First prize went to Green Team Consultants which won N$50 000 ahead of Centre for Water Innovation Namibia (N$30 000) and AB Farms Vertical Hydroponic Technology (N$10 000) in third place.
The challenge aimed to address the critical challenges surrounding water and energy in drought-prone regions in Namibia.
Marlize Horn, Capricorn Foundation’s Executive Officer, said, “The JTF Water-Energy Nexus Challenge, which was launched on 17 October 2024 invited innovators to develop technologies, processes and systems that addressed Namibia’s unique challenges. By participating, they contribute to the country’s sustainability, build capacity, gain exposure, and potentially scale their ideas to other regions facing similar issues.”
She emphasised that by supporting initiatives like this, the Capricorn Foundation reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainability and innovation that benefits local communities and the broader Namibian economy.
Judging
After a rigorous evaluation process by a diverse panel of independent judges and experts, the top 30 entries were invited to participate in NGIN's "Disruptor’s Blueprint Programme" to refine their ideas and prepare them for investor pitches.
The final, held in Windhoek on Wednesday, showcased the top 10 finalists presenting their solutions live to a panel of judges.
"In a country as arid as Namibia, water scarcity is not just a challenge—it’s a call to innovate. Sustainable and affordable water treatment solutions are the bridge between crisis and resilience. Every drop counts in Namibia so does every innovation in water and energy" said Sacky Nalusha, Cofounder & Managing Partner of Green Team Consultants.
The challenge received a strong global response, with 162 registrations and 49 innovative entries submitted on the open innovation platform from countries such as Afghanistan, Austria, Botswana, Cambodia, Congo, India, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Moldova, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Turkey.
The submissions included creative solutions ranging from biotechnology and renewable energy-powered filtration systems to chemical-free desalination methods, new water harvesting methods, and innovative irrigation techniques.
Critical issue
Dr Rikus Grobler, the Manager of Innovation at Capricorn Group, stated, "The Water-Energy Nexus Challenge has shown how open innovation can address critical issues in water and energy sustainability. We are excited to see different and creative solutions from this Challenge. We look forward to supporting these ideas as they get closer to implementation and making a real difference in our communities."
Despite the good rains that Namibia received this year, the country still faces water shortages due to droughts, rapid urban growth, and climate change. The JTF Water-Energy Nexus Challenge aims to create solutions that improve how we use water and energy while also meeting the needs of our communities.
Fred Walti, President and CEO of Network for Global Innovation, added, "It’s been very inspiring to work with young Namibian entrepreneurs who have applied for the Just Transition to the Future Technology Challenge: Integrated water energy solutions for drought-resilient communities. These entrepreneurs are not only building new companies but also a better future for Namibia."