Imagine H2O® (IH2O®) announced the winners of its 2016 Water Data Challenge. Ten promising data-driven water businesses were selected from a global field of 90 startups in 20 countries to participate in the seventh annual innovation program. Winning teams will participate in IH2O’s rigorous business accelerator, benefitting from cash awards, mentorship, industry exposure, as well as introductions to customers and investors.
The Challenge’s winner was Ceres Imaging (Oakland, CA), a breakthrough aerial imaging solution for agriculture. Offering a proprietary imaging technology and analytics platform currently unmatched in the industry, Ceres provides farmers affordable access to actionable data to manage water stress and fertilizer application. Ayyeka (Jerusalem, Israel), a modular remote monitoring solution for water infrastructure and Apana (Spokane, WA), a commercial water use management and detection platform, were both recognized as runners-up.
IH2O’s 2016 cohort offered a full range of innovative data solutions to critical water issues and all 10 were showcased at the organization’s annual Water Gala on March 16 in San Francisco, CA. IH2O’s judging panel, which includes leading industry experts from venture capital firms, water utilities and engineering businesses, assessed companies for their market viability, value proposition, and go-to-market strategy. During 2016, IH2O will provide accelerator participants with capacity building and strategic advice and connections to the organization’s global network of investors and customers committed to deploying water technology.