8 December 2016
Propeller is now accepting applications for the Water Challenge 2017, a pitch competition that will award $15,000 in total prizes to ideas to address Southeast Louisiana’s urban water, coastal environment, or local water economy.
Applicants who apply online before Friday, February 10th will receive feedback to help strengthen their application in advance of the final deadline on Wednesday, February 22nd.
As Southeast Louisiana continues to grapple with the losses from the 2016 floods, it is more apparent than ever that water poses the biggest challenge to creating a sustainable future in our state. The Water Challenge seeks concrete, sustainable solutions in the areas of urban water management, coastal preservation and restoration, and water-based industries including fisheries and maritime transportation.
Non-profits, for-profits, individuals, and organizations are invited to apply. For existing for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations with over $100,000 in 2016 revenues, the proposed idea must be a new idea that is not currently implemented. Although the Water Challenge encourages ideas from across the country, preference will be given to companies headquartered in Southeast Louisiana – the Greater New Orleans, North Shore, Baton Rouge, and Houma regions. Out-of-state applicants are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend upcoming question and answer sessions on December 15, January 5, January 11, January 18, and January 24 at various locations (in-person and virtual). Event details at GoPropeller.org.
10 semi-finalists will be selected and notified on March 3. They will pitch their solutions on Monday, March 20, 2017 at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week. Tickets are free and open to the public at Eventbrite.
ABOUT THE WATER CHALLENGE
The 2017 Water Challenge is an initiative presented by Propeller focused on solving our region’s most pressing water issues through entrepreneurship. Originally seeded by the Greater New Orleans Foundation and The Idea Village, the Water Challenge is funded by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and supported by Entergy Corporation.