Water Challenge
The Water Challenge (@SELAwater) is a collaborative initiative of The Idea Village and the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) focused on nurturing entrepreneurs with high-growth ventures in the water industry. In its second year, a 2012 priority is innovative solutions to flood management. On Monday, March 12th during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, three entrepreneurs will pitch their business idea before an audience and a panel of expert judges for $50,000 in seed funding. It will be a day of inspiration, innovation and investment as water leaders gather to build our future. Join us, and make history!
WHY DO WE NEED IT?
Water is life, and Louisiana is water wealthy. The Water Challenge believes we are also rich in entrepreneurs whose businesses can solve many of the world’s water problems. Water impacts the lives of all people, especially those of us in coastal Louisiana where billions are being invested in flood protection and water management systems. This investment, combined with our experiences and expertise, empower us to turn Southeast Louisiana into a global leader in water-based businesses.
Meet the Water Challenge entrepreneurs participating in The Idea Village’s 2012 IDEAxcelerator. From October through March, these entrepreneurs will receive resources and customized coaching to accelerate the growth of their ventures. Resources include access to successful serial entrepreneurs through Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, connections to a diverse pool of global business experts, professional service providers and investors, and access to start-up capital. Last year, the inaugural Water Challenge program attracted nearly two dozen entrepreneurs with business ideas ranging from innovative storm water management to hydropower. The winner of the 2011 water challenge, David Culpepper of NanoFex, has developed a product that decontaminates groundwater polluted by industrial solvents using natural, regional by-products.
Register now for the 2012 Water Challenge Day, a kickoff event of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, on Monday, March 12th at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. Featured speakers include Senator Mary Landrieu, Elisa Speranza of CH2M-Hill & Water for People, Mark Davis of the Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law & Policy, International leadership from the Netherlands, a capital investment panel specializing in water investments, a $50,000 pitch competition hosted by Harry Shearer and music from Drew Landry. Registration is free but limited to the first 100 people.
PARTNERS & RESOURCES:
Living With Water.com
Building Resilience Workshop III
Imagine H20
Horizon Initiative Water Committee
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @SELAwater
