Fostering the development of a robust supply of deeptech technology providers (startups) in Latin America for the water and sanitation sector

implementation

The overall objective of the TC is to promote knowledge on how to foster the development of a robust supply of deeptech startups in Latin America for the water and sanitation sector.Innovation, through improved business management and efficiency, plays a key role in increasing access and quality to safe water and sanitation for the population in LAC. In particular, the digital technological transformation of systems and processes can result in a reduction in operating expenses of up to 25% for utilities and thus create new economic opportunities for the modernization of sectoral infrastructure. It is expected that 80% and 50% of water utilities in developed and developing countries, respectively, will have implemented a digital transition by 2025 covering three major aspects: (i) infrastructure management and operation of service provision; (ii) customer management; and (iii) personnel management including training.This potential demand for the digital transformation of the water and sanitation sector is not currently met by a supply of technology providers in the region. Innovative entrepreneurs are not interested in the sector and those who offer technological systems, services and products for the water and sanitation sector require a systematic and costly effort to be able to present solutions to the different actors and decision makers in the sector. The few entities focused on making this connection work concentrate on solutions from outside our region.