Students passion  about water sustainability and creative problem-solving have a chance to join an exciting global program in 2026. The UNESCO-affiliated International Water Centre in Montpellier (ICIREWARD) has opened applications for the next edition of its Water4Future Innovation Challenge, an event dedicated to fresh ideas that can transform how communities manage and protect water resources.

About the Competition

This student-focused hackathon brings together participants from around the world for 48 hours of teamwork, creativity, and guided innovation. With support from specialists in business, communication, environmental science, engineering, and project development, each team works toward creating a practical and impactful concept. The theme for the 2026 edition will be revealed only two days before the event.

The working languages of the challenge are French and English, enabling broad participation across continents.

A Snapshot of Last Year

The 2025 edition brought together over 450 students, forming 82 international teams from Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond. More than 70 mentors accompanied the participants, transforming the event into a vibrant hub of creativity and fresh thinking on water challenges.

Key Dates for 2026

• Event Dates: 26–27 February 2026

• Application Deadline: 19 December 2025

Selected teams will join the hybrid-format hackathon and work on innovative ideas focused on continental water systems, with the final theme disclosed during a live online briefing.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity.