Mercy Corps Ventures' Climate Venture Lab is launching its third call for proposals, committing up to $1 million to pilot groundbreaking solutions that enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Focus Area: Water Security

They are seeking first-of-a-kind (FOAK) tech-driven solutions that improve water efficiency, access, conservation, and safety to address the global water crisis.

Why Water Security?

🌍 4 billion people experience water scarcity for at least a month each year
💧 Over 2 billion people lack adequate water supply
⚠️ By 2030, 700 million people could be displaced due to water shortages
🔥 Climate change is intensifying droughts, floods, and extreme rainfall, making water management more challenging

Despite these risks, technology offers game-changing solutions to monitor, manage, and conserve water effectively.

Who Should Apply?

They are looking for early-stage tech startups and innovators with solutions that benefit low-income and underserved populations.

Target Innovation Areas

💦 Increasing water supply – e.g., rainwater harvesting, desalination, wastewater reuse
🌿 Optimizing water demand – e.g., smart irrigation, nature-based water conservation
🏗 Strengthening infrastructure – e.g., water storage, treatment, reducing network losses

🔹 Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
📅 Deadline: May 2, 2025