The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDI), and KACST have launched the Future Makers Challenge to develop artificial intelligence solutions for water sustainability.
This initiative invites technology teams, startups, and researchers across DCO Member States to address global challenges in the water sector. Under the question of whether artificial intelligence can help secure the future of water, participants will design systems to optimize water networks and decrease energy use.
Purpose of the Future Makers Challenge
The Future Makers Challenge focuses on identifying tools that reduce water loss, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen resource circularity. In addition, the program aims to build greater resilience across the entire water value chain through tested digital applications.
By engaging specialists across borders, the project connects research capabilities with practical requirements in member countries. Consequently, selected participants will move their concepts from initial development to validation and potential deployment in municipal and agricultural systems.
Role of the NexaBridge Initiative
The challenge operates through NexaBridge, an open innovation initiative developed by the DCO. This platform connects technical experts with institutional challenges to create clear routes toward commercial adoption.
Furthermore, this critical sustainability track represents the initial activation of the Future Makers model. It illustrates how government bodies, research institutes, and software developers can coordinate efforts to accelerate technical problem-solving on an international scale.
Alignment with National Priorities
This program supports the long-term goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s national water strategy. The Kingdom’s continuous investment in modern infrastructure provides a foundation for testing digital economy applications in essential sectors.
These efforts also correspond with findings from the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator (DEN) 2025. The index tracks digital maturity and highlights Saudi Arabia’s capacity to convert digital infrastructure into practical tools for environmental preservation and resource efficiency.
Application Details and Timeline
Qualified teams across DCO Member States can submit their entries online through the official portal. The application window remains open until 4 October 2026 for eligible organizations.
Founded in 2020, the DCO represents 16 Member States with a combined GDP of nearly USD 3.5 trillion and a population exceeding 800 million. The organization continues to coordinate digital policies, having initiated membership procedures for nine additional countries in July 2026.
