Seek innovative solutions to prevent aquatic invasive species in watercraft ballast systems through a multi-phase challenge by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamati
Introduction
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), in partnership with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI), is launching a multi-phase prize challenge to address the critical issue of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in watercraft ballast systems. This initiative aims to harness the collective intelligence of innovators to find sustainable solutions.
The Challenge and Its Objectives
The challenge is designed to identify innovative methods for preventing the transport of harmful AIS such as quagga, zebra, and golden mussels. These invasive species pose a significant threat to Reclamation’s water delivery and hydropower infrastructure, necessitating immediate and effective solutions. By leveraging crowdsourcing, the challenge seeks to foster collaboration and innovation across the federal government and beyond.
Structure and Timeline
The challenge is structured into three phases, with specific milestones to ensure transparency and engagement. The first phase involves the submission of concept papers, while subsequent phases will focus on the development and testing of proposed solutions. The timeline for the challenge is as follows:
- **Open Date:** February 26, 2026
- **Phase 1 Concept Papers Due:** May 29, 2026
A total of $550,000 in prizes will be awarded across all phases, incentivizing participants to develop and refine their ideas.
How to Participate
Interested innovators are encouraged to visit the official challenge website at
Conclusion
The Bureau of Reclamation’s partnership with NASA’s CoECI and yet2 highlights the potential of collaborative innovation to address complex environmental challenges. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, the challenge seeks to drive meaningful progress in protecting America’s water resources and infrastructure.
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