The International Water Association (IWA), in partnership with the Gates Foundation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WSH) programme, invites innovators and technology developers to apply for the Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) Project. This global initiative aims to accelerate the development of affordable, robust, and scalable sanitation solutions to shape the future of sanitation worldwide.
We are looking for bold, innovative technology solutions—from integrated systems treating all household wastewater (including greywater and blackwater) to impactful subsystems—that can help meet international standards such as ISO 30500. Selected solutions will receive financial support (from a shared pool up to $3 million USD) and tailored technical guidance, with the opportunity to participate in a collaborative workshop to refine and optimise the technology for real-world application.
The NGSS Project focuses on non-biological household sanitation technologies that can effectively treat both blackwater and greywater. Whether you’re developing fully integrated systems or subsystems that contribute to integrated solutions, we want to hear from you. Your technology must be aligned with the principles of Global Access, ensuring affordability and adaptability for low- and middle-income countries.
This initiative tackles the critical limitations of traditional septic systems—such as performance gaps, environmental concerns, and missed opportunities for water reuse and resource recovery—by accelerating the development and deployment of modular or integrated sanitation systems.
Submit your applications by 22 May 2025.
The Application Process
The NGSS Project’s application and selection process will take place in three phases:
Phase 1 – Global Call for Ideas:
An open invitation for applications. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts based on innovation, feasibility, cost-efficiency, and robustness.
Phase 2 – Refinement Workshop:
Selected teams will be invited to a collaborative workshop to refine and optimise their technologies for real-world application and testing.
Phase 3 – Funding & Development:
Finalists (selected from among the Phase 2 group) will receive financial support (from a shared pool of up to $3 million USD) and tailored technical guidance to bring their solutions to market readiness by 2026.
Who Should Apply?
- Innovators and technology developers
- Engineering and research teams
- Start-ups and academic groups
- Anyone working on non-biological sanitation or water treatment technologies
How to Apply
Innovation for Global Sanitation Starts Here. From subsystems to full solutions — if your technology can help shape the future of sanitation, apply now.
More details about Next Generation Sanitation Systems is available here.
Interested applicants are encouraged and submit their proposals here.
NGSS Webinar
Don’t forget to join the webinar IWA & GF Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) Project – Info Session on 1st May 2025 to discuss:
- Understanding the NGSS project vision: from innovation to real-world impact.
- Application walkthrough: eligibility, focus areas, and key technical expectations (TRLs, MRLs, ISO 30500 alignment, cost modelling, IP and Global Access).
- Guidance on preparing a strong application.
- Open Q&A: clarifying the process, requirements, and opportunities.
For further queries about the application process please contact Elena Fernandez-Miranda.
