The Idea Village is currently seeking regional applicants for the 2012 Water Challenge. The Water Challenge is a collaborative initiative of The Idea Village and the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) focused on nurturing entrepreneurs with high-growth ventures in the water industry. Going into its second year, a priority in 2012 will be innovative solutions to flood management. The deadline for applications is September 30th, 2011.
According to The Idea Village, the water management challenges in Greater New Orleans create, “entrepreneurial opportunities with global possibilities. Innovative, entrepreneurial solutions have the potential to save lives and create a global impact. Here in Southeast Louisiana, we have the experience, the expertise and the resources to be world leaders in water-related industries.”
The Idea Village will invite a select group of entrepreneurs with high-impact business ideas to receive six-months of customized technical assistance and a chance to pitch for $50,000 on Monday, March 12, 2012 during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.
The first Water Challenge competition was won by Nanofex at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week in March of 2011. NanoFex aims to remediate ground water contamination through the use of proprietary cellulose nanospheres, made from Louisiana sugarcane and crab and crawfish shells.