What is Xylem?
Xylem is a company headquartered in the United States that operates in the water technology sector across 150 countries worldwide. The company develops technologies, products, and solutions for the transport, treatment, measurement, analysis, and efficient use of water.
1. Organization
The 2026 Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge is a global online student innovation competition organized by Xylem Ignite to support young people in developing innovative ideas within the water sector.
Throughout the competition, experts from Xylem as well as from partner institutions and organizations—including customers and suppliers—serve as mentors, organizers, and jury members.
2. Purpose of the Competition
The primary objective of the competition is to enhance young people’s knowledge and awareness of the water sector, foster their innovation and leadership skills, and enable them to develop innovative solutions for real-world water challenges.
The competition aims for students to:
• Develop innovative solutions for real-world water challenges,
• Utilize their creativity and strategic thinking skills,
• Collaborate with peers from different countries,
• Receive mentorship and coaching from water sector experts,
• Benefit from training, webinars, and educational content related to the water sector.
3. Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to:
• High school and university students,
• Students aged 13–25 at the time of registration/competition launch,
• Students wishing to participate either individually or as part of a team. The competition is open to students studying in various academic fields. However, participation by students studying in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and other engineering disciplines is particularly encouraged.
Teams may consist of up to 5 students.
4. Competition Format
The competition spans 8 weeks and is conducted entirely online (virtually). Participants work either individually or in teams to develop solutions for specific water-related challenges.
Throughout the competition, participants are provided with:
• Expert mentorship,
• One-on-one mentoring and coaching,
• Webinars,
• Learning sessions,
• Specialized training (masterclasses) in the water sector,
• Learning resources related to the water sector and the competition theme.
In the 2026 competition, solution development efforts focus on three key thematic areas:
• Water Quantity
• Water Quality
• Water Access
At the conclusion of the competition, participants are expected to submit their developed projects and final presentations.
5. Participation Fee
There is no information regarding a participation or registration fee in the official announcement or on the competition’s current webpage. Therefore, it is understood that no fee is required for participation in the competition.
6. Participation Requirements
The basic requirements for participating in the competition are as follows:
• Being a high school or university student,
• Being between the ages of 13 and 25 at the start of the competition,
• Participating individually or as part of a team of up to 5 people,
• Developing an innovative solution for a real-world problem in the water sector,
• Participating in the competition’s online processes,
• Submitting the project and the required final presentation at the end of the competition.
Parental/guardian consent is required for participants under the age of 18.
7. Important Dates
The key dates for the 2026 competition are listed below:
The competition’s launch event and the competition process itself will be conducted online.
8. Prize
There is a total prize pool of 20,000 USD for the competition.
9. Opportunities for Participants
Students participating in the competition will have the opportunity to:
• Receive mentorship from experts in the water sector,
• Access information and educational resources regarding the water industry,
• Develop solutions for real-world problems,
• Become part of a network of international students and young innovators,
• Enhance their innovation, creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.
10. Application and Detailed Information
It is recommended to follow the competition’s official website for the latest application requirements, competition schedule, problem areas, and project submission processes. Official competition page: Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge 2026 (https://xyleminnovationchallenge.bemyapp.com/ )