IBM launches RFP to help accelerate global water management solutions for vulnerable populations

Rhea-AI Summary

IBM announced the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Sustainability Accelerator, focusing on innovative solutions for water management. This initiative aims to enhance access to safe drinking water, improve water quality, and increase efficiency in water usage, targeting populations vulnerable to environmental threats. The RFP is open for submissions from March 14, 2023, until the end of May 2023, with selected projects to be announced in November 2023. Collaborating organizations include Water.org and the United Nations Development Programme.

Positive

• Launch of RFP for IBM Sustainability Accelerator focused on water management solutions.
• Collaboration with reputable organizations like Water.org and the UNDP enhances credibility.
• Targeting critical social issues regarding water scarcity and quality aligns with UN SDG 6.

Negative

• None.

• IBM will support projects that can help improve access to safe drinking water for all, improve water quality by reducing pollution, increase water-use efficiency, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, increase sanitation management, and reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
• This year's RFP will have representatives from Water.org and United Nations Development Programme as part of the selection process

ARMONK, N.Y., March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today that it is accepting proposals for the next cohort of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, which will focus on water management solutions. This program applies IBM technologies, such as hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence, and an ecosystem of experts to enhance and scale projects focused on populations vulnerable to environmental threats.

According to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries. This challenge is expected to be exacerbated in some regions as result of climate change and population growth.

In alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, IBM will look to support projects that help improve equitable access to safe drinking water for all, improve water quality by reducing pollution, increase water-use efficiency across all sectors, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, increase sanitation management, and reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity – among other purposes.

The RFP process will include input from IBM across disciplines, and from representatives from organizations such as Water.org and the United Nations Development Programme. The selection criteria will consider the applicant's capacity and readiness to support communities who are especially vulnerable to water-related threats, technical feasibility and sustainability for the envisioned solution, and transparency on measurement and reporting – along with others.

"Water management for the world's most vulnerable communities is a tremendous challenge," said IBM VP and Chief Impact Officer Justina Nixon-Saintil. "Following our first two cohorts on sustainable agriculture and clean energy, now we look forward to working with organizations with initiatives that scale technology solutions that will support communities in overcoming water challenges, including shortages, pollution, or conservation."

This year's RFP process will include input from Ben Mandell, Utility Services Expert at Water.org and Mary M. Matthews, Head of the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge and interim Head of Water and Ocean Governance Programme – together with other partner experts. They will share their input and expertise throughout the selection cycle.

"Innovation in the water management space is key for meeting UN SDG 6," said Mandell, one of the judges for the water cohort selection. "Organization initiatives that are selected to participate in the IBM Sustainability Accelerator will have a significant opportunity to make an impact with the help of IBM's technology, expertise, and network across its large ecosystem of partners."

Non-profit and government initiatives focused on water management can apply to the RFP from March 14^th until the end of May 2023. The selected participants will be announced in November 2023.

Fernando Arreaza
IBM Social Impact, ESG Media Relations Manager
Fernando.arreaza@ibm.com

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SOURCE IBM

FAQ

What is the purpose of IBM's Sustainability Accelerator RFP announced on March 14, 2023?

The RFP aims to support innovative projects focused on improving water management and access to safe drinking water for vulnerable populations.

Which organizations are involved in the selection process for the IBM Sustainability Accelerator RFP?

The selection process will include representatives from Water.org and the United Nations Development Programme.

When is the deadline for submitting proposals for IBM's Sustainability Accelerator RFP?

Proposals can be submitted until the end of May 2023.

When will the selected participants for IBM's Sustainability Accelerator be announced?

Participants selected from the RFP will be announced in November 2023.

What are the main goals of the projects supported by IBM's Sustainability Accelerator RFP?

The main goals include improving access to safe drinking water, enhancing water quality, and increasing water-use efficiency.