2026 IWA Project Innovation Awards launched

IWA is pleased to announce details of the call for entries for the 2026 Project Innovation Awards (PIA). Awarded biennially at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition, the Project Innovation Awards recognise and promote excellence and innovation in water management, research, and technology. Winning entries will be celebrated at a prestigious Gala event, bringing together water leaders from around the world.

The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2026 will take place in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from 4–8 October 2026, providing a global stage to showcase pioneering projects shaping the future of water.

For full details about the awards, visit: iwa-network.org/iwa-project-innovation-awards 

Could you be an IWA Project Innovation Award winner?

Have you been part of a team delivering an inspiring, innovative, and impactful water project? Has your organisation led or collaborated on a project that has achieved a significant, positive, and demonstrable impact? If so, you could be one of the next IWA Project Innovation Award winners.

How the submissions process works?

The Project Innovation Awards follow a two-stage submission process:

Preliminary Submissions (Deadline: 27 March 2026) – shortlisted projects are selected through an initial pre-judging stage.
Full Submissions(Deadline: 29 May 2026) – invited nominees are requested to submit detailed project documentation for final assessment.

For Preliminary Submissions (Deadline: 27 March 2026), nominees are expected to provide:

• Name and contact details of the entrant(s) and/or organisation submitting the application
• A short summary of the project (maximum 450 words)

For Full Submissions, invited nominees will be expected to provide:

• A project description (maximum 1,200 words)
• Up to five high-quality images
• Up to three supporting documents
• Up to three links to relevant resources
• A minimum of two testimonial letters

Submissions can only be made via the online submissions platform.

The Project Innovation Awards 2026 will be presented during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow, United Kingdom, on 4–8 October 2026.

Key Dates

23 February 2026: Submission Portal Open

27 March 2026: Deadline for Preliminary Submission 

17 April 2026: Invitation to submit Full Submission

29 May 2026: Deadline for Full Submission by invited entries

 

The Project Innovation Awards

There are six Project Innovation Award categories, with each category celebrating excellence in a specific field within the water sector. An esteemed panel of experts will assess submissions from each category. The winner in each category will be awarded a gold medal, and the two runners-up will receive silver and bronze medals.

Gold medal winners will be considered for the IWA Grand Innovation Award.

For full details about the categories and more, please visit:
www.iwa-network.org/iwa-project-innovation-awards