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National Post
5 days ago
- Business
- National Post
HCL Group and UpLink Launch Fourth Global Aquapreneur Innovation Challenge to Boost Water Resilience
Article content DELHI, India & TIANJIN, China — Global conglomerate HCL Group and UpLink, early-stage innovation initiative of the World Economic Forum, have announced the fourth challenge of the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative, the Water Resilience Challenge. The announcement was made at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China. Applications are open until August 4, 2025, with winners to be announced in January 2026. The top 10 winners will receive a total financial award of CHF1.75 million divided amongst the innovators. For detailed information and eligibility criteria, visit: Important Dates to Note 25 June to 4 August 2025 Open for submissions August 2025 Review and selection process January 2026 Announcement of the winners The Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative is a 5-year, 15 million CHF collaboration between UpLink, HCL Group and the World Economic Forum's Food and Water team, to create a first-of-its-kind innovation ecosystem for freshwater. The Innovation Challenge aims to empower global change-makers pioneering groundbreaking technologies, strategies and approaches to conserve, manage and protect water resources. Article content The Water Resilience Challenge seeks scalable, pioneering solutions that enhance the resilience of water systems facing mounting pressures from climate change, pollution and increasing demand. Submissions are invited across three critical sectors: Article content Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience – Solutions to strengthen urban and rural water systems including drainage, enhancing their ability to withstand extreme weather (including extreme heat, droughts, floods and stormwater), addressing infrastructure gaps and vulnerabilities, and meeting growing demand. Rethinking Agri-food Water Use – Solutions to transform agricultural surface water and groundwater use through regenerative and nature-based approaches, improved irrigation practices, and innovations to conserve, reuse, and replenish water resources across food systems. Optimising Water in the Tech Sector and Energy Systems – Technologies to improve water efficiency and reduce water-related risks in industries such as AI data centres, semiconductor manufacturing, along with solutions that improve water-efficiency in energy generation and recover energy from wastewater. Article content , Article content Article content said, 'Through HCL's collaboration with the World Economic Forum and UpLink, we are helping build a global ecosystem for water innovation — one changemaker at a time. We focus on strategic support — enabling promising innovators to access global platforms, visibility, investors, policymakers, and peer networks. In just three years, 30 innovators supported through this initiative have raised over $90 million and saved over 12 billion litres of water. Our goal is to empower at least 50 such changemakers — and many more in the years ahead.' Article content John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum Article content , added, ' Article content UpLink and HCL Group's Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative recognizes that solving the water crisis demands a dynamic ecosystem to scale effective solutions. Together with the World Economic Forum's Food and Water Initiative, we are proud to launch the Water Resilience Challenge, calling on bold early-stage start-ups addressing the most urgent water needs of our time, from rising demands in the tech and agritech sectors to climate-driven infrastructure vulnerabilities. By supporting breakthrough innovators and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we're working together to build the water resilience every industry needs to thrive in a water-stressed world.' Article content 'Being part of the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative has been transformative. For a company at our stage, the credibility from HCL, UpLink, and the World Economic Forum has opened doors to high-level partners and investors we couldn't have reached otherwise, including HCL itself. The financial award and global recognition have positioned us for our next stage of growth, and we've joined a powerful community of innovators tackling the world's biggest water challenges,' Article content said Mansi Jain, Co-founder and CEO of DigitalPaani, a grantee from the previous cohort. Article content An official announcement regarding the launch of the Water Resilience Challenge will also be made on June 26 at the Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) Meeting at the ongoing London Climate Action Week organized by the World Economic Forum. Article content In response to the growing climate variability, groundwater depletion and water-intensive industrial demands, the Water Resilience Challenge seeks to catalyze a new generation of sustainable, scalable and equitable solutions. Selected participants will gain access to funding, mentorship, global visibility, and a powerful network of experts, investors and partners. Article content About HCL Article content Founded in 1976 as one of India's original IT garage start-ups, HCL Group is a pioneer of modern computing with many firsts to its credit, including the introduction of the 8-bit microprocessor-based computer in 1978 well before its global peers. Today, the HCL Group has a presence across varied sectors that include technology, healthcare and talent management solutions and comprises three companies – HCL Infosystems, HCLTech and HCL Healthcare. The enterprise generates annual revenues of over US$13.8 billion with 220,000 employees operating across 60 countries. For further information, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content On behalf of HCL: Article content Article content Alisha Bisherwal- Article content Article content Article content
Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
CharmHealth Innovation Challenge Returns With $10,000 Prize, Spotlights Agentic AI in Healthcare
PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CharmHealth, a leader in healthcare technology solutions for providers, today announced that its 2025 Innovation Challenge continues to accept proposals from innovators, entrepreneurs and developers. The annual competition seeks fresh ideas that drive impact across the healthcare ecosystem. 'The Innovation Challenge is an exceptional program that surfaces compelling solutions to some of healthcare's most pressing issues while offering a platform for passionate creators and builders to gain support for their work.' Share Proposals are being accepted in the following categories: Mobile Health Apps, Healthcare Accessibility, Tech-led Innovations, Population Health, and new this year, Agentic AI. Submissions will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. PDT on July 31, 2025. 'The Innovation Challenge is an exceptional program that surfaces compelling solutions to some of healthcare's most pressing issues while offering a platform for passionate creators and builders to gain support for their work,' said Pramila Srinivasan, Ph.D., CEO of CharmHealth. 'This year's class of applicants represents another stellar group, and we look forward to helping them make the connections that can transform not only their business but also the future of care.' For the 2025 Innovation Challenge, a group of 15 finalists will be selected. They will gain access to CharmVentures, CharmHealth's dedicated initiative focused on funding and supporting high-potential startups through mentorship, strategic guidance, and investment opportunities. With the ability to leverage insights from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, finalists will be able to refine, test and scale their solutions more effectively. They will also unlock visibility through CharmHealthHub, the dynamic marketplace that connects innovative solutions with a broad network of healthcare providers and organizations. Finalists will present their ideas, products and services to investors, partners and healthcare professionals during a Pitch Day event at Charmalot 2025, CharmHealth's annual user conference, taking place Sept. 19-21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Berkeley, California. All Innovation Challenge entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges with expertise in healthcare technology and innovation. CharmHealth offers cash prizes for winners: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place. Individuals, startups and organizations interested in participating can submit their proposals free of charge through the official Innovation Challenge website at For detailed information about the CharmHealth Innovation Challenge, including eligibility, submission guidelines, and key dates, visit the Challenge website or contact innovate@ About CharmHealth CharmHealth is a leading provider of innovative healthcare technology solutions that empower healthcare organizations to deliver efficient, high-quality care. With a focus on interoperability, patient engagement, and streamlined workflows, CharmHealth offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare. For more information on CharmHealth, visit To get breaking news, follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook and @charmhealth. All brand names and solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Tags: CharmHealth, Charmalot, CharmHealth Innovation Challenge, healthcare, healthtech, healthcare technology, healthcare innovation, electronic health record, EHR, telehealth, AI, artificial intelligence, generative AI, agentic AI, patient engagement, patient assessment, digital health, healthcare providers, healthcare startups, healthcare investment
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CharmHealth Innovation Challenge Returns With $10,000 Prize, Spotlights Agentic AI in Healthcare
Annual Competition Invites Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Developers to Shape the Future of Digital Health With Cutting-Edge Tech and AI PLEASANTON, Calif., June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CharmHealth, a leader in healthcare technology solutions for providers, today announced that its 2025 Innovation Challenge continues to accept proposals from innovators, entrepreneurs and developers. The annual competition seeks fresh ideas that drive impact across the healthcare ecosystem. Proposals are being accepted in the following categories: Mobile Health Apps, Healthcare Accessibility, Tech-led Innovations, Population Health, and new this year, Agentic AI. Submissions will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. PDT on July 31, 2025. "The Innovation Challenge is an exceptional program that surfaces compelling solutions to some of healthcare's most pressing issues while offering a platform for passionate creators and builders to gain support for their work," said Pramila Srinivasan, Ph.D., CEO of CharmHealth. "This year's class of applicants represents another stellar group, and we look forward to helping them make the connections that can transform not only their business but also the future of care." For the 2025 Innovation Challenge, a group of 15 finalists will be selected. They will gain access to CharmVentures, CharmHealth's dedicated initiative focused on funding and supporting high-potential startups through mentorship, strategic guidance, and investment opportunities. With the ability to leverage insights from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, finalists will be able to refine, test and scale their solutions more effectively. They will also unlock visibility through CharmHealthHub, the dynamic marketplace that connects innovative solutions with a broad network of healthcare providers and organizations. Finalists will present their ideas, products and services to investors, partners and healthcare professionals during a Pitch Day event at Charmalot 2025, CharmHealth's annual user conference, taking place Sept. 19-21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Berkeley, California. All Innovation Challenge entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges with expertise in healthcare technology and innovation. CharmHealth offers cash prizes for winners: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place. Individuals, startups and organizations interested in participating can submit their proposals free of charge through the official Innovation Challenge website at For detailed information about the CharmHealth Innovation Challenge, including eligibility, submission guidelines, and key dates, visit the Challenge website or contact innovate@ About CharmHealth CharmHealth is a leading provider of innovative healthcare technology solutions that empower healthcare organizations to deliver efficient, high-quality care. With a focus on interoperability, patient engagement, and streamlined workflows, CharmHealth offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare. For more information on CharmHealth, visit To get breaking news, follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook and @charmhealth. All brand names and solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Tags: CharmHealth, Charmalot, CharmHealth Innovation Challenge, healthcare, healthtech, healthcare technology, healthcare innovation, electronic health record, EHR, telehealth, AI, artificial intelligence, generative AI, agentic AI, patient engagement, patient assessment, digital health, healthcare providers, healthcare startups, healthcare investment View source version on Contacts Media Contact Dottie O'Rourke, for CharmHealthTECHMarket Communications650-344-1260CharmHealth@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
South China Morning Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
From smart recycling bins to sustainability apps, here's how tech can help the planet
Technology can be an important tool in our fight to protect the environment. For example, apps can teach people to improve their recycling habits, and artificial intelligence (AI) can track deforestation. However, this role can be complicated. Some forms of technology also add to our planet's problems. For example, training generative AI models like ChatGPT requires a lot of energy and water. A study by KnownHost revealed that ChatGPT alone emits nearly 261,000kg of carbon dioxide every month – this is the same as 260 flights from New York to London. That is why it is wasteful to send unnecessary requests to AI chatbots. As the CEO behind ChatGPT, Sam Altman, noted in a social media post that adding polite phrases like 'please' to queries can cost millions of dollars in extra electricity. This shows a vital lesson: technology's environmental impact depends on how we design and use it. An easy guide to computational and design thinking Student projects use tech for good Hong Kong youth are designing tech to tackle climate challenges through Preface's annual Innovation Challenge. Preface CEO Tommie Lo said: 'We invest in youth because they reimagine solutions with fresh perspectives.' Here are two standout projects from last year's competition that show how small innovations can benefit our planet. 1. A platform for change Boris Lo developed Sustainify to connect youth with educational tools, partnership networks and impact-tracking features. In six months, the app encouraged students to do more than 150 service hours, supported 2,400 users, and raised HK$780,000 for underserved communities. The app has even garnered support from Unesco. This proves that tech can turn passion into action. 'Sustainify's value lies in the youth behind it – their spirit and resolve to drive change,' said Boris, who is now 17. Sustainify is an app connecting young changemakers with educational tools, partnership networks and impact-tracking features. Photo: Handout 2. Smart recycling bin When people put the wrong items in a recycling bin, this contaminates all the other things inside, sending them to landfills. Kingsley Cheng, who is now 13, designed an AI-powered bin that uses a camera to identify materials such as plastic, glass and paper before sorting waste into the correct bins. His product was one of the winners at Preface's 2024 Nomad Awards Tech Competition. Hopefully, this idea will become real in the near future. Kingsley Cheng has created a prototype for a smart recycling bin. Photo: Handout Your invention could change the world Innovation isn't just about scale; it is about intention. By designing tech for the planet, these young minds show how innovation thrives when there are good intentions behind it. At a TEDx Talk event, Ellen Lau, Preface's director, said: 'In a world where 65 per cent of future jobs don't even exist yet, it's important to embrace change and find joy in the process.' Every line of code, every prototype, and every idea can contribute to a greener future. Ellen Lau, Preface's director, speaks at a TEDx Talk event. Photo: Handout Sponsored by At PST, we make technology education accessible and fun for learners of all ages. Our mission is to ignite a passion for technology, empowering them to confidently navigate the digital landscape.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CharmHealth Opens Fifth Annual Innovation Challenge to Spur New Healthcare Solutions and Accelerate Time to Market
PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 5, 2025-- CharmHealth, a leader in healthcare technology solutions for providers, today announced the launch of its 2025 Innovation Challenge. For the fifth consecutive year, this prestigious competition will offer a platform for innovators, entrepreneurs, students, nonprofits and philanthropists to present fresh ideas and solutions to the investors, incubators and partners who can help them transform healthcare delivery, efficiency and accessibility. 'The Innovation Challenge represents the heart of what we believe — fostering breakthrough ideas that can solve the most pressing challenges in healthcare,' said Pramila Srinivasan, Ph.D., CEO of CharmHealth. 'We provide mentorship, valuable industry connections, and funding pathways that help innovators efficiently take the best version of their solution from concept to market. This ultimately strengthens our entire ecosystem as we work together to improve healthcare systems, experiences and outcomes.' For the 2025 Innovation Challenge, CharmHealth seeks proposals in the following categories: Hardware-Accelerated AI Agentic AI Tech-Led Innovations Mobile Health Applications Healthcare Accessibility Social Change Solutions From the submissions, 15 finalists will be selected to present their innovations at Pitch Day during the Charmalot annual user conference, taking place Sept. 19-21, 2025, in Berkeley, California. Built to Create the Future of Healthcare The CharmHealth Innovation Challenge stands out among startup competitions because of its targeted focus on digital health and electronic health records (EHRs); it is designed to support entrepreneurs dedicated to improving healthcare through technology. Beyond financial awards, winners gain access to expert mentorship, hands-on workshops, and integration opportunities with CharmHealth's EHR platform. CharmHealth also provides connections to potential customers, partners and investors through its recently introduced CharmHealthHub, facilitating real-world adoption and scaling opportunities. This setup enables burgeoning healthtech companies to tap into unparalleled resources so that they can make an impact on the future of care. Last year's winners include Tina John, founder and CEO of Veera, supporting postpartum mothers in early stages of motherhood and breastfeeding; Olga Muller and Olga Ryzhikova, founders of Kepler Team, an innovative software development boutique-style agency known for its proprietary product engineering framework; and Joe Cody, founder of Grain Fertility, a comprehensive fertility tracking and organization system. 'The CharmHealth Innovation Showcase was a fantastic opportunity for us to share our vision for helping improve care coordination and information exchange between patients undergoing fertility treatments and all of the doctors that manage their health,' said Cody. 'Not only was I able to meet amazing founders who are all working toward improving our health care system, I was impressed with the forward-thinking approach CharmHealth and the hundreds of attendees had in helping to better serve patient needs. I look forward to continuing to work with CharmHealth, their customers, and other founders through the ecosystem to help support patients.' Call for Proposals Innovation Challenge participants are asked to submit their own custom applications that can address the wide range of security and IT challenges that plague the healthcare space. In addition to presenting their solution at Pitch Day, finalists also have the chance to integrate their product or service with CharmHealth's platform and feature their innovations on CharmHealthHub, gaining direct market access, distribution channels, and broad exposure to potential customers and partners. All Innovation Challenge entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges with expertise in healthcare technology and innovation. CharmHealth offers cash prizes for each of the Challenge's six categories: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place. Individuals, startups and organizations interested in participating can submit their proposals free of charge through the official Innovation Challenge website at The submission deadline is July 31, 2025. For detailed information about the CharmHealth Innovation Challenge, including eligibility, submission guidelines, and key dates, visit the Challenge website or contact [email protected]. About CharmHealth CharmHealth is a leading provider of innovative healthcare technology solutions that empower healthcare organizations to deliver efficient, high-quality care. With a focus on interoperability, patient engagement, and streamlined workflows, CharmHealth offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare. For more information on CharmHealth, visit To get breaking news, follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook and @charmhealth. All brand names and solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Tags: CharmHealth, Innovation Challenge, CharmHealthHub, Charmalot, Pramila Srinivasan, digital health, electronic health record, EHR, healthcare, healthcare innovation, healthcare technology, healthcare entrepreneur, healthcare investment, healthcare marketplace, patients, venture capital, AI, artificial intelligence, Agentic AI, healthcare delivery, healthcare accessibility, healthcare efficiency Dottie O'Rourke, for CharmHealth 650-344-1260 SOURCE: CharmHealth Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/05/2025 09:35 AM/DISC: 03/05/2025 09:35 AM
