Rethinking Innovation: Introducing NEXUS Challenges

In a world where global challenges exponentially increase on what feels like the daily, the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing. Problems that transcend industries, geographical boundaries, and demographics require novel approaches that can address multiple issues at once. That’s where Wazoku ’s brand new Nexus Challenges come into play – a groundbreaking initiative designed to harness the power of collaboration and innovation to make a difference across all sectors, around the world. As such, this edition of Connected Crowd breaks down this new and powerful initiative, unpacking the global impact of Nexus Challenges, how they work, how you can get involved, and what’s in it for you!?

A Platform for Global Impact

The purpose of Nexus Challenges is to connect solution providers, experts, and innovators with global companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to address complex, multifaceted challenges. By placing Solvers at the forefront, Nexus Challenges aim to amplify the impact of solutions across various sectors and create a world where meaningful change is not just a possibility, but a reality.

Reaching Across Boundaries: Nexus Themes

One of the key strengths of Nexus Challenges is its ability to connect diverse stakeholders. Through this initiative, proposed innovative solutions, pitches, and expertise can reach a global audience, including potential partners from a wide range of sectors. Thus, being a part of the Wazoku Crowd , a thriving community of innovators, will give you the chance to collaborate in order to tackle Challenges that span multiple industries.

To kick off the Nexus Challenges, we have identified four global Nexus themes, each of which address critical issues that demand immediate attention and innovation:

1. Climate – Net Zero 2030: In the pursuit of a sustainable future, we challenge you to help organizations worldwide reach ambitious climate and carbon-neutral goals. Together, we can create a safer, healthier planet for all.
2. Health – Healthy Aging 2030: Everyone deserves a long, happy, and healthy life. By participating in Health Nexus Challenges, you can work alongside pharmaceutical giants, healthcare systems, and innovative startups to improve global health.
3. Security – Secure Futures 2030: In an increasingly interconnected world, security is paramount. Whether it's personal safety, workplace security, or online protection, we need to find innovative ways to shape a safe and secure future.
4. Inclusion – Inequality Reduction 2030: Equality and fairness are both fundamental principles. The Inclusion Nexus Challenges are about driving innovation and creating opportunities that reduce inequality for people from all walks of life.

The Nexus Challenge Journey: From Ideas to Impact

Nexus Challenges are open to a wide range of participants, including individuals, teams, organizations (whether looking for partnership, investment, or incubation/accelerator opportunities), and WIN Scouts (people with specific knowledge and contact information about companies or solutions of interest).?

The Nexus Challenge process is designed to support and nurture innovative solutions, and here’s how:

1. Ideation: Solvers submit their innovative solutions via the Wazoku Crowd platform.
2. Evaluation: Expert reviewers identify top solutions with significant impact potential.
3. Mentorship: Shortlisted Solvers receive mentorship to refine their solutions, pitches, and expertise.
4. Showcase Event: The culmination of the process involves a Wazoku-hosted Showcase event, where Solvers present their refined solutions to a global network of Seekers.
5. Shape the Future: solutions and proposals stand a chance to change the world through partnerships with leading global organizations.

Championing Solutions: The Rewards of Winning

If you decide to join this new, exciting venture and your solution or company is shortlisted in a Nexus Challenge, you'll have the opportunity to attend a Showcase Event – where you'll receive mentorship to further develop your solutions and pitches. At this event, you'll get the chance to pitch your ideas to a panel of potential corporate partners, with the aim of securing pilots, investments, or other commercial opportunities.?

There are already three Nexus Challenges waiting to be solved! The first Challenge is seeking innovative solutions to improve the visibility and reliability of the low voltage (LV) grid, and unlock the potential of behind-the-meter energy resources for both system operators and consumers. The second Nexus Challenge focuses on how to more easily detect the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) within building structures. Finally, the third Challenge is seeking approaches to advance primary treatment techniques to effectively and sustainably address the presence of PFAS compounds in wastewater, ensuring water quality and safety.

Are you ready to take on the world's most pressing challenges? Join us in the Solver Community and start making a difference today through Nexus Challenges! Together, we can collaboratively shape a better future for everyone.?