Tech for Tap - Leveraging Innovation for Sustainable Water Future of Pakistan

Organized by the Institute of Research Promotion (IRP) as part of the 8th Annual Water Conference by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and the Riphah Institute of Public Policy (RIPP) on March 06, 2024, at PCRWR, Islamabad

Brief of Session?

Using innovation to secure Pakistan's water future was the main goal of the "Tech for Tap" session. Key strategies to promote local research, development, and investment in water-related technology were discussed in the panel discussion. These programs attempted to encourage local solutions to water problems and lessen Pakistan's reliance on imported water technologies.

Panel Speakers

• Dr. Tariq Bashir, PCST
• Dr. Mirza Habib, PSF
• Dr. Muhammad Abid, COMSATS?
• Moderated by Rahmat Ullah Gill, Executive Director IRP.

Description of Key Proposed Initiatives

1. Topic Bank for Water Research Projects

A unified "Topic Bank" for water research projects was suggested by the panel. The purpose of this repository is to facilitate collaboration among academics, institutions, and funding agencies by identifying major study areas and themes related to Pakistan's water challenges.

1. Networking Platform for Water Stakeholders

All parties involved in the water sector would be connected through the creation of a networking platform. By providing a regular forum for the sharing of concepts, insights, and best practices, this platform will promote cooperation in the fight against water-related problems in Pakistan.

1. Funding Stream for Water Research

The panelists underlined the necessity for government funding organizations and venture capital firms to establish specific funding streams for water research. These grants would help with research and development projects meant to create regional answers to water-related problems.

1. Promotion of Local Technologies

Universities in Pakistan were urged to start an initiative to create indigenous technologies for a range of water management applications. Water treatment, conservation, distribution, consumption, quality assurance, recycling, and reuse are all included in this. Pakistan's reliance on imported water technologies would be lessened and local innovation would be encouraged.

• Water treatment: refers to the development of economical and effective methods for making water fit for human consumption and other uses.
• Water conservation: refers to the application of technology to minimize water waste and encourage effective water use in homes, businesses, and agriculture.
• Water Distribution: To efficiently distribute water to various locations, smart technology and improved infrastructure must be used.
• Water Consumption: Endorsing methods and technologies that cut down on water use across a range of industries, including families, businesses, and agriculture.
• Monitoring Water Quality: Creating cutting-edge methods to check water quality at various distribution and treatment stages.
• Water recycling and reuse: refers to the application of technologies for the treatment of wastewater and its subsequent reuse for a variety of uses, including industrial activities and irrigation.

1. Venture Capital for Water Technologies

The relevance of venture capital in fostering innovation in water technology was underlined during the discussion. Venture capital businesses are essential sources of investment for early-stage companies developing solutions related to water. Venture capital firms can stimulate growth and innovation in the water sector by assisting in the commercialization of new technology through their investment in these businesses.

1. Creation of Office for Advisory on Water Research Commercialization (WRC)

The creation of an office for the Advisory on Water Research Commercialization (WRC) inside PCRWR was suggested at the session. Members of the business sector and specialists in water technology and research would make up this office. With an emphasis on commercialization, the WRC office's main responsibility would be to offer direction on themes and the conduct of applied research in the water sector. Incorporating the private sector would allow the office to guarantee that research endeavors are in harmony with market demands and have a direct route to commercialization, thereby propelling innovation within the water industry.

1. Creation of Water Technology Park

The creation of a Water Technology Park was suggested during the session as a means of giving a complete ecosystem for the advancement of water-related solutions and the founding of businesses that provide water solutions. By bringing together academics, businesspeople, and industry specialists to foster innovation, this park would act as a center for water sector innovation, research, and commercialization.

Modern research facilities, including testing grounds and labs, would be available at the Water Technology Park to aid in water technology research and development. Additionally, it would allow early-stage and startup businesses developing water-related solutions access to incubation facilities, which would give them access to capital, mentorship, and other resources they need to develop and prosper.

The Water Technology Park would also encourage cooperation between government, business, and academia, creating a vibrant environment for innovation in the water sector. In addition, it would provide a stage for exhibiting and advancing regional water technology, assisting Pakistan in becoming less reliant on foreign water technologies and encouraging local creativity in the water industry.

Conclusion

The need of using innovation to address Pakistan's water concerns was emphasized during the discussion. By encouraging indigenous research, development, and investment in water-related technology, the suggested programs hope to secure Pakistan's water supply for the future.