The Karnataka government is looking to incorporate creative concepts and pertinent technologies in order to address the problems with water and sanitation in rural areas.

On October 29, the departments of IT-BT, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR), and Karnataka Rural Water and Sanitation Sustainability Summit will take place. Startups are welcome to provide solutions to this event. Selected startups will get the opportunity to pitch their concepts during the event; the winners will receive a minimum of Rs 25 lakhs in investment.

According to an announcement from the department, these nascent firms will also get the chance to test their ideas with the government. By October 23, researchers, entrepreneurs, academic institutions, and startups are able to submit possible pitch decks.

IT-BT and RDPR minister Priyank Kharge says, “I intend to make Karnataka a water-secure state in the country. If I can solve this using deep tech in biotechnology or IT that ensures we get better portability, the government itself can become your (companies') first client. The government can help startups pilot these solutions within a sandbox environment and provide capital."

“Organizations that have existing products or prototypes that tackle specific problems like water purification, waste management, or sanitation infrastructure are eligible. Companies able to demonstrate a viable business model, sustainability plan, and measurable impact on rural communities are also welcome,” according to reports.

The summit's problem statement highlights the significant health dangers associated with water contamination, over reliance on groundwater, and unpredictable water availability. Inadequate infrastructure for disposing of menstrual waste, ineffective dry waste management, and inadequate waste segregation are further issues facing the North Karnataka region.