The Water Research Foundation is offering up to $200,000 to fund research on Generative AI (GenAI) and Agentic AI applications in the water and wastewater sector. The initiative aims to assess scalability, reproducibility, and impact while establishing cybersecurity and risk management frameworks for safe AI adoption.
Program Overview
The Generative and Agentic AI Research Initiative supports utilities in adopting emerging AI technologies to improve water management systems. Key goals include:
- Overcoming barriers to AI adoption in utilities.
- Establishing guardrails for secure AI model development and cybersecurity integration.
- Piloting GenAI applications with measurable insights and documented impacts.
- Cataloguing existing Agentic AI uses and reproducing low-effort applications at other utilities to promote wider adoption.
The initiative is part of the Emerging Opportunities Research Program, which funds high-priority, time-sensitive research in the water sector.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofit organizations, research institutions, or utilities engaged in water and wastewater management.
- Teams capable of delivering scientifically credible research and practical insights applicable to the water sector.
Applicants must submit proposals that comply with the funding limit and program guidelines.
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: $200,000 per project.
- Focused on innovative research advancing AI adoption in water utilities.
- Funding supports pilot projects, reproducibility studies, and documentation of lessons learned.
- Proposals exceeding $200,000 will not be considered.
How the Program Works
- Prepare Proposal – Develop a detailed plan outlining objectives, methods, AI applications, risk management strategies, and expected outcomes.
- Submit Application Online – Use the designated portal to upload all required documents before the May 20, 2026 deadline.
- Evaluation – Proposals will be assessed based on innovation, feasibility, reproducibility, and potential sector-wide impact.
- Award Notification – Successful applicants receive funding to implement research projects and pilot AI applications.
Key Concepts
- Generative AI (GenAI): AI systems that generate content, such as models for water system optimization or predictive maintenance.
- Agentic AI: Autonomous AI capable of performing tasks or making decisions with minimal human intervention.
- AI Guardrails: Security and risk management measures to ensure safe AI deployment.
- Reproducibility: Ability to replicate AI applications at different utilities to confirm efficacy and scalability.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define objectives, expected outcomes, and KPIs.
- Include risk management and cybersecurity plans for AI adoption.
- Demonstrate the practical utility and potential for adoption across multiple utilities.
- Highlight collaboration opportunities with partner organizations or utilities.
- Ensure proposal is within budget and submitted before the deadline.
FAQs
1. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that assess scalability, reproducibility, and impact of GenAI and Agentic AI in water and wastewater management.
2. Who can apply?
Nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and utilities involved in water or wastewater systems.
3. How much funding is available?
Up to $200,000 per project; proposals exceeding this amount are ineligible.
4. What is the application deadline?
May 20, 2026.
5. Can this funding be used for infrastructure or staffing?
Funding focuses on research, AI pilots, and reproducibility studies rather than general infrastructure.
6. Is collaboration encouraged?
Yes, partnering with other utilities or organizations is strongly recommended to enhance impact.
7. How will proposals be evaluated?
Based on innovation, reproducibility, sector impact, feasibility, and risk management planning.
Conclusion
The Water Research Foundation’s Generative and Agentic AI Research Grant provides a unique opportunity to advance AI in water management. By funding innovative, reproducible research and implementing robust AI guardrails, this program supports utilities in overcoming adoption barriers, enhancing operational efficiency, and creating scalable solutions for the water and wastewater sector.
For more information, visit Water Research Foundation.
