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APPLY TO
IMAGINE H2O

Get the mentorship, market access, and credibility to scale your water technology. No equity taken.

Applications open October 12 – November 20

Register your startup for application updates
Our Track Record

Supporting Startups Since 2009

Imagine H2O’s accelerator programs and pilot funding resources have helped communities and businesses leverage innovation to scale practical solutions to global water challenges for over 15 years.

Explore our impact
270
startups from 50 countries
$1.3B
raised by our startups
$2.3M
in deployment funding, supporting 78 projects in 22 countries
80%
survival rate
Important Dates

Join Our 2027 Cohort

We review hundreds of applications every year. Help your application stand out!

RSVP for one of our webinars to get application guidance from our team.

Timeline
  • October 12, 2026: Applications Open
  • November 20, 2026: Applications Close
  • April, 2027: Programs Begin
  • November, 2027: Programs Culminate
Prepare to Apply

Get your questions answered by the Imagine H2O team. Register for an upcoming applicant webinar. Choose the time zone that works best for you.

  • Thursday, October 29th at 11:00 AM ET: Register
  • Wednesday, November 4th at 4:00 PM SGT: Register
Our Programs

Accelerate Your Path to Market

Our programs are tailored to support startups at various stages and across different geographic regions.

Find the program that matches where you are today.

Read the Program Overview

Accelerator

The Imagine H2O Accelerator equips early-stage water entrepreneurs with the resources they need to develop their solutions, commercialize their technologies, and enter new markets.

Learn more

Imagine H2O Asia

Imagine H2O Asia unlocks access to water innovation across the region, connecting startups to new markets, partners, and pilot support from our Singapore hub.

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Pilot Funding

Imagine H2O pilot funding provides catalytic capital and technical support for pilot projects to validate technologies globally.

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Program Benefits

Bridging the Gap

Water innovators struggle to find the first customers, capital, and proof points they need to scale. Imagine H2O closes that gap.

We select top founders, surround them with domain experts, and fund pilots with trusted utilities and corporates.

Startup Development

Access dedicated mentors and training sessions focused on entrepreneurial decision making in the water sector

Ecosystem Access

Receive direct introductions to a global network of over 30 Tech Adopters, 100 investors, and 270 entrepreneurs

Visibility & Marketing

Showcase your technology at global industry events and benefit from Imagine H2O’s stamp of approval

Pilot Support

Receive invitations to apply for financial and non-financial support to secure pilot and demonstration projects

Eligibility

The Accelerator opens essential doors for early-stage water startups. With sixteen years of experience and a deep network of industry experts, customers, and investors, we provide a proven path to market for emerging technologies. 

Program Time Zone: PT  (GMT-7)

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Startup Criteria

  • Less than 10 years in operation
  • Less than $5M in revenue
  • Less than $10M of equity investment
  • Availability for program meetings in these time windows:
    • Americas: Morning – afternoon
    • Europe: Afternoon – evening
    • Africa: Evening
  • Open to global applicants. If you are based in the Asia-Pacific, or prioritizing markets in this region, we encourage you to apply to Imagine H2O Asia.

Imagine H2O Asia’s market access accelerator program has a dual focus; we build water startups based in Singapore and the region, as well as help global startups enter Asia-Pacific markets for the first time.

Program Time Zone: SGT (GMT+8)

Learn More

Startup Criteria

  • Less than 10 years in operation
  • Less than $5M in revenue
  • Less than $20M of equity investment
  • Availability for program meetings in these time windows:
    • Asia-Pacific: Morning – afternoon
    • Europe: Afternoon
  • Earlier-stage applicants from Singapore or the wider region, or market ready solutions from around the globe that address Asia’s water challenges
  • Global applicants that can demonstrate a commitment to building their business in the Asia-Pacific
Imagine H2O has been a critical partner in our success. From connecting us with investors & new customers to championing our work, they consistently go above & beyond. If you’re building a business in water, there’s no better program to be part of.
Billy Gilmartin, Co-CEO, SewerAI (IH2O ’20)
Imagine H2O has been invaluable. Learning from experienced operators, not just observers, has made a real difference, and the high-quality connections we’ve built have made Imagine H2O a trusted long-term partner.
Rishi Vandhan, CEO, EarthFokus (IH2O Asia ’26)

Ready to apply?

Applications are accepted October 12 – November 20, 2026.

Register your startup for application updates