text: Severn Trent has launched Wavemakers, a brand-new annual ideas challenge that’s seeking to nurture talents and create innovation in the community.
  The project, that’s been especially created to find unique and innovative ideas in the world of water, will turn to local talent to help develop new ideas that could be rolled out across the Midlands.
  The first round of Wavemakers will give potential future innovators, aged 16+, the opportunity to develop ideas on how to reuse and/or save water, and in return could potentially see one lucky participant rewarded with either a one-year university course or £2,000 cash-prize towards supporting their development.
  Richard Powell, Innovation Manager at Severn Trent, said: “We’re really excited to be launching Wavemakers, as we believe that working collaboratively is the best way to create innovative ideas that have the potential to change the lives of individuals within our communities.”
  “We all have a duty to do our bit by saving water and by looking after it, so that’s why we’re inviting members of our communities to help us on this mission, as well as investing in their potential.”
  The Wavemakers challenge is ideal for those who are passionate about making a difference and brimming with ideas on how to achieve that. All applicants will get access to online training and resources from Severn Trent, which include project management fundamentals, budgeting, finance support and business development tools.
  If shortlisted, applicants will also get the chance to team up with local university partners across the Severn Trent region and design their innovations over six-weeks. Alongside benefiting from a mentorship programme with Severn Trent.
  Richard adds: “Our team of Innovation experts are constantly working hard to explore new innovative trials and test out the latest gadgets, but we also want to hear from you! We’d really love to see as many innovative, and different ideas as possible, that could help change the way we look after water. We know our communities are brimming with talent, so we want to work together.’’
  The Wavemakers aims to empower the communities it serves to rethink its water use, live more sustainably and develop innovations that will benefit their local areas.
  As well as looking to innovation, Severn Trent is also taking a leading role in the Midlands with a series of ambitious programmes that will address water scarcity, boost biodiversity, and enhance the environment through its £566m Green Recovery programme that includes creating a brand-new water supply to boost resilience of water supplies across its region.
  Applications for Wavemakers can be submitted via the Severn Trent Water website from 1st April until Sunday 8th May .