In alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, KAHRAMAA and QRDI are seeking innovative solutions to advance water resilience through intelligent smart metering. The initiative addresses the critical need to shift from reactive water quality measurement to a continuous, 24/7, and proactive management system. This challenge invites innovators to develop an AI-powered platform that can continuously monitor water quality within the District Metered Area (DMA), enabling real-time contaminant management and ensuring sustainable, efficient water services.
Challenge Overview
• Challenge Statement: To introduce AI-powered smart meters that can proactively and continuously measure water quality in KAHRAMAA’s District Metered Area (DMA).
• Core Mission: Participants are tasked with creating an advanced water quality intelligence solution that provides 24/7 predictive monitoring and unifies contaminant and quality data across the network.
• Solution Requirements: The proposed solution should feature AI-enabled dashboards for monitoring trends and delivering real-time alerts when thresholds are exceeded. While software-based solutions are preferred, the system may include industrial-grade sensors for pH, EC, turbidity, chlorine, and temperature.
• Program Goal: The objective is to enhance public health, support smarter resource planning, and improve customer confidence through a transparent, data-driven, and scalable water management solution.
Opportunities and Incentives
• Funding: Receive up to USD 100,000 in QRDI funding, with the final amount depending on the project proposal and agreed upon on a case-by-case basis.
• Collaboration: Work directly with KAHRAMAA on a high-impact national water security challenge.
• Resources: Gain access to relevant data and pilot sites provided by the KAHRAMAA Water Operation & Control Team for system learning and validation.
• Technical Support: Receive mentorship and technical support from KAHRAMAA's IT and Water Operation & Control Teams, including assistance with finance regulatory approvals for inline monitoring.
• Infrastructure Access: Utilize a Cloud IoT platform, database, and dashboards.
• Project Management: Benefit from dedicated project management support throughout the process.
• Market Potential: Explore opportunities for commercial deployment across Qatar and the wider GCC water utility market.
Program Timeline and Key Dates
• Scouting Phase: From February 1st to April 12th, 2026, startups and SMEs (TRL 5+) can sign up, complete the participation form, and submit a proposal deck.
• Informational Webinar: A webinar with KAHRAMAA and QRDI will be hosted on March 11th, 2026, at 12 PM Doha time to provide further details and a Q&A session.
• Application Deadline: The final deadline for registration and proposal submission is April 12th, 2026.
• Shortlisting Phase: During April and May 2026, KAHRAMAA and QRDI will review all proposals to identify potential solution providers.
• Evaluation Phase: In June 2026, shortlisted innovators will connect with KAHRAMAA teams for in-depth technical discussions.
• Awarding: The final announcement of matched innovators will be made on the platform by August 2026.
This initiative offers a unique opportunity for innovators to demonstrate their capabilities in AI, predictive analytics, and real-time IoT integration at a utility scale. By participating, solution providers can play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of smart water management through real-time, AI-driven intelligence and contribute to a more secure and resilient water future.