Innovative Initiative to Combat Desertification and Water Scarcity in South America

Water scarcity and desertification present substantial hurdles for northern Argentina, northern Chile, southern Peru, and southwestern Bolivia communities. In response, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), DeserTech, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) are unveiling an innovative initiative.

The program will unite 15–20 participants from the Atacama region for a structured journey of learning and innovation. Participants will engage in a series of online and in-person seminars held in Chile.

Goals of the program. 

• Explore pilot design tools focused on challenges 

• Uncover leading desert technologies 

• Participate in peer-to-peer learning sessions with key figures tackling drought issues within the region’s innovation ecosystem 

• Carry out an open innovation process 

• Apply innovative solutions in your area 

• Network with entrepreneurs, tech executives, and global organizations committed to desert innovation. 

• Address your desert challenges

Key Details:

 • Duration of the program: March to July 2025

• Participation Cost: While the program is primarily free, participants might incur expenses for the on-site seminar in Chile. Organizations may need to cover costs like flights or lodging.

• Deadline for applications: February 10, 2025

• Submit your application here: Application Form

Eligibility Criteria. 

• Applications are now open for an exciting five-month initiative that brings together Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina changemakers. This program will provide support for implementing pilot projects and exploring funding opportunities.

• We are looking for ideal candidates who are professionals in:

• Water management

• Sustainable agriculture

• Renewable energy

• Infrastructure

• Those motivated to combat desertification, actively involved in related fields, and eager to learn how to leverage desert innovation as a tool.

• Candidates must be available to participate in four online sessions, meet with leading technology companies, and join a four-day seminar in Chile to create projects collaboratively.

Highlights of the program.

Needs Assessment Online Seminar.

• Participants will participate in four exclusive online sessions to identify critical challenges in their regions' agriculture, water, infrastructure, and energy.

• They will acquire advanced tools to pinpoint key issues and investigate innovative solutions.

·       Market Square: 

• This is an online central hub for climate-tech innovation, linking challenge owners with solution providers to foster impactful collaborations.

• The challenges noted during the online seminar will be systematically cataloged and displayed in the Market Square, where they can be paired with potential solutions and investment opportunities. This process will enable comprehensive scouting and evaluation of relevant technologies.

Participants will also engage in B2B meetings with leading companies, fostering collaboration and paving the way for impactful partnerships.

Desert Innovation Seminar

·   An exclusive, intensive seminar in Chile. This hands-on experience will focus on designing and executing proof-of-concept (POC) projects guided by leading Israeli experts in desert innovation.

·   Participants will engage with real-world case studies of successful desert technology implementations and connect with key stakeholders driving innovation in arid climate solutions.

Project Design Workshop:

· Everything learned and achieved throughout the program will be transformed into concrete project proposals ready for implementation.

·  The cohort’s participants and key stakeholders from the desert innovation ecosystem will collaborate to design proposals that can be submitted for investment through IDB’s funding channels or other sources.

·   Up to 15 proposals will be featured in a virtual booklet to showcase the region’s innovation potential. The most promising projects will receive funding from the IDB, turning visionary ideas into tangible impacts.

Time requirements for the Program.

We’ve created a program that is impactful and considerate of your busy schedule. Here’s an overview of the time investment required:

• March: 12 hours of engaging online sessions throughout the month.

• April – May: Biweekly meetings lasting 2 hours with solution providers

• June: An immersive onsite seminar (not included in prior calculations)

• June – July: Weekly 1-hour follow-up meetings to keep the momentum going.

Moreover, you’ll have chances to engage in occasional, action-oriented assignments with your team and management to address your challenges and success criteria.

This flexible framework aims to enhance learning, collaboration, and innovation while fitting within your existing commitments.

 Learn more at: https://www.planetech.org/innovationleaders