Starting 20 January 2026, you’ll have 7.5 weeks, through 13 March, to compete and make an impact. Using a combination of satellite imagery, weather and ground-level environmental datasets, challenge registrants - who can form teams of up to three members - will develop AI models to forecast water quality based on key parameters (alkalinity, salinity and phosphorous) for rivers in South Africa.
Driving meaningful change:
Over the past five years, challenge participants have used AI and data to help detect and manage wildfires, preserve biodiversity, alleviate food insecurity, build coastal resilience and cool urban heat islands.
By joining the 2026 challenge, you can:
- Impact a critical UN SDG: sourcing clean water.
- Sharpen your AI and data science skills.
- Collaborate and connect with peers and mentors.
- Earn thousands in cash rewards and attend a global awards event.
Your models can help:
- Predict water suitability for human health and wellbeing.
- Understand the impact of environmental and climatic changes.
- Support public health and policy decisions through proactive, data-driven Insights.
Access to clean, safe water is essential for healthy communities and sustainable growth. Join the challenge at challenge.ey.com and help us build a better working world - one drop at a time.
Join us