Climate Curve

Tech Ascend Foundation

Org Type

Nonprofit

Year Founded

2025

Winner or Finalist

2026 Finalist

Link: LinkedIn:

Primary Project Category:

Secondary Project Category:

Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Project Summary / Description:

A unique blend of scientific / engineering support and a revolving fund that enables real-world technology trials with water utilities. The Trial Reservoirs remove one of industry's biggest innovation barriers by making it possible to test and scale new solutions in operational environments at minimal risk.  It’s a unique model in the water industry and with a 70% adoption rate - TRIPLE the industry average - it provides the industry and adjacent sectors with strong evidence and confidence to adopt technologies that can transform the future of water and wastewater collection, treatment and distribution.

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Replaces/avoids GHGs (e.g., projects that replace sources of GHGs, such as the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, transport, or other energy uses)', 'Reduces GHGs (e.g., projects that reduce sources of GHGs, such as through efficiency or other changes in consumption)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Women: In The Gambia, our "Smart Taps" trial replaced unsafe river water with accessible taps, freeing up time for women and girls to attend school and work, and improving hygiene management. 
Rural Communities: Trials in Botswana and The Gambia specifically target rural schools and villages lacking infrastructure.
Minority-led Utilities: We are launching a specific "US Utilities Trial Reservoir" dedicated to supporting utilities led by historically underrepresented groups or serving disadvantaged communities, such as African-American urban communities and rural First Nations. The US Utilities Trial Reservoir team leader is herself a woman of color.
One of Tech Ascend’s two founders is a woman.

Website:

http://www.techascendfoundaiton.org

Mission Statement:

The Tech Ascend Foundation is a mission-driven organisation accelerating the global adoption of climate and water resilience technologies by the water industry and adjacent sectors. Our goal is to move emerging technologies quickly from pilot to full-scale deployment, helping utilities strengthen resilience, reduce costs, and reach net zero carbon.