Alcohol giant Diageo has launched an open innovation call for start-ups to improve water use across its supply chain.
The challenge will focus on water efficiency in operations, maximising wastewater streams, reducing water use in ingredients sourcing, water efficiency in agricultural operations, and improving water use across the hospitality sector.
This is the fourth round of challenges the company has issued and there are currently 14 pilots from previous challenges on packaging, agriculture and carbon.
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Applications are accepted until 20 March and start-ups from around the world are invited to apply to Diageo Sustainable Solutions.
The technology can be used or trialled in other companies, and there is no exclusivity to working with Diageo.
Diageo chief sustainability officer Ewan Andrew said the challenge is a “unique opportunity” for the alcohol company to work with “fast moving innovators” who can challenge its current processes and scale their technology.
Head of Diageo sustainable Solutions John Cant said the programme gives the business an opportunity to work with innovators in a “collaborative way to test their technology within our supply chain”.
“We will give successful innovators the platform to pilot, the investment to scale it if successful at pilot, and throughout the process we’ll support the innovators with our expertise and resources for success,” Cant added.
