J-WAFS Solutions Grant (Annual)

Deadline: Check back winter of 2024

The J-WAFS Solutions program aims to help MIT researchers commercialize breakthrough technologies and inventions by transforming promising ideas at MIT into innovative products and cutting-edge spinout companies. ($150,000 per year, one year.)  

J-WAFS Solutions has the mission of moving water and food technologies from labs at MIT into the commercial world, where they will improve the productivity, accessibility, and sustainability of the world's water and food systems. The J-WAFS Solutions program is part of a research partnership with Community Jameel, a social enterprise organization led by Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel. 

Eligibility: J-WAFS Solutions grant projects should be aligned with the J-WAFS mission of securing water and food systems for human need. Adjacent themes in energy, AI, plant health (food crops) and animal health (livestock) will also be considered. Research should be aimed at conceptualizing and developing products and services that will have a significant impact on water, food, or energy sustainability and security, with related economic and societal benefits. Special consideration will be given to projects that also incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Project examples are:

• AI / machine learning (ML) in agritech
• Energy-efficient irrigation
• Battery/energy storage for solar-powered desalination
• AI / ML detection of food- and water-borne pathogens
• AI / ML discovery of veterinary medicines (particularly where relevant to securing food systems)

Projects on topics other than those listed that align with the J-WAFS mission and are aimed at solving other water and food systems challenges are also welcome.

Concepts proposed for J-WAFS Solutions grants should already have completed basic research. Applicants should be interested in commercializing the technology and the technology should be 1-3 years from commercialization.

• View the 2023 RFP