Accelerating Innovation and Digitalization in Asia and the Pacific

Water entities across Asia and the Pacific are seeking solutions to decarbonize, decentralize and digitalize how water is used, treated, and accessed. Yet challenges such as budget constraints, risk aversion, and limited access to in-country expertise often prevent the adoption of innovation.

Led by Imagine H2O Asia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Accelerating Innovation and Digitalization in Asia and the Pacific (AID) program—encompassing training, solution matching and testing support, and knowledge sharing—aims to address these obstacles and create opportunities to improve water projects in ADB's developing member countries (DMCs) through innovation and digital transformation. 

The program will make water innovation more accessible by building the knowledge and capacity of DMC executing and implementing agencies and the ADB staff supporting them to localize and adopt innovative solutions for a water-secure and resilient region.

As part of wider efforts match, pilot, and scale digital components in applicable projects, training will be offered on an ongoing basis to provide information on emerging technologies, offer demonstration examples, and advise on improving adoption and financing options.

Water innovation showcases will also cover, among others:

• Nonrevenue water and network management
• Wastewater treatment and reuse
• Water quality and monitoring
• Drinking water access
• Food and agriculture

ADB's implementing and executing agencies and staff can engage now by joining an upcoming informational session on the AID program and its training opportunities.