The Global Infrastructure Hub’s InfraChallenge 2021 is calling for applicant pitches of scalable and practical tech ideas to improve infrastructure builds and maintenance, with a focus on resilience.
Organised by the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub), the annual InfraChallenge competition is open to all industries across the globe. This year, the competition is also part of the Italian G20 Presidency’s infrastructure agenda.
Applicants will provide solutions to help support the G20 Presidency’s aim to promote quality infrastructure investment and transformative infrastructure responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and work beyond the current crisis.
GI Hub CEO, Marie Lam-Frendo, said the InfraChallenge 2021 focuses on the importance of resilient infrastructure, which helps reduce whole-of-life cost, enable longevity and enhances sustainability and social value.
“Resilience is more important than ever, with infrastructure business models impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic impact and the urgent need to channel more private investment to close the US$15 trillion global infrastructure investment gap,” Ms Lam-Frendo said.
Entries are now open and will close on 12 March 2021, with a winner chosen in September 2021. Applicants who make the Top 20 will receive mentoring from innovation and infrastructure experts to prepare their idea for a place in the Top 10.
The winner of InfraChallenge 2021 will receive an AU$50,000 funding package to help implement their solution, as well as other support.
Head of G7/G20 Coordination Unit, Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, Lawrence Bartolomucci, said, “Although the COVID-19 crisis represents an enormous challenge for most infrastructure systems, infrastructure investments will be vital to sustaining the global economic recovery.
“The Italian G20 Presidency supports the Global Infrastructure Hub’s InfraChallenge because the good quality of projects and investments will be crucial to developing future infrastructure that is sustainable, resilient, smart and accessible to all.”
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