The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is sponsoring a 3-phase prize challenge (managed by yet2) for innovative solutions to eliminate the risk of aquatic invasive species (AIS) being transported in raw water entering and exiting watercraft ballast compartments. The goal is to identify novel approaches that can kill, exclude, or inactivate AIS such as quagga, zebra, and golden mussels, thereby protecting Reclamation’s water delivery and hydropower infrastructure.
Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species remains one of the most urgent natural resource challenges facing the western United States. Recreational watercraft are a primary pathway for spreading species such as quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), zebra (Dreissena polymorpha), and golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei), as well as other organisms like golden clams (Corbicula fluminea), spiny water fleas (Bythotrephes longimanus), and invasive aquatic plants. These species can be transported in small quantities of water trapped in ballast tanks, often undetectable by visual inspection.
Phase 1 – Concept Papers: Participants are to submit a written proposal describing a novel non-harmful method to watercraft, users, or the environment for inspecting and/or decontaminating watercrafts for aquatic invasive species (AIS). Up to six winning concept papers will receive up to $25,000 each.
Phase 2 – Virtual Pitch: Phase 1 winners will be invited to develop a pitch presentation that demonstrates a clear path from concept to engineer design. Reclamation will hold a virtual “Shark Tank”-style pitch session during which participants will present their solutions to a panel of technical experts and industry professionals with experience in commercialization and manufacturing. Up to three Phase 2 winners will receive up to $50,000 each to support prototype development.
Phase 3 – Prototypes: Phase 2 winners will develop a prototype. The government plans to conduct lab-scale testing of their prototypes in a controlled environment, or similar environment as feasible. The competition will offer up to three (3) prizes in the following maximum amounts: First Prize: up to $125,000, Second Prize: up to $75,000, Third Prize: up to $50,000.
Awards:- Total cash prizes: up to $550,000, split among 3 phases and multiple solvers
Deadline:- 30-09-2026
