SENNA

UN Program and Wazoku Seek Startups for Underwater Mine Detection Tech

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a global innovation challenge to find new technologies that can help crisis-affected communities recover from the dangers of underwater mines and unexploded ordnance.

Partnering with UK-based innovation platform Wazoku, the UNDP aims to crowdsource ideas from scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs worldwide. The first challenge focuses on detecting and mapping submerged explosives in rivers, lakes and coastal areas affected by current and historic conflicts.

"Rivers and coastlines are lifelines for communities recovering from conflict, but they're often littered with dangers beneath the surface," said Steinar Essen, UNDP's Global Advisor on Mine Action. "By tapping into global innovation, we can find faster, safer and more affordable ways to make these waters safe again, helping communities return and rebuild with confidence."

Millions of tons of explosive ordnance continue to endanger lives, block recovery efforts and damage ecosystems globally. Clearing these hazards from waterways is one of the most complex and costly aspects of mine action, according to the UNDP.

The new initiative seeks practical, affordable technologies capable of identifying concentrations of submerged ordnance in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The challenge will be supported by Wazoku's global solver community, a network of over 700,000 problem-solvers that has delivered solutions for organizations like NASA and the UK's National Health Service.

"This is a critical challenge with huge potential impact for communities emerging from conflict," said Simon Hill, CEO of Wazoku. "We're excited to work with the UNDP to crowdsource innovative ideas that can save lives and enable recovery efforts."

The UNDP has an ongoing mine action program, working to clear explosive hazards and build national capacities in crisis-affected countries. Advances in detection and mapping technology could significantly accelerate this work, allowing communities to safely return to vital waterways.

Interested startups and innovators have until May 15th to submit their proposals through the Wazoku platform. The UNDP will select winners based on criteria like feasibility, affordability, and potential for real-world impact.