Bengaluru, June 4: In a major step towards transforming Bengaluru into a global leader in water management and sustainable urban development, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is planning to establish the Bengaluru Global Water Innovation Network (BGWIN) under the vision of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s ambitious ‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative.
The proposed BGWIN platform aims to bring together global water utilities, government agencies, academic and research institutions, industry leaders, startups, incubators and civil society organisations under one umbrella to address emerging challenges in water supply, wastewater management and urban sustainability.
The initiative is designed to position Bengaluru as an internationally recognised centre for water innovation and a model city for water security. BWSSB officials believe the network will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, promote global best practices and help build a future-ready water management ecosystem for the city.
A key component of the project is the establishment of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence, which will host a dedicated technology innovation hub. The facility will support advanced research in artificial intelligence-driven predictive analytics, smart metering systems, decentralised water treatment technologies, water recycling and sustainable resource management.
The Centre will facilitate collaboration between academia, global water agencies, government departments and industry experts to jointly develop next-generation solutions for drinking water purification, wastewater treatment and water reuse.
BWSSB plans to adopt a pilot-based approach before implementing technologies citywide. New solutions will first be tested through small-scale pilot projects, allowing authorities to evaluate performance, reduce investment risks and identify the most effective innovations for large-scale deployment.
The initiative is also expected to open new revenue streams for the water utility through intellectual property rights, technology licensing and royalty-based partnerships emerging from collaborative research projects.
Beyond local innovation, BGWIN aims to attract international technology providers and position Bengaluru as a preferred testing ground for global water solutions seeking entry into the Indian market. Officials believe such collaborations could significantly reduce procurement costs while accelerating the modernisation of Bengaluru’s water infrastructure.
The network will also help develop regulatory frameworks and policy recommendations through partnerships with international universities, startups, non-governmental organisations and global research institutions.
Human resource development forms a major pillar of the initiative. BWSSB plans to organise specialised training programmes, technical workshops, conferences and professional courses for water-sector employees, focusing on climate resilience, circular economy principles, digital transformation and modern utility management.
A dedicated digital platform will be developed to connect technology providers with users, facilitate real-time monitoring of pilot projects and support knowledge sharing among stakeholders. The initiative is expected to enhance Bengaluru’s visibility at international water conferences, innovation forums and global sustainability platforms.
To ensure long-term sustainability, BGWIN will adopt a diversified financial model involving international funding agencies, donor organisations, government grants and private-sector partnerships. Additional revenue is expected through annual subscriptions, paid training modules, industry collaborations and fee-based international workshops, drawing inspiration from successful global models such as the International Water Association (IWA).
Officials say the project will ultimately transform BWSSB into a data-driven, technology-enabled and fully sustainable “Utility of the Future,” capable of addressing the growing water demands of one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar described the initiative as a historic step towards realising the Brand Bengaluru vision.
“A secure water future is the foundation of a strong global city like Bengaluru. Through BGWIN, we are building a world-class water innovation ecosystem that will help create a sustainable and future-ready Bengaluru for generations to come,” he said.
BWSSB Chairman Dr. Ram Prasat Manohar said the initiative aims to make Bengaluru a global model for water security.
“Under the guidance of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, BGWIN will create opportunities for startups, researchers and global technology providers while strengthening Bengaluru’s water resilience. This is not just about technology adoption, but about securing a sustainable water future aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
About the Author
