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National initiative | Deputy Ministry for Research and Innovation

Innovation Challenge in Dam Sediment Management

As part of the Saudi Innovation Program for Innovation Challenges (SIGPx), and within the framework of supporting innovation and providing solutions to national challenges, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture—represented by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification—announces the launch of the “Dam Sediment Management Innovation Challenge,” which aims to stimulate innovative solutions to address one of the Kingdom’s key environmental challenges.

Registration opens: April 1, 2026
Registration closes: May 14, 2026
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Challenge organizers
Challenge overview 
What does this challenge aim to achieve?

Dams in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia suffer from sediment accumulation, which reduces their storage capacity and operational efficiency. This challenge aims to develop innovative, implementable solutions to address this issue through three integrated pillars:

Implementing scalable engineering and nature-based solutions to reduce sediment buildup rates.
Developing smart monitoring systems and predictive models for sediment accumulation in Saudi dams.
Establishing a scalable national system that supports water security and aligns with Vision 2030.
Transforming sediments from a burden into an economic resource through innovative value chains.
Target Outcomes
What outcomes are we seeking to achieve through this challenge?

The challenge aims to develop innovative and practical solutions to improve dam sediment management and enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. These outcomes represent a clear framework for evaluating the submitted solutions in terms of their practical impact and applicability.

Advanced Monitoring Capabilities

Real-time monitoring systems for sediment levels and predictive data that support operational decision-making in dams.

Reducing Sediment Accumulation Rates

Engineering and natural solutions that reduce sediment flow and accumulation rates in a tangible and measurable way.

Sediment-to-Resource Conversion Pathways

Economically viable value chains that transform removed sediments into construction materials or industrial products.

Scalable Solutions for National Expansion

Successful solutions that can be replicated and applied to hundreds of dams and valleys across different regions of the Kingdom.

Enhancing Long-term National Water Security

The challenge contributes to building a more resilient and flexible water system that supports the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and ensures the sustainability of water resources for future generations.

Challenge Tracks
Challenge Tracks

Dams in the Kingdom suffer from sediment accumulation, which reduces their storage capacity and operational efficiency. The challenge aims for innovative and implementable solutions across three main tracks:

Track 1 Smart Monitoring, Modeling, and Prediction
TRL 6 - 9

Digital and data-driven solutions that enhance visibility and prediction to support operational decision-making related to dam sediments.

Examples:

  • Real-time sediment monitoring systems
  • IoT-based sensing
  • Prediction using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
  • Early warning and decision support systems
Apply for This Track
Track 2 Sediment Control and Mitigation
TRL 6 - 9

Physical and natural engineering solutions aimed at reducing sediment generation, transport, or accumulation

Examples:

  • Interventions at the basin and watershed level
  • Engineering solutions to control sediment movement
  • Hybrid and natural approaches to enhance resilience
  • Climate adaptation methods for heavy rainfall
Apply for This Track
Track 3 Sediment Transformation and Reuse
TRL 4 - 9

Transforming sediments from a burden into a valuable resource through safe and economically viable reuse pathways

Examples:

  • Reuse of dredged sediments in construction
  • Cement and aggregate alternatives
  • Mining applications and land reclamation
  • Circular economy models and value chains
Apply for This Track
Eligibility Requirements
Instructions before applying?

Read these instructions carefully to ensure you submit a proposal that meets the requirements and maximizes your chances of success.

Applicants' Guide – Full Guide

Includes eligibility criteria, submission procedures, evaluation criteria, and funding and contracting terms.

Download PDF Apply Now

Eligible Entities for Application

To benefit directly from the program, the applicant must be a legally registered startup or a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), including:

  • Technology startups and SMEs operating in the field of innovation
  • Technology companies and certified solution providers
  • Engineering and environmental consultancy firms classified as Small or Medium enterprises
alert Individual applications are not permitted

Submitting applications as a Consortium

Research entities such as universities and research centers are allowed to apply within a consortium, provided that the Lead Applicant is a startup or an SME, and that:

  • The eligible company takes the role of the Lead Applicant and assumes full contractual and financial responsibility
  • The research entity acts as a supporting partner within the consortium, not as an independent applicant

Technical Readiness Level (TRL) Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient technical maturity to support the possibility of implementing a Pilot project. The expected Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) vary by track:

  • Track 1 (Monitoring and Prediction): TRL 6–9
  • Track 2 (Control and Treatment): TRL 6–9
  • Track 3 (Transformation and Reuse): TRL 4–9

Applicants must clarify and justify the Technical Readiness Level (TRL) mentioned clearly, providing supporting evidence such as pilot projects, implemented applications, prototypes, or verification and testing results

Geographical and Operational Requirements

  • Applicants may be local or international entities
  • Selected entities must be ready and able to work within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the Pilot project phase
  • A local headquarters or local partnerships are required before contract execution
Application & Evaluation Process
What are the application stages?

The participation process in the challenge goes through several main stages to ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of the proposals.

  1. Full Proposal Submission

    Submission of the completed application form along with all supporting documents

  2. Evaluation

    Reviewing proposals according to the set evaluation criteria and selecting the shortlisted solutions

  3. Candidate Interviews

    Interviews with candidates to discuss the proposals and technical aspects

  4. Winners Announcement

    Announcing the winning solutions and completing the necessary regulatory and contractual procedures to prepare for implementation.

  5. Contracting and Implementation

    Implementing solutions at specific dams over 12–18 months, with impact monitoring and expansion pathways.

Funding & Contracting Structure
What do you get?

This section details the funding and contracting structure for participants in the challenge, outlining the financial support and services available for each selected project.

Paid Pilot Contracts

Selected solutions are granted paid pilot contracts that allow for the implementation of solutions in real operational dams, with funding reaching up to 2.5 million SAR.

Milestone-Based Funding

Funding is provided based on completion stages according to specific and agreed-upon milestones, with the possibility of an initial mobilization payment.

Intellectual Property (IP) Reserved

Intellectual property of the solution remains with the solution provider, subject to the program's terms and conditions.

Evaluation Criteria
How are proposals evaluated?

The evaluation process relies on a set of clear criteria to ensure a fair and objective assessment of all proposals.

  • Evaluation Criteria
  • Description
  • Weight
  • Problem Significance Clarity of the presented problem and its relevance 15%
  • Technical Feasibility Robustness and suitability of the technical solution for the proposal 20%
  • Implementability Realism of applying the solution at actual dam sites 20%
  • Expected Impact Expected operational, environmental, or cost-related impact 15%
  • Scalability Potential for applying the solution across multiple dams 10%
  • Team Capabilities Relevant experience and the team's ability to execute 10%
  • Budget and Value for Money Cost efficiency and alignment with the project milestones 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have an inquiry?

Answers to the most common questions regarding the challenge and application procedures.

The program focuses on mitigating the impact of sediment accumulation in dams, which leads to loss of storage capacity, high maintenance costs, and reduced operational efficiency.

(Note: The image shows this as a collapsed question, but based on the context of the previous slides, the answer is: It focuses on implementation and pilot projects.)

(Context: There are 3 main tracks.)

(Context: Legally registered startups and SMEs, or consortiums led by them.)

(Context: Milestone-based funding and paid pilot contracts up to 2.5 million SAR.)

(Context: Yes, the program includes implementation on specific real-world dams.)

(Context: Yes, provided they have a local presence or local partnerships before contracting.)

(Context: Based on specific criteria including technical feasibility, implementability, and impact.)
Latest edit date: 08 April 2026 09:04 AM Kingdom of Saudi Arabia time.
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