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The struggle for clean water is a global concern, and is increasingly being seen as a human rights issue. Water scarcity effects health, economics, politics, and the environment. Yet, the pervasive lack of awareness of water problems and the dearth of opportunity for top entrepreneurs and investors means few innovators and funders have been focusing on water. Until now.

From more than fifty entries from all over the world, ten finalists were recently chosen by a panel of judges for the inaugural Imagine H2O (IH2O) Prize. This is a major milestone for both IH2O and Full Circle Fund’s Environment Circle’s Project Team, led by Member Meera Balakumar. The competition offers prizes of $70,000 in cash, business and legal support, and access to a network of partners, customers and financiers to help bring their ideas to market.

Says CEO Tamin Pechet, “2009 was an incredible year for Imagine H2O, and we can tie many of our successes to our Full Circle Fund relationship including bringing on major partners such as Royal Bank of Canada, Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, partnerships with the City of San Francisco, volunteers and much more. But Full Circle Fund members’ contribution to our team has made by far the most impact.”

IH2O recently brought on a new Director of Operations who is not only the nonprofit’s first full-time employee, it is former Full Circle Fund Member and Project Co-Lead, Scott Bryan, whose involvement with both organizations resulted in a transformational career shift.

“IH2O is positioned to cement itself as a global leader this year, as we’ll announce the winners of our first competition, launch the incubator, and announce two additional prizes,” said Scott, “This is an incredible opportunity for me to help the organization reach new heights.”

Three winners will be announced at Imagine IH2O’s Water Innovators Showcase Celebration on March 11, an effort supported by Full Circle Fund Member Braden Penhoet. This special event will also feature the 10 finalists, presentations from the winners, and be an opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and changemakers committed to solving water problems. Full Circle Fund members are encouraged to attend and email Meera or Braden for a special discount code.

“When we initiated our Full Circle Fund partnership in September 2008, we were a skeleton crew of two. With Full Circle Fund’s support, in one year, we’ve built a big and talented enough team that we were able to hire from within,” Tamin concluded, “We would never have reached this point without Meera and Scott as captains.”

If you are interested in working on Environmental issues, contact Caroline Thompson by email to talk about becoming a member and joining one of the Environment Circle’s project teams.

Posted in Tamin Pechet, Braden Penhoet, Meera Balakumar, Scott Bryan, Imagine H2O, impact, environment, event, results, grantees