SAMPLE SUBMISSION

WATER CATEGORY
General
We are looking for innovative, impactful, inspirational sustainability solutions; these solutions
can include initiatives, projects, technologies or other solutions. For simplicity the questionnaire
will refer to solution on all questions.

0.1. Please tell us about your organisation, what kind of work you do, and how it is
important.
ECOSOFTT is an innovator of Water SMART Blue Building solutions which enable water
sustainability through total management of the water cycle for living communities including
townships, homes, commercial buildings and villages. With this solution, living communities can
a) reduce their water footprint and wastage by 50%, and
b) recycle all wastewater for reuse on site.
The solution set includes Water Source Protection, Drinking Water Treatment, Water
Conservation, Wastewater Recycling, IOT, SMART Controls and Analytics which can be
implemented in a modular manner that eliminates dependence on municipal systems. Our
social enterprise model channels capital and technology to serve underprivileged communities.

0.2. What is the annual revenue of your organisation?

$1m to <$5m

0.3. What is the number of employees in your organisation?

30

0.4. Please select the type of your organisation.

Small and Medium Enterprise

0.5. Please provide the sectors in which your organisation is most active.
* Seawater
* Groundwater
* Surface water
* Wastewater
* Other (please specify)

0.6. Please provide the activities in which your organisation is most active.
* Water production, extraction and filtration
* Transmission and distribution
* Recycling & Wastewater Treatment
* Manufacturing
* Project Development & Deployment
* Investment
* Water Policy & Regulation
* Research & Development
* Education & Public Awareness
* Other (please specify)

0.7. Please outline the overall scope, scale and benefits of your solution.
1. Population Served – Our water and wastewater technologies have been employed in 50
projects that serve over 200,000 people who now gain access to total water sustainability.
2. Aggregate Volume - 8 Million Litres of Water Treated and Recycled per Day, and growing at
100% p.a.
3. Rural Underprivileged Uplifted – Over 1,000 persons living at the Bottom of Pyramid gained
24x7 access to Clean Water at 70 litres/person/day, dedicated Toilets & Bathing Rooms,
Wastewater Recovery systems and improved Livelihood. Capacity building at community level
and water pricing ensure source and financial sustainability
4. Students Engaged on Water Issues- Our AQUA Water Education programme has engaged
over 50,000 global citizens in Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK and India through classroom
experiences and applied learning
5. Social Return on Investment – Every dollar invested in ECOSOFTT’s Social Impact programme
generates 10 dollars of economic and social returns

0.8. Have you applied to the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) before?
No
Innovation
The innovation criterion is designed to test if the organisation has a credible track record of
developing or facilitating the development of technologies, products, services or initiatives
which improve the quality of human life.
Organisations will be expected to:
 demonstrate that their solution has unique and distinctive characteristics compared to
their competitors
 have a level of maturity by being demonstrated on the ground have already shown
characteristics to change the 'status quo' and
 has the potential to catalyse opportunities not previously considered through disruptive
or transformative change.

1.1. Please outline how you have demonstrated innovation through your solution.
Despite huge investments, the current water systems based on centralized municipal treatment
approach and conventional technologies are still inadequate especially for water scarce and
developing countries. The Blue Building Standard comprises four overarching thrusts:
(1) Water Source: Increase and diversify water sources,
(2) Water Use: Integrate various water sources for different water use,
(3) Water Recycling: Collect and recycle wastewater using appropriate technologies, and
(4) Water Discharge: Safely discharge excess water for other community needs or into the
environment.
The solution can operate without the existence of a municipal system, such as when the
building is dependent on groundwater. Where a grid exists, significant reduction in load and
efficiency improvement is possible by managing water and reusing wastewater at source. This
drastically reduces wastages in the conventional ‘once through’ system. The Blue Building
standard prevents usage of high-quality potable water for non-potable purposes which
constitute the majority of water consumption. Further, Blue Buildings at appropriate scales
lessen the load on the sewer networks where they exist. As a result, this model can be adopted
on a massive level to bring reliable services to masses in water scarce countries, conserve water
resources and maintain an ecological balance.

1.3. Please provide evidence that supports this.

ECOSOFTT has emerged as a pioneering enterprise that is shaping the future of water. Our work
has led to policy changes in Singapore and India. We have been recognised internationally for
our technologies and business model. The awards include: Solar Impulse Foundation - Efficient
Solution Buckminster Fuller Challenge- Global Top 20 FICCI India- 1st Prize in Technology
Innovation Singapore Institute of Directors- Best Social Enterprise ASEAN- Top 50 Enterprise
Success Story EY Accelerating Entrepreneur - Awardee Unreasonable Impact by Barclays-
Awardee ASEAN-India Grand Challenge - Winner Amaravati Smart City Pitch - Winner Singapore
International Water Week – Featured

1.4. Are there any similar solutions that currently exist, that are accessible to your
beneficiaries?
Yes

1.5. Please identify up to 10 things that makes your solution different to that offered by any
competitors.
* TOTAL water management of living communities from Source to Source
* Reduce dependence and eliminates need for municipal systems
* Lower cost of water
* Fit for purpose "designer water" for different water uses
* Highly efficient water and wastewater technologies - low energy, low cost
* Modular deployment to reduce upfront capex
* Allow billions of people living off the grid to gain access
* Open innovation platform that allows other technologies to be integrated
* Water users become active partners and collaborators with service providers
* Hybrid model-For-Profit and Non-Profit. Impact and financial sustainability
* Water education that inspires young minds and create global movement

1.5.1. Please expand on how this differentiates your solution.

ECOSOFTT's growth is inextricably linked to benefiting multiple stakeholders simultaneously:
Urban water users, poor rural communities, employees, shareholders, Governments and
general public.

1.6. At what stage of maturity is your solution?

The solution is reaching levels where it is widely recognised as being successful.

1.7. Please provide some evidence that demonstrates the level of maturity of your solution.
We have implemented over 50 projects in 5 countries with 100% success rate.
90% of our income is Revenue from sale of technologies and services to customers who face
water challenges and have ability to pay. Due to technological superiority, Gross Margins are
healthy at around 30%, comparable to commercial players despite lower pricing. We are
growing at over 100% p.a. as our model and technologies gain strong traction in the market.
Despite being a small company, we have attracted the attention of major corporates, such as
Tata, Barclays, Sumitomo Mitsui and Ayala Group who choose to partner with us.

1.8. Do you have a way of protecting your innovations from being copied by your
competitors?
Yes

1.8.1. Please explain how, including patent numbers or hyperlinks if appropriate.

We have protected our technological innovations by way of trade secrets, copyrights and
trademarks as they were the most cost effective ways of protection during the early stages of
our developments. We recently commissioned a study by a IP consultancy firm to conduct an IP
audit and develop a strategic IP management framework incl potential design and invention
patents. Having said that, we would have to allow and even encourage others to copy our
innovations in cases under-served by commercial players. This will allow us to fulfil our triple
bottom line goals of financial, social and environmental sustainability.

Impact
The impact criterion is designed to test if the organisation has demonstrated significant and
tangible outcomes in energy, water, food and health. Organisations will be expected to show
that their solution has had a positive impact on the quality of peoples' lives. Direct and indirect
impacts are considered. Organisations will also need to demonstrate that they have good
governance, skilled people, are operationally effective, financially stable and resilient at
overcoming challenges.

2.1. Please detail how your solution has improved people's lives in the past 5 years?
ECOSOFTT's work impact urban and rural communities. In the case of urban communities, we
improve water security and reduce cost of water. In an example of a housing estate in North
India with 5,000 residents, the municipal is unable to supply more than 2 hours of water per
day. Water supplied from tankers costs $9/m3 and leads to a high carbon footprint. Sewage
disposal is difficult due to lack of municipal sewer network.
ECOSOFTT implemented a system to enable 500,000 litres of sewage to be recycled for toilet
flushing, landscaping and cleaning. This reduces to cost of water by 90% and eliminates
pollution at the same time. In the case of rural communities, we help people gain access to
24x7 clean water, sanitation facilities and replenish water sources. As an example, we
transformed the condition of a 200 person village in Central India where women had to walk
4km every day to fetch water and defecate in the open. Through our community-led
transformation programme, we mobilised the community to build infrastructure for
themselves. Eventually, they gained access to safe drinking water, toilets & bathing rooms,
wastewater recovery system for irrigation and ground water recharge with financial
sustainability mechanisms.

2.2. Please select from the following list the main areas of focus for your project.
* Supporting access to clean water
* Supporting access to sanitation and hygiene
* Protecting and restoring water related ecosystems
* Increasing water use efficiency
* Improving water quality
* Other (please specify): Elimination of wastewater pollution. Creating a global movement for
change

2.2.1. How many people have gained access through your solution in the past 5 years?
500,000

2.2.2. What proportion does this represent of the people within your country without access
to water?
1%

2.2.3. Please list the types of people who have gained access through your solution.
* Business and Industry
* Civil Society
* Children and Youth
* Farmers
* Foundations and Philanthropies
* Grassroots Organisations
* Indigenous People
* Local Authorities / Subnational Governments
* Media
* National Authorities
* Older Persons
* Politicians/ Parliamentarians
* Persons with Disabilities
* Professionals
* Research and Academia
* Trade Unions and Workers
* Women
2.2.4. What positive impact did this access have for your beneficiaries?
1. Reduce cost of water
2. Rural Underprivileged Uplifted – Over 1,000 persons living at the Bottom of Pyramid gained
24x7 access to Clean Water at 70 litres/person/day, dedicated Toilets & Bathing Rooms,
Wastewater Recovery systems and improved Livelihood.
3. Improved health condition.
4. Students Engaged on Water Issues-Participation in community projects
5. Dignity and quality of life

2.2.5. How can this be measured?

2.2.6. Did your solution reduce the unit cost for water?
Yes

2.2.6.1. By how much (in %)?

80%

2.2.7. How much did you expect a typical water consumer (one individual) in your community
to save per year as a result of your solution?(Please enter values converted to USD)
$350

2.2.8. How many people did benefit from this cost reduction?
20,000
2.2.9. Please select from the list below, in which of the following areas your solution has
contributed to stable water-related ecosystems, in the past 5 years.
* Mountains
* Forests
* Wetlands
* Rivers
* Aquifers
* Lakes
* Other (please specify): Urban areas

2.2.10. Has your solution led to an increase in water efficiency?

Yes

2.2.10.1. Please outline how this has transpired?

The integration of various water sources enables users to use fit-for-purpose water, where
water of different qualities can be used for specific activities. For example, recycled water can
be used in non- potable applications like toilet flushing and landscaping. Designer water
customised to the quality needs of the application can be created. This reduces reliance on
groundwater and prevents over-extraction of groundwater, or in the case of pipe water,
reduces the intake of high quality piped water. This also shortens the urban and natural water
cycle, reducing the amount of time and energy used to treat and transport water.

2.2.10.2. Which of the following technologies or applications were used to enable this (if
any)?
* Water Production/Desalination Technology
* Water transmission/distribution
* Water use
* Water recycling/ waste water treatment
* Other Production/Manufacturing Technology
* Other (please specify)
* None of the above

2.2.10.3. How significant has the efficiency improvement been?

2.2.11. Please select which of the following areas your solution has contributed to reduced
water pollution in the past 5 years?
* Surface water pollution
Please elaborate: Treating wastewater before it is discharged into rivers and lakes
* Groundwater pollution
Please elaborate: Elimination of raw septic tank overflow infiltration
* Microbial pollution
Please elaborate: Elimination of sewage pollution
* Oxygen depletion
Please elaborate: Recovery of nutrients for reuse in wastewater process

2.2.12. Please describe what other water issue you have targeted and summarise the
outcomes and impact it has had. (Please include any relevant metrics)
In addition to water, we are addressing issue of sanitation in underprivileged communities. Our
solution for these communities include:
Clean water supply
 through local bore well to each person at 70 litres per capita per day;
 One set of toilet and bathing room for each household;
 A wastewater treatment system that enables ground water recharge and nutrient
recovery for sustainable eco-friendly development;
 Improved livelihood opportunities for villagers through vocational training for young
men and women;
 A village council with full gender and caste equality that takes charge of governance and
infrastructure maintenance;
 Financial contribution of around USD 15 per household towards a village corpus fund
that was managed by the village itself, plus ongoing contribution to open based on
water consumption ;
 Personal hygiene, health, menstrual health, nutrition, education and well-being
awareness through partnerships with other NGOs. The approach to water management
and sanitation is also holistic and integrated, with piped water to toilets and bathing
rooms in each household. A village council with full gender and caste equality that takes
charge of governance and infrastructure maintenance;

2.3. Did your solution reduce climate impact by reducing greenhouse-gases (GHGs)?
Yes

Please elaborate:
Reduced energy used to treat and transport water
2.4. How significant has the reduction in GHGs been?

2.5. How has your solution catalysed supporting actions from others?
10% of income is sponsorship from corporates for Social Impact activities benefitting rural
communities in Water, Sanitation and Livelihood improvement where beneficiaries cannot
afford the full cost of complete Water, Sanitation and Wastewater solutions. We have since
secured over $250,000 of funding from major corporates such as Barclays, Tata and ISS to
support such projects.
In this way, we crowd in complementary resources to address a global problem.

2.6. Who was responsible for governing your solution? Please note both specific individuals in
your organisation as well as referencing advisory boards, steering committees or other
governance bodies?
Stanley Samuel and Marcus Lim started ECOSOFTT while completing their Executive MBA at
INSEAD and Tsinghua University. Stanley is a former Nestle executive. He became passionate
about water and inclusive social development from a young age. Deep down inside, he wanted
to start up an enterprise that would play a part in helping address the issues of water quality,
scarcity and shortage. Marcus came to experience vast inequality in wealth, misallocation of
capital and issues of shareholder value maximisation during his 16-year management consulting
career. He became passionate about channeling technology, capital and talent to where they
are most needed.

2.7. What were the key skills in your team?

Team ECOSOFTT comprises 32 passionate professionals: 20 Scientists (PhD and Post-Grad),
Engineers and Technicians with expertise in Environmental, Civil, Mechanical and Electrical
engineering for design, implementation and innovation; 3 Business Development Managers to
co- create solutions with customers; 3 Social Impact Officers dedicated to community
engagement and beneficiary support; 4 Finance and Admin staff; 2 Founders who continue to
be dedicated to the purpose.

2.8. Are you currently working or have worked with any other groups or organisations in the
past 5 years? Which?
Yes
2.8.1. Please elaborate.
We recognise the value of collaboration and work closely with corporates, educational
institutions, government, NGOs and other stakeholders for the benefit of communities on the
principles of creating shared value. To this end, we have earned the support of our global
partners who share the same passion and commitment.

2.9. Have you faced any of the following challenges in the past 5 years, and how have you
overcome them?
* Economic
Please describe how you overcome it: Externality of environmental pollution not felt by
polluters -
Education
* Environmental
Please describe how you overcome it: Ignorance of water scarcity and environmental issues -
Education
* Political
Please describe how you overcome it: Lack of political will - Advocacy
* Societal
Please describe how you overcome it: Underprivileged communities ignored - Non-profit
solution to serve them
* Technological
Please describe how you overcome it: Advancement - Innovation to reduce cost of adoption

2.10. Does your solution also improve inclusion and equality? (E.g., gender equality, inclusion
or empowerment of disadvantaged community members etc.)
Yes

2.10.1. Please elaborate.

The Community Led Transformation for Water and Sanitation is based on the following
principles of the program are:
 100% inclusion - No family or unit is left out;
 100 % engagement - The whole community has to participate, contribute and work
individually and collectively;
 Self-governance – The community has to take care of their own progress and
development with commitment to undertake development work on an on-going basis;
 Caste and gender equality - Women and men of different social strata will participate
equally and have equal rights.
2.11. What proportion of the Solution Cost was local content? (sourced from within your
country)
90%

2.12. To reach this local content percentage, which aspects of the solution were localized?
* Materials manufacturing or assembly for your solution (Plant, Technology,
Construction, etc.)
Please elaborate: Local manufacturing in India, local construction at point of use
* Construction labour
Please elaborate: 100% local labour
* Maintenance and Operations labour
Please elaborate: 100% local labour
* Overall Management
Please elaborate: Localised with support from technical experts from Singapore hub

2.13. Has the solution created any jobs locally?

Yes

2.13.1. How many jobs have been created as a result of this solution?
500

2.13.2. What proportion of these are permanent jobs? (vs. temporary jobs in construction etc)
50%

2.14. Please explain below (if needed) why the scale of your solution is significant - to your
local community, region or sector.
The orderly development of cities, towns and living communities is heavily dependent on the
availability of water. Yet, almost 80% of the population in Asia do not have access to reliable
water supply. Even countries like Thailand and Malaysia that traditionally have high rainfall now
face temporal droughts from time to time. The exploration and adoption of technically-viable,
environment-friendly and economically-sustainable options are needed to address the massive
water needs. This is a critical issue for Asia to continue its economic and social development.

2.15. Has this solution created any impacts beyond Food, in the following areas?
* Energy
* Food
* Health
* Global High Schools
* Other (please specify): Women safety and dignity through eliminating open defecation
* None of these
2.5.1. Other benefits enabled

2.16. Please allocate the proportion of impact your solution has had across the areas of
impact listed. (if multiple selected)
10%

Other Impact(s): Education & Training

2.1. Please give us a brief summary of the educational outcomes and impacts you have
enabled such as building knowledge, skills and career prospects for people.
Environmental conservation is a strategic issue and a matter of survival.
Students today will inherit our shared planet. That is why ECOSOFTT firmly believes in engaging
students to become future environmental leaders. Our Water and Environmental education
programme is a holistic, student- led, and a collaborative learning experience, which aims to
develop global citizens who are passionate ambassadors of water and environmental
conservation. Our AQUA Water and Environment education programme is a holistic, student-
led, collaborative learning experience which aims to develop global citizens who are passionate
ambassadors of Water and Environmental Conservation. Since its formal launch in 2012, AQUA
has been executed with resounding and unparalleled success for the benefit of over 50,000
students across Europe and Asia. It is a platform to foster knowledge sharing, interaction of
common interest groups and problem solving that will learn together and work together in
addressing water and environmental challenges.

2.2. What tools, approaches, and initiatives have you used to create these educational
outcomes?
To better prepare students for the future, we have developed our curriculum based on the
competencies required in the 21st century. Approach:
1. Unique learning experiences
2. Water conservation & costs savings (campus, home, community)
3. Development of a water smart campus.
4. Integrating learning and theories from other subjects such as physics, chemistry,
mathematics, biology, geography etc. into Water Projects. Bringing Real World Scenarios into
the Classrooms and vice versa
5. Service-based Leadership and Sharing the Planet Activities include: 1. field trips, 2. value
added classes, 3. Innovations projects in class and on campus

2.3. Who has benefitted from this impact?

* Young children aged 14 and below
Please estimate the number of anticipated beneficiaries for this group: 200000
* Youth aged 15-24
Please estimate the number of anticipated beneficiaries for this group: 200000
* Adults aged 25 & above
Please estimate the number of anticipated beneficiaries for this group: 30000

2.4. Please list specific skills that you have improved/developed. (Please consider both technical and
softer skills)

* Problem Definition, Analysis & Reporting,

* Problem Solving
* Research & Presentation of Ideas
* Critical Thinking & Innovation
* Global Citizenry
* Teamwork & Communication
* Planning & Coordination
* Courage & Confidence
* Authentic Leadership

Inspiration
The inspiration criterion is designed to test if the organisation has a vison and credible plan to
deploy the prize money and scale up outcomes and impact over the next 10-15 years.
The intention is for organisations to outline the scale of their ambition and how they can
multiply the positive impacts on their core issues and continue to further improve peoples'
lives. Organisations should demonstrate that they are able to inspire others to multiply, sustain
and catalyse further benefits.

3.1. What is your organisation's long term vision in the next 10-15 years?
Our Goals by 2030: 1 trillion litres of wastewater treated per day 10 million students engaged
on water issues 1,000 rivers and lakes restored and protected 10,000 rural communities
transformed in water and sanitation conditions.
3.2. Please outline how you would use the prize money to contribute to your organization’s
long term vision.
1. Deepen Presence in Existing Markets, especially India, Southeast Asia and the Middle. In both
emerging and advanced markets, we have developed proven models and competitive cost
structures to expand rapidly in private and government segments.
2. Shift the Paradigm. We have demonstrated that Water SMART Blue Buildings are viable and
efficient. We are thought leaders educating students, engaging practitioners and pushing
policy-makers to make changes.
3. Create a Million Entrepreneurs. The need is much larger than what one organisation can
meet. We invite aspiring entrepreneurs to adopt ECOSOFTT's proven model, and profit from a
partnership with us.

3.3. If you won the prize, how many more people do you estimate would benefit from your
solution? Please provide the closest estimate you could provide if needed.
2000000

3.4. Through your solution, please describe how you have inspired others.
ECOSOFTT has emerged as a pioneering enterprise that is shaping the future of water. Examples
of inspiring others:
1. We are inspiring Young Minds on Social Entrepreneurship and Engineering with a Purpose. To
date, we have engaged 50,000 students around the world. Some students previously engaged
in water education and social impact projects have joined our team.
2. We are influencing policy-makers on decentralised water management standards and
economics of water management through advocacy and model projects. Our work has led to
policy changes in Singapore (building level sewage recycling by PUB) and India (decentralised
management by Municipal Corporation.

3.5. Is your project capable of being scaled up?

Yes

3.5.1. Please describe how.

The business is commercially viable without any subsidies, and is capable of generating market-
returns without sacrificing impact. We are growing at over 100% p.a. Market demand is not a
constraint. The orderbook exceeds $3m and are turning away business opportunities due to
lack of financial and manpower resources. We expect to double our Revenue in FY2019 and
become a $10m company within 4 years. Profitability will improve with increasing scale,
experience and stronger branding.
3.6. What are the main barriers to achieving your organisation’s long-term vision?
* Financial
* Political
* People who benefit are wary of changing from the status quo
* Other (please specify): Corruption, e.g. Government giving contracts to inferior solutions
* No barriers

3.7. Which of the following groups of people are you hoping to impact through your solution
in the next 10-15 years?
* Business and Industry
Please estimate the number of anticipated beneficiaries for this group: 10000
* Children and Youth
Please estimate the number of anticipated beneficiaries for this group: 1000000
* Foundations and Philanthropies
Please estimate the number of anticipated beneficiaries for this group: 50
* Grassroots Organisations
Please estimate the number of anticipated beneficiaries for this group: 100
* Local Authorities / Subnational Governments
Please estimate the number of anticipated beneficiaries for this group: 100

3.9. Other than the achievements mentioned above, how has your organisation and its
management team worked to raise awareness of sustainability issues?
The founders have been leveraging on their corporate backgrounds to help bridge the divide
between doing good (social sector) and doing well (corporate and financial sector). This
includes channeling resources from corporates to social causes, and co-creating solutions with
resources from multiple agencies.
We have pioneered a 4C Model for sustainability that involves Customers, Communities,
Campuses and Corporates.

Other information
Please provide any other relevant information you have not yet provided to enable us to
evaluate your submission.
ECOSOFTT's growth is inextricably linked to benefiting multiple stakeholders simultaneously: -
Our Customers have needs beyond procuring a water product, and value our comprehensive
set of activities. For example, our work for schools includes implementing Water and
Wastewater Technologies on campuses, AQUA Water Education and engaging students on rural
projects. We thus enable them to Create Shared Value as well - We transform Rural
Communities in terms of water, sanitation and livelihood. By doing so, we gain trust and
goodwill which is good for business, especially for a company operating in international markets
- Our Employees include many Generation Ys who are passionate about work that is aligned
with their values and are thus willing to go the extra mile - Our Investors include corporate
leaders, professionals and family offices who have no shortage of investment opportunities.
Their choice to invest in ECOSOFTT can be attributed to the company's purpose which they
value.