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1. About the Flush Forward Challenge

  • Who is behind the Flush Forward Challenge UK?

    The Flush Forward Challenge is delivered by Challenge Works, in partnership with Bluechain Consulting and Cranfield University and is funded by the Gates Foundation.

  • What does the Flush Forward Challenge aim to achieve?

    The Flush Forward Challenge United Kingdom (UK) is seeking to build a deeper picture of issues across the UK caused by non-sewered sanitation, and determine if reinvented toilet technologies (RTTs) could help overcome these issues.

  • What is a Challenge Prize?

    Challenge prizes spark innovation by rewarding those who can most effectively solve a defined problem. Unlike a traditional grant programme, rather than rewarding past achievements, they act as an incentive for meeting a specific challenge, setting clear goals and success criteria that encourage diverse problem-solving approaches. 

    Through a public competition, challenge prizes tap into the broadest possible range of ideas from diverse problem-solvers, thereby enabling anyone who can address the challenge to engage and participate.

    The value of challenge prizes goes beyond the cash awards. Through the competitive process, participants develop skills and build capacity. This helps to break down barriers to participation and supports their long-term success. The attention generated by a challenge prize can also have a much wider systemic impact by raising awareness of a neglected problem.

  • What are Reinvented Toilet Technologies (RTTs)?

    Reinvented toilet technologies (RTTs) are non-sewered sanitation systems designed to remove pathogens and environmental contaminants, regenerate water, and operate fully off-grid without sewer systems or piped water. These solutions range from compact waste treatment in a single bathroom toilet to larger systems replacing entire septic tanks, holding benefits such as high nitrogen and phosphorus recovery.

2. Eligibility and Target Entrants

  • Who can enter the Flush Forward Challenge?

    The challenge is seeking “problem owners” – organisations that directly contend with sewage pollution and off-grid sanitation. We are calling on organisations such as river trusts, local councils, water utilities such as New Appointment and Variations (NAVs) operators, and regional eco-charities.

    To be eligible, entrants must be either: 

    • any public body or part of government in the UK (including but not limited to local authorities and national park authorities), 
    • a registered charity in the United Kingdom, 
    • a licensed water company 

    and hold an official or charitable mandate or responsibility over a UK region or catchment that they enter the challenge with.

     

  • Can I enter as an individual or part of a consortium?

    Entries must be from eligible organisations, meaning you cannot enter solely as an individual without organisational backing.

    Entrants are welcome to work with other organisations, including informal and unincorporated organisations, but the entrant will hold full responsibility for all aspects of participation in the challenge.

3. Challenge Structure and Timeline

  • What are the key dates for the Challenge?

    • 5th October 2026: Prize opens for entries 
    • 16th December 2026 (12pm GMT): deadline for entries
    • January 2027: Finalist teams announced
    • January 2027 – June 2027 (6 months): Finalist development period
    • 25th June 2026: Final submission deadline
    • July 2027: Winner announce

4. Financial Support and Awards

  • What do finalists receive?

    Up to three finalist teams will each receive a £40,000 development grant to fund staff time over the 6-month development period. Additionally, finalists will receive structured support, including regional analysis, systems-thinking training, stakeholder engagement support, monthly mentoring, and the opportunity to visit a reinvented toilet pilot.

  • What does the winning team receive?

    The winning team will have the opportunity to run pilots of Reinvented Toilet Technology (RTT) in their region. They will also have the opportunity to run a challenge prize focusing on deployment and bringing their vision to life in their region.

5. Applications and Commitments