Innovation in action: The Coca‑Cola Foundation supports AI-powered technology pilot aimed at tackling water loss challenges in Indonesia

20^th March 2025, Singapore

Addressing the global challenge of water loss from utilities estimated at over 126 billion cubic meters annually, requires innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. This is why The Coca‑Cola Foundation is supporting ground-breaking technology pilots in water-stressed communities, through their partnership with water innovation NGO - Imagine H2O (IH2O).

The Coca‑Cola Foundation is supporting an investment fund with Imagine H2O, enabling startups to trial new technologies tackling water challenges, particularly in water-stressed communities including the Philippines and Indonesia.

One such pilot utilizes the SmartTerra AI tool in Indonesia, which aims to identify leaky pipes and faulty water meters which helps reduce water loss in public utilities, ultimately increasing the utility’s revenue and improving water security for local communities.

This initiative has been featured on Channel NewsAsia CNA, in conjunction with World Water Day 2025. Watch to learn more about SmartTerra’s solution and check out other innovations this partnership is supporting to drive positive change across the ASEAN & South Pacific region here.

Supporting new business models and technologies like SmartTerra is a crucial part of a diversified approach to address water loss. 

Carlos Pagoaga, President, The Coca‑Cola Foundation said, “Technology alone isn't enough. A successful solution requires a strong business model and passionate entrepreneurs. Our partnership with Imagine H2O offers financial support, vital business coaching, prioritization of customer challenges, and assistance in securing additional private investments to help scale solutions. This comprehensive support enables us to more effectively assist early-stage, water-focused startups..”

In Southeast Asia, there's still over 100 million people²² without access to safe water. Imagine H2O’s mission is to make water innovation more accessible by partnering with water tech entrepreneurs to build and scale their solutions faster, said Nimesh Modak, Managing Director, Imagine H2O Asia said:

“The partnership provides capital along with technical assistance on the ground to help our entrepreneurs design the right pilots with the right partners.”

Lynn Hong, Climate & Water Sustainability Director, Coca‑Cola ASEAN & South Pacific said, “Startups at the early stages face hurdles with investments because businesses are reluctant to put money in if they don’t know whether the solution works. Working to prevent or reduce leakage increases available water for the community, other water users and the ecosystems on which we all depend.”

The Coca‑Cola Foundation partnered with Imagine H2O to provide investment to build capability. And as such, de-risk the innovation much faster to help them grow and scale.”

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