Transformative Technologies Commercialization (TTC) Hub
TTC-Hub is designed to bridge the gap between technology providers and the markets of transformative sanitation technologies in Asia. Transformative sanitation technology offers a revolutionary approach to conventional sanitation processes. It treats wastewater and fecal matters and converts them into valuable resources such as nutrients, energy, and clean water. This technology utilizes various processes such as biological, chemical, physical, and thermal methods to ensure contaminant-free, reusable water. This initiative aims to increase the deployment of these transformative technologies, such as Reinvented Toilet Technology and Omni Processor, whenever appropriate, thus accelerating access to clean, safe, inclusive, and sustainable sanitation solutions. One example of a Transformative Sanitation Technology is Omni Processor (OP). OP is a community-scale treatment system designed to convert Fecal Sludge, biosolids, and other waste into clean water, electricity, and ash. It utilizes thermal treatment to eliminate pathogens from human waste, resulting in improved health and environmental outcomes. Another example is Non-Sewered Sanitation System (NSSS), which integrates both frontend and backend to process inputs such as human waste and bodily fluids into outputs such as solid waste and effluent. It can be manufactured as one package or as prefabricated components that can be easily assembled. The frontend includes user interfaces such as toilets, while the backend uses various technologies and processes for treatment. NSSS operates independently of any sewer or drainage network.
In addition to a support of transformative sanitation, GWSC is collaborating with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Pijar Foundation and Tahir Foundation on a three-year project in Yogyakarta and Solo, Indonesia. This project aims to demonstrate the potential of Reinvented Toilet Technology by implementing Aquonic systems for school sanitation improvement.
Data Innovation Hub
The Data Innovation Hub (DI-Hub) aims at transforming the landscape of public services in the region by instilling data-driven evidence-based decision-making for sanitation-related projects. We collaborate with academia, partners across region and broad stakeholders including governments to foster data innovation in supporting Citywide Inclusive Sanitation planning. Currently, DI-Hub supports the Government of Bangladesh’s flagship Strengthening of Public Data Systems programme aiming to catalyze SDG 6.2 outcomes. This involves establishing a centralized & distributed Sanitation Data Command Center, housing an integrated ecosystem of national and sub-national data systems including National Sanitation Dashboard and Integrated City/Municipal Information System for planning, effective service delivery and monitoring & evaluation. In Bangladesh, in partnership with key data partners, we are spearheading the development of foundational elements for the Government of Bangladesh’s flagship initiative, “Strengthening of Public Data Systems for Sanitation.” This initiative is designed to accelerate SDG 6.2 outcomes while advancing the Smart Bangladesh Agenda 2041. Our focus is on establishing an integrated ecosystem of public data systems that enable seamless information flow from standardized unified sub-national data platforms to the national sanitation dashboard and ultimately to the SDG Tracker. This integration is facilitated by the establishment and implementation of a robust data governance framework, which sets non-negotiable rules and processes for data collection, processing, storage, distribution, and utilization, with a paramount emphasis on safeguarding data privacy and security.
In Nepal, our efforts are centered on scaling up the Integrated Municipal Information System. This comprehensive platform leverages geo-spatial technologies to plan, deliver and monitor services. Alongside it aims to bolster, digitize, and optimize municipal functions while fostering transparency and accountability.
Likewise, in India, the DI Hub, is coordinating and financing the development of a gray water management module to monitor the performances of graywater interventions in Odisha.
Technical Assistance Hub
The Technical Assistance Hub (TA-Hub) provides technical advisory support to governments, international financing institutes (IFIs), and other development partners in planning, designing, scaling, and implementing Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS). Furthermore, the TA Hub is also conducting evidence-based research and practice to promote inclusive and sustainable sanitation in Asia. One example is the Tripura Urban and Tourism Development Project in India. Here, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing a loan to improve municipal infrastructure and public services in select towns of Tripura. GWSC’s TA-Hub is conducting feasibility studies in Dharmanagar, Udaipur, and Bishramganj cities to assess the potential for developing a comprehensive CWIS package. Another example is the Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) and Greywater Management (GWM) project in seven Bangladeshi towns. In this project, the TA-Hub will directly undertake NSS planning, encompassing a comprehensive analysis of demographics, waste generation, service coverage, infrastructure design, treatment options, costing, financing, and implementation.