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From Youth Innovation to Global Action: Voices from the Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2025

When Niklas Ruf and Jana Spiller from Germany stepped onto the stage at Stockholm City Hall to receive the 2025 Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) from H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, they were still in disbelief. “We thought we would just come here, have a good time, and then go back home,” Jana admits. “Every project was amazing. We didn’t expect to win at all.”

Their project—a scalable flood warning system for small streams—was born out of personal experience. “Our school and city were affected by flooding,” Jana explains. “We realized that smaller rivers, which are often overlooked, can be just as dangerous. But installing conventional monitoring systems is far too expensive.”

Together, the two students spent four years developing a low-cost, open-source network of sensors linked to an app that alerts both experts and the public.

“We chose a public science approach,” Niklas says. “The system is open source, so anyone can learn how it works and build it themselves. Our goal is to empower local communities to protect themselves. ”

Niklas Ruf

A global stage for youth innovation

For Niklas and Jana, meeting peers from around the world was just as inspiring as the award itself. “You connect with people working on similar challenges,” Niklas says. “One finalist was creating flood hazard maps that could be combined with our system. These are connections for a lifetime.”

Jana adds: “You also realize how little you know of the world. Different countries, different school systems, completely different mindsets. It’s eye-opening.”

Xylem as the Founding Sponsor – Why the Prize matters

For Claudia S. Toussaint, Senior Vice President and Chief People & Sustainability Officer at Xylem, supporting the Stockholm Junior Water Prize is both a long-standing commitment and a necessity. “As a global water technology leader, we know the sector needs new talent,” she explains. “We’ve seen the aging of our workforce coming for years. This Prize is about bringing in fresh perspectives and ideas.” She emphasizes the inspiration that young innovators bring: “Seeing their courage and creativity motivates young people everywhere and our own people at Xylem. It drives purpose. And it challenges us to think differently—often more simply and affordably.” Toussaint has been particularly impressed with the shift in recent years:

Claudia S. Toussaint, Senior Vice President and Chief People & Sustainability Officer, Xylem at the Award's Ceremony — Claudia S. Toussaint, Senior Vice President and Chief People & Sustainability Officer, Xylem at the Award’s Ceremony

“Five years ago, we didn’t see much about sensors or AI. Now, it’s everywhere. And what strikes me is how deeply personal these projects are. Many of the finalists were motivated by their own experiences of floods, droughts, or pollution. That kind of passion translates into solutions with real impact.”

Claudia S. Toussaint
Senior Vice President and Chief People & Sustainability Officer
Xylem

Her message to this year’s winners—and to all future water leaders—is clear: “Be courageous. Challenge the status quo. And know that you have what it takes to change the world. Have hope.”

Alumni perspective: where the Prize can lead

The SJWP is not just a one-time recognition—it can be the start of a lifelong journey. Annabelle Rayson, winner of the 2022 Prize and intern at Xylem this summer, reflects:

“Winning opened doors I never imagined. It led to opportunities in research, internships and an international network of peers and mentors. It showed me that youth really can influence the future of water.”

Annabelle Rayson

Xylem has also supported alumni like Annabelle through internships and global networking platforms. “It’s not only about winners joining Xylem,” Toussaint explains. “It’s about strengthening the entire water sector. The stronger we are together, the better we can solve the challenges ahead.”

Looking ahead

For Niklas and Jana, the path forward is open-source, collaborative, and global. “We hope to reach as many people as possible,” Niklas says. “If our system helps communities receive timely flood warnings and saves lives, that will be the real success.”

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2025 once again shows what happens when youth ingenuity meets industry commitment. From the personal experiences of two German students to the global platform provided by Xylem and the Stockholm Water Foundation, the message is clear: the future of water depends on courage, collaboration, and the next generation of innovators.