Enabling systems cha nge We are focused on new ways to harness the power of technology, partnerships, investments, and policy to drive impact at scale and pace to help the world more effectively address water availability and accessibility. To reach a water positive future, the world will need new partnerships, solutions, and markets. That is why we go beyond our operations and even our products to make direct investments in the future of water, from R&D to actual funding investments in promising technologies that have the potential to scale rapidly and globally. Research and development Researchers at Microsoft tackle critical challenges that will shape the future of the world and the company. Given the significance of sustainability challenges for our global future, research teams around the world are developing new technologies and approaches to ensure water efficiency. Azure Verified Telemetry for IoT Our research on Dependable IoT is enabling water positivity for Microsoft and other companies by developing the capability to ensure the accuracy of sensors used to monitor water leaks, quality, and efficient usage. With the incorporation of this capability into Azure Verified Telemetry for IoT, we are partnering with FluxGen , a sustainability startup in India that develops AI and IoT-based water management solutions to make industries water positive. The partnership is through the Microsoft-Accenture Amplify program and Microsoft Research India’s Center for Societal Impact through Cloud and AI . Funding innovation via CIF The Climate Innovation Fund (CIF) invests in the development and deployment of new technologies, processes, and production changes that can improve the condition and sustainability of our water resources. Our investment into Emerald Technology Ventures’ Global Water Impact Fund invested in Sofi Filtration is currently serving early to expansion-stage companies globally to drive critical innovation and its adoption in the water space. To reach a water positive future, the world will need new partnerships, solutions, and markets. 55