What will the bathroom of the future look like?
The next generation of bathroom spaces will be more than functional. They will be connected, adaptive and capable of promoting health, comfort, sustainability and accessibility. Advances in sensors, materials, artificial intelligence and digital connectivity are creating opportunities to rethink one of the most frequently used spaces in our lives.
Through a new partnership, WARF and TOTO, the world’s largest manufacturer of bathroom fixtures and fittings, are seeking innovative technologies that can transform both residential and public bathroom environments. The WARF Accelerator Challenge Grant aims to help move promising UW-Madison discoveries toward real-world impact and commercialization.
Grant Details:
- WARF Accelerator will award 2-3 early-stage projects from a pool of $100,000, funded by WARF and supported by TOTO. Typical awards range from $5,000 to $40,000.
- TOTO will provide up to $5,000 in in-kind TOTO products at their discretion, based on project applicability.
- Proposed research should be completed within a year.
- Project team must include a Principal Investigator (PI) at UW-Madison or the Morgridge Institute for Research.
- A team of WARF staff and TOTO staff will evaluate and select proposals jointly.
- TOTO receives no rights to any IP.
Future Bathroom Ecosystem Projects
We are seeking innovative proposals to redefine the next generation of bathroom spaces, encompassing both private residential and public environments.
Example projects may include:
- Sensors
- Human health
- Ceramic materials
- Computer chips
- AI integration
- Sustainability
- Bathroom fixtures
Even if your idea is outside of these examples or is very early stage, please consider submitting an application. We are interested in hearing your idea!
Assessment Criteria:
- Scientific merit
- Novelty of the concept (not previously disclosed to WARF)
- Technical readiness
- Commercial potential
- Quality of the application
To Apply:
Individuals and teams should complete these questions and submit them as an attachment to your innovation disclosure. Please include “Challenge Grant – Reimagining the Bathroom” in the non-confidential description of your innovation.
Deadline for application is October 30, 2026. Awards will be determined by November 30, 2026.
Questions? Contact Michael Carey, [email protected], 608-960-9867
Note: As this is an internal competition, applications are not routed through RSP and should not be submitted via RAMP.