OREANDA-NEWS. Xylem Inc. (NYSE: XYL), a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world's most challenging water issues, congratulates Sureeporn Triphetprapa, Thidarat Phianchat and Kanjana Komkla of Thailand, the winners of the 2016 Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP), the most prestigious international student competition for water-related research. The award was presented during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the SJWP ceremony at the annual World Water Week celebration in Stockholm for their project, Natural Innovative Water Retention Mimicry Bromeliad (Aechmea aculeatospala).

H. R. H Prince Carl Philip of Sweden presented the winners with the top prize of $15,000 and a prize sculpture, and their school will receive a U.S. $5,000 grant. Xylem has been a sponsor of the SJWP global competition since its inception 20 years ago.  Today, the competition draws entries from students in nearly 30 countries around the world.

"Water has always been critical to society's ability to grow and prosper.  As the global founding sponsor of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, we are committed to encouraging the creativity and passion of the next generation of water industry leaders as they strive to solve the complex water issues that we face," said Patrick Decker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xylem. "Drawing on the talent that this competition brings forward, we are working to further support current, past and future participants as they continue their education and water-related studies."

A Diploma of Excellence was awarded to Gabriel David Alejandro Trujillo, Eunice Yaneli Masegosa Gaona, and Carlos Castellanos Dominguez for their work on water reclamation as an integral system as wetlands and tertiary treatment for a sustainable vision.  The winners will receive an award of U.S. $3,000.

The international SJWP is presented each year to students between the ages of 15 and 20 for outstanding water-related projects that focus on topics of environmental, scientific, social or technological importance. Winners from 29 countries competed for the international honor, which was awarded by an international jury of water professionals and scientists.

The prize is administered by the Stockholm International Water Institute.