/PRNewswire/ - Blue Planet Network, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit enabling safe drinking water projects worldwide, has been tapped as a Tech Award laureate for its Peer Water Exchange (PWX) program. PWX is the technology that powers Blue Planet Network's online network to unlock the global capacity and creativity of individuals, philanthropies, businesses and expert water organizations to solve the global safe drinking water crisis.

The Tech Awards is an international awards program that honors innovators from around the world who are applying technology to benefit humanity. The Tech Museum, based in San Jose, Calif., along with Applied Materials which presents the awards, recognizes laureates in five categories: Environment, Economic Development, Education, Equality, and Health.

"The Tech Awards is the premier stage for some of the most innovative thinkers of the science and technology world," said Peter Friess, President of The Tech Museum. "Each of this year's laureates has earned the right to the spotlight that the museum shines on those whose work is dedicated to improving the lives of others the world over."

Blue Planet Network, powered by PWX, has created a global online network with over 60 members to implement best practices, build member capacity, fund high potential projects and transparently share project results.

"We are thrilled to be recognized as one of this year's laureates," said Jin Zidell, Founder and Chairman of Blue Planet Network. "The recognition associated with being a laureate will be invaluable in building our impact, as well as connecting Blue Planet Network to a world of innovative thinkers."

One of the largest threats to life on Earth is the reduction in the quality and quantity of fresh water. Yet solutions are available for as little as $30 a person. Safe drinking water and the health it brings enable children to go to school, women to take better care of their families and start businesses, and communities to focus on economic development. To date, more than 60 agencies around the world have used Blue Planet Network's Peer Water Exchange to peer review, receive funding, and implement community-based water and sanitation projects, helping more than 350,000 people in rural areas around the world.

About Blue Planet Network
Blue Planet Network is a San Francisco-based 501(c)3 non-profit that seeks to provide safe drinking water to 200 million people in rural communities in the developing world. Founded in 2002 by Jin Zidell, Blue Planet Network's mission is to unlock the global capacity and creativity of individuals, philanthropies, businesses and expert water organizations to solve the global safe drinking water crisis. Blue Planet Network has enabled safe drinking water for over 350,000 people through its network of over 60 water experts and showcases $26+ million in water project results to promote best practices. Peer Water Exchange, a project of Blue Planet Network, powers our mission. To learn more about Blue Planet Network or to make a donation, please visit www.blueplanetnetwork.org.

About The Tech Museum
The Tech Museum is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum - located in the Capital of Silicon Valley - is a non-profit learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge, our annual team design competition for youth, and internationally renowned programs such as The Tech Awards presented by Applied Materials, Inc., The Tech Museum celebrates the spirit of Silicon Valley by encouraging the development of innovative ideas for a more promising future. For more information about The Tech Museum visit www.thetech.org.

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