Awards 2026
Over 35 winners since 2015
Water Innovation Europe 2026, Water Europe’s annual flagship event, is heading to Dublin, Ireland, on 13-14 October! Last year, Water Innovation Europe brought together more than 300 participants from across Europe’s water community to shape policy, investment and innovation priorities. This year will revolve around the theme “Raising the bar for the Water Framework Directive“, and the collective action needed to achieve the Directive’s 2027 objectives.
With less than two years remaining, WIE2026 will bring together policymakers, investors, industry leaders, innovators and researchers to accelerate progress towards a Water-Smart and resilient Europe. Together, participants will explore how to advance blue finance, mobilise private investment in innovative solutions, and measure progress in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
Apply by September 24, 2026
What are the benefits?
Benefits for the Awards Finalists
- Official Recognition as a Water Europe Finalist & recognition by EU water leaders
- Featured Water Europe Impact Story
- European Visibility: Promotion through Water Europe communication channels
- Positioning as a leading Water-Smart solution & access to Europe's water innovation ecosystem
- Inclusion in the Water Europe Awards Alumni Network
Benefits for the Winners
- Water Europe Water-Smart Award 2026 & Certificate
- Water Europe Award Trophy during WIE2026 dinner
- Pan-European Visibility & recognition by EU water leaders
- Positioning as a leading Water-Smart solution
- Access to Europe's water innovation ecosystem
- Winner Interview and Success Story
- Speaking Opportunity at a Future Water Europe Event
Award Categories
Water-Smart Agriculture Award
Recognising agricultural organisations, cooperatives, farms, irrigation schemes and agricultural initiatives that advance sustainable water management, climate resilience and productivity. The Award highlights approaches that strengthen water resilience in agriculture while supporting sustainable production, environmental stewardship and long-term food security.
Water-Smart Investment & Finance Award
Recognising financial institutions, investors, insurers, investment platforms, financing mechanisms and public-private initiatives that demonstrate outstanding leadership in mobilising capital, reducing investment barriers and accelerating investment in water resilience, water-smart infrastructure and the transition towards a Water-Smart Society and Economy. The Award highlights innovative financing approaches that enable the large-scale deployment of water-smart solutions and strengthen long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.
Water-Smart River Basin Award
Recognising river basin organisations and basin partnerships that demonstrate measurable improvements in water security, ecosystem health, climate resilience and integrated water resources management at basin scale. The Award highlights collaborative basin-scale approaches that balance environmental, societal and economic objectives while strengthening long-term water resilience.
Water-Smart Industry Award
Recognising industrial companies, industrial clusters and value chains demonstrating leadership in water stewardship, circularity, resilience and competitiveness. The Award highlights industrial actors that successfully combine water resilience, resource efficiency and economic performance while contributing to the transition towards a Water-Smart Society and Economy.
Water-Smart City and Region Award
Recognising cities, metropolitan areas, regions and local authorities that successfully integrate water into urban and territorial development strategies while improving resilience, sustainability, circularity and quality of life. The Award highlights territorial approaches that place water at the centre of planning, development and climate resilience.
Water-Oriented Living Lab of the Year Award
This award recognises excellence among Water-Oriented Living Labs leading the transition toward a Water-Smart Society. It honors labs excelling in stakeholder co-creation, real-life validation, and mobilising investment to scale innovation. Please note that eligibility is strictly limited: only officially recognized WOLLs within the Water4All WOLLs Network are eligible to apply for this award.
Water Europe Innovation Awards Winners
Thomas Bajada - Water-Smart MEP Award
Technology & Services Providers, and SMEs Award
Water Governance Award:
Water Technology & Infrastructure Award
Digital Water Award
Global Water Challenges Award
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