Water KIC

October 21, 2024 at 2:30 PM
- October 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM
#
BluePoint, Brussels
Apply for this event

Bluepoint, Brussels.

On 21st October 2024, Water Europe will host a pivotal event in Brussels aimed at raising awareness and fostering dialogue around the establishment of the new EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) dedicated to the water, marine, and maritime sectors. This event is aligned with, and supports, the European Commission’s 2024 EIT Water call awareness campaign, highlighting Water Europe’s commitment to supporting innovation and sustainability across these ecosystems to achieve a global Water-Smart Society. 

With a shared mission to address challenges in water sustainability, resilience, and security—while considering the impacts of climate change on the water ecosystems – this event will bring together leaders from research, business, education, and key institutions from the European Commission, including speakers from DG EAC and EIT, to debate the future Water KIC. 

The event will feature an open call for pitch presentations from potential Water KIC stakeholders. Participants will engage in dynamic networking sessions around round tables, fostering direct dialogue and collaboration on innovative solutions and strategic approaches.

Key themes and discussions:

  • Water as a catalyst for innovation and growth
  • Addressing critical water challenges through technology, education, and collaboration
  • The EIT KIC model: a blueprint for sustainable innovation
  • Collaborating for impact: building strong consortia for 2025

Schedule

Registration

14:00 - 14:30

Welcome and opening remarks

14:30 - 14:35

Durk Krol, Executive Director Water Europe

Cooperation between education, research and business to boost innovation

14:35 – 14:50

Luca Perego, Head of Unit “Innovation and EIT” Directorate General Education, youth, sport and culture, European Commission.

This session will provide a high-level overview of the European Commission’s strategic vision for establishing the Water KIC.

Keynote: Driving water innovation and resilience: the role of the EU Blue Deal and Water KIC in delivering innovation and securing Europe's water future

14:50 – 15:05

Florian Marin, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) 

Successful KIC experience: the EIT DIGITAL

15:05 – 15:20

Federico Menna, CEO EIT Digital

Education, Innovation and Business creation: an Overview of EIT KICs core activities

15:20 – 15:35

EIT Water speaker (TBC) 

The governance model of the EIT and the KICs

15:35 – 15:50

EIT Water speaker (TBC) 

Contractual relations & EIT Grants

15:50 – 16:05

EIT Water speaker (TBC)

Networking coffee

16:05 – 16:35

Open Call: Innovative collaboration models for a successful Water KIC

16:35 – 17:50

This session will feature an open call for pitch presentations from stakeholders of the Water KIC. Rather than a traditional panel discussion, participants will engage in networking sessions around round tables at the venue, fostering direct dialogue and collaboration. 

  1. Pitch presentations by stakeholders 

Speakers will have 5-7 minutes each to present their ideas and vision for addressing key water-related challenges, visions and expectations through the future Water KIC. 

  1. Round table networking 

After the pitches, all participants will be invited to join the round tables in the for discussions, where they can network, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration. This format encourages deeper interactions among stakeholders from various sectors, including research, business, and education. 

Conclusions and takeaways 

17:50-18:00

Durk Krol, Executive Director Water Europe 

Networking cocktails

18:00 18:45

Looking forward to see you!

Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and get informed about the news, events and activities of Water Europe.