Water Knowledge Europe
Networking and Brokerage Event
18-19 October 2023, Brussels
Registrations close on 11 October at 6 pm
What is Water Knowledge Europe?
Water Knowledge Europe is the specialized brokerage event of Water Europe (WE) that allows you to network, to exchange knowledge and experiences, and to collaborate with key actors from across the water value chain. Combining expertise and brainpower, Water Knowledge Europe features a range of EU officials and experts who present the European Funding Calls, sharing their insights with you and providing guidance for the successful preparation of project consortia.
This facilitates the setup of project consortia and the development of new project ideas at an international level. Participants have the opportunity to present their project ideas and discuss about them with potential partners in face-to-face meetings.
Why should you join us?
♦ Gain insights and guidance for the successful preparation of project consortia, coming from a wide range of EU officials and experts;
♦ Bring new technologies and ideas to light by getting to see what major innovative solutions the leading actors of the water sector are putting forward
♦ Learn the latest trends and getting inspiration for leading-edge technologies;
♦ Seize the opportunity to pick the right partner for building project consortiums through face-to-face B2B meetings.
Previous Editions of Water Knowledge Europe
Organizers
If you need more information regarding the event’s registration process or payment settings, please contact Ms. Anca Popa, Community & Events Manager.
Embark on a Collaborative R&I Journey at Water Knowledge Europe 2023
18-19 October 2023, BluePoint Brussels
Discover the WKE2023 Event Agenda
Morning 08:30-13:15 (exclusively for WE members)
Registration & Water Europe Working Groups meetings
Speakers for the WKE2023 Plenary Session
– Durk Krol, Water Europe Executive Director – Welcome and introduction
– Andrea Rubini, Water Europe Director of Operations – Intro on new calls HEU WP 2024 and WKE agenda presentation
– Frederik ACCOE, Head of Sector Climate Adaptation and Earth System, CINEA – Horizon Europe Cluster 5 – Opportunities for the water sector
– Angels Orduna, Executive Director at A.SPIRE – Horizon Europe Cluster 4 – Processes4Planet Partnership
– Ariane Blum, coordinator of the Water4All Partnership – Water4All: Joint Transnational Calls for the Water Sector
– Giulio Pattanaro (EC REA) – How to develop a successful project proposal
Speakers for the Project and consortia idea presentation
– Girts Ozolins – Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia; Presenting: Smart optical sensor for real-time freshwater & saltwater analysis – Spectromarine
– David Smith – WE&B; Presenting: Systemic and Just Climate-Neutral Africa-EU Food Systems
– Felix Meyer-Horn – Aerzener Maschinenfabrik GmbH; Presenting: Let’s beat DAY ZERO! Proven solutions to prevent disaster
– Alexandros Gkatsikos & Kostas Vlachos – Center for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH); Presenting: Horticulture Visual Manager and Trainer- HOVIMAT
– Ömer Tekin – Kurita Europe GmbH; Presenting: Bringing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Water Mains Condition Assessment
– Lauma Blumentale – Aerones Engineering; Presenting: Robotic System for Offshore Wind Parks
– Koen Verberne – 52impact; Presenting: Assessing the impact of climate change on agriculture using advanced data technologies
Evening 19:30-22:00
Water Knowledge Europe 2023 Networking dinner
Room: Pasteur (-1 floor)
8:15-8:45 Welcome Coffee & registrations
8:45-10:30 – Workshop Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025-2027
The Workshop will explore the topic needs in the water sector identified in previous Work Programmes.
Room: Einstein AB (-1 floor)
10:30 -11:00 – Networking coffee
Room: Lobby (-1 floor)
11:00-13:30 – Water Projects Europe “ZeroPollution4Water Cluster”
The Water Projects Europe Workshop will serve as a platform to delve into the contribution to implementation of EU Legislation and Research & Innovation of the seven above EU-funded cited projects. It provides an exceptional opportunity to explore how these initiatives can complement and support one another in achieving the shared goal of ensuring water quality and safeguarding public health.
Furthermore, the seven projects will share their insights and knowledge on their ability to implement control at the source in order to preserve the quality of groundwater or surface water, to implementing risk management plans, and to fill the Research and Innovation gaps.
14:30 -17:00 – Info session on the future of Water Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC)
Organized by Water Europe and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, the info session will bring together influential stakeholders and thought leaders across Europe. The event aims to foster consensus on the crucial need for a new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) centered on water.
A Water KIC is vital in addressing complex challenges like scarcity, pollution, and climate change while promoting resource-efficient practices. It positions Europe as a leader in water-related innovation, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.
Ultimately, a Water KIC represents a proactive approach to safeguarding water resources and ensuring a prosperous, resilient, and environmentally responsible future for Europe.
14:00 – 15:00 - Welcome session
Introduction by Water Europe and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency
– Durk Krol, Executive Director of Water Europe
– Susanne Dragosits, FFG
Politics focused intro by MEP
– Pernille Weiss, MEP, Group of the European People’s Party
Why a Water KIC ?
– Paul RÜBIG – Member of the administrative board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology for innovation
The European Commission water research and development landscape
– Panagiotis Balabanis , Head of Sector, Water, DG RTDDG RTD
Ingredients for a winning KIC consortium
– Ingo Bunzeck, Director at EY Global Climate Finance and Sustainability
Effective KIC governance: lessons drawn from EIT Food‘s success
– Andy Zynga, CEO EIT Food
15:05 – 15:30 Coffee break
15:30 – 16:30 - Building and running a Water KIC
– Paul RÜBIG – Member of the administrative board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology for innovation
– Ingo Bunzeck, Director at EY Global Climate Finance and Sustainability
– Andy Zynga, CEO EIT food
– Veronica Manfredi – Director EC DG ENV Zero Pollution (ENV.C)
16:30 – 17:00 Open discussions
– Open discussions and expression of interest on the Water KIC
– Conclusion by WE and FFG
17:00 – 18:00 – Cocktail event
More about WKE2023
Why Should You Join Water Knowledge Europe 2023?
✅ Discover the opportunities presented by the Work Programme 2024 of Horizon Europe;
✅ Gain invaluable guidance for crafting winning project proposals;
✅ Engage and network during the B2B meetings with potential partners and coordinators;
✅ Have your say for the development of the next Work Programme of Horizon Europe;
✅ Discover the Action Plan of the ZeroPollution4Water Cluster.
WKE, the Horizon Europe brokerage event hosted by Water Europe, comes back on 18th October 2023 in Brussels, to serve as a dynamic platform to translate visionary ideas into tangible action. It is here that policies are shaped, ground-breaking projects are implemented, and transformative change takes root in the water sector. Our goal? To pave the way for a Water-Smart Society that cherishes and harnesses the Value of Water.
Prepare to be inspired by renowned speakers, including influential EU officials and key players from the entire water value chain, who will share their unparalleled expertise and insights. Discover the vast opportunities presented by the upcoming Work Programme 2024 of Horizon Europe and gain invaluable guidance for crafting robust project proposals.
At WKE, you won’t merely be a passive observer. You will be able to showcase your own project ideas and engage in impactful B2B meetings with potential partners and coordinators. WKE 2023 fosters the formation of international partnerships, advances collaborative project development, and offers a platform for leading networking, knowledge exchange, and increased visibility.
Addressing water-related challenges necessitates unity and collective effort. That’s why we extend a warm invitation to participate in a consultative workshop on the day 2 of WKE, 19th October designed to identify the future priorities of the water sector for the next Horizon Europe Work-Programme 2025-2027.