Europe joins forces for smart water solutions
Europe is taking a major step towards more sustainable and resilient water management. Yesterday, it was announced that the Allwaters consortium, with Blue Cluster as a proud core partner, has won the European call to establish a new Knowledge & Innovation Community (KIC): EIT Water. Over the next 15 years, this new innovation community will develop solutions for some of the most pressing water challenges in Europe.
Why EIT Water?
Water is under pressure. Droughts, floods, pollution and the decline of freshwater and marine ecosystems already affect millions of Europeans.
Recent figures show that 38% of Europeans experience water scarcity, impacting nearly one third of Europe’s territory. EIT Water aims to turn these challenges into opportunities.
Water connects all parts of our society and economy – from food and energy to industry and biodiversity. EIT Water will play an important role in the building of a water-smart economy in Europe.
Jessika Roswall
The KIC focuses on three major themes:
- Water scarcity, droughts and flooding
- Degradation of marine and freshwater ecosystems
- The transition to a circular and sustainable blue economy
By linking research, innovation and entrepreneurship, EIT Water aims to build a strong European ecosystem around water, marine and maritime innovation.
Strong European collaboration
The Allwaters consortium consists of 50 partners from 24 countries, with strong representation from industry, research institutes, ports, NGOs and technology companies. European evaluators selected this consortium for its broad expertise and strong emphasis on collaboration.
A healthy ocean and resilient freshwater systems are two sides of the same coin. EIT Water will help us bridge the gap between blue and green innovation.
Costas Kadis
Key role for Blue Cluster
For Flanders, this is a strategic milestone. Blue Cluster acts as a core partner and will establish the Co-location Centre (CLC) West, covering the Benelux and France. The centre will be physically located in Antwerp.
In this region, close cooperation will take place with strong international partners such as Deltares, Wageningen University and the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). Together, we represent a region with extensive knowledge and experience related to water challenges: from flood risks and coastal protection to water quality, nature restoration and innovative applications in the blue economy.
CLC West will serve as a central contact point for companies, researchers and entrepreneurs who wish to collaborate on new projects and solutions in water, marine and maritime domains.
We are proud to be a core partner in this consortium. Together with partners such as North Sea Port, Aquafin, Jan De Nul, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, VITO and Flanders Marine Institute, we are building an international hub in Antwerp that will create significant added value for Flanders.
Piet Opstaele
What does this mean in practice?
EIT Water will:
- help new startups emerge and grow;
- accelerate the market uptake of innovative technologies;
- offer training for students, professionals and entrepreneurs;
- connect companies and knowledge partners within a strong European innovation network.
Europe also provides up to €5 million in start-up funding in 2026. The KIC is expected to be fully operational by 2027. Over its 15-year lifespan, EIT Water aims to attract additional public and private investment in order to become financially self-sustaining.
A future with impact
The ambitions are high. By 2033, EIT Water aims to:
- bring 247 innovations to the market,
- launch 58 new startups,
- support 1,380 companies,
- and avoid up to €1.2 billion in economic damage through ecosystem restoration.
EIT Water aims to contribute to a more resilient, smarter and more sustainable water system throughout Europe. Blue Cluster will help guide concrete projects and collaborations from Flanders.
