From Fresh to Salt: EIT Water Creates European Opportunities for Flemish Companies

What is EIT Water?

Drought, flooding, water pollution, and the pressure on aquatic and marine ecosystems require solutions that look beyond individual sectors. At the same time, the water sector, marine and maritime sectors offer significant economic potential.

To address these challenges and opportunities collectively, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology EIT Water. This new European knowledge and innovation community connects public and private partners around three major challenges: water scarcity and flooding, the degradation of marine and freshwater ecosystems, and the development of a sustainable, circular blue economy.

The successful EIT model consists of the integration of education, innovation, and business creation. The operation of EIT Water is directed from Denmark and developed through eight regional hubs spread across Europe. The first programme calls are scheduled from March 2027.

What opportunities does EIT Water offer to Flemish companies?

For Flanders, EIT Water provides opportunities to translate water innovation into economic growth. The international network offers Flemish companies and research institutions the chance to find partners, exchange knowledge, and further develop, test, scale up, and explore new technologies and innovations. Additionally, EIT Water supports the growth of start-ups and scale-ups, the training of water professionals, and the further expansion and scaling of business activities. Thus, EIT Water strengthens the connection between research and market applications and contributes to an innovative and competitive Flemish water sector with a European foundation.

Companies can join at three different levels, depending on their ambitions and desired involvement:

• Ecosystem Member: an accessible option for organisations looking to explore the European network and gain access to knowledge and selected activities.
• Cooperation Member: for companies that wish to actively collaborate, make use of matchmaking, and contribute to innovation activities.
• Strategic Member: for organisations looking to also strategically guide EIT Water and take on a leading role within the partnership.

The membership contribution depends on the chosen option and the organisation's turnover. 

VITO strengthens the connection between fresh and saltwater 

There is increasing European attention for an integrated approach to water management. Freshwater, marine ecosystems, and maritime activities are increasingly considered in conjunction. This approach, also known as source to sea, is an important ambition within EIT Water.

To achieve this ambition, EIT Water focuses on regional cooperation. Within this network, Hub West, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France, is led by De Blauwe Cluster. VITO has a collaboration agreement with De Blauwe Cluster to support the operation of Hub West and the Flemish interests in the freshwater/saltwater ecosystem. Simon De Paepe, water innovator at VITO Knowledge Centre Water, is the point of contact for this within VITO and helps Flemish partners to build relevant connections.

In this way, we contribute to an integrated approach to water innovation , from source to sea, while simultaneously creating new opportunities for innovation and economic growth in Flanders.

Want to learn more about EIT Water or the opportunities for your company? Discover the membership options of EIT Water or contact Simon De Paepe.