Translating R&D into Water Innovation: Priorities & Partnerships for a Thriving Ecosystem

25 Feb 2026
Auditorium
Main Stage
  • What scientific breakthroughs are currently shaping water research, and how can they be translated into real-world water-tech solutions? Where should we prioritise R&D investment to innovate at the pace needed to address key challenges?
  • What are the key barriers to translating scientific breakthroughs into practical applications? What finance mechanisms are needed to support innovation translation?
  • What have we achieved in the last 15 years, and how can universities, corporates, and utilities collaborate more effectively to bridge the R&D to impact gap?
Host
Ebie Holst
Ebie Holst, Director, Data & Innovation - CLEVELAND WATER ALLIANCE
Speakers
Kieran Brocklebank
Kieran Brocklebank, Head of Innovation - UNITED UTILITIES
Piers Clark
Piers Clark, Chairman - ISLE UTILITIES
Jo Jolly
Jo Jolly, Director, Environment and Innovation - OFWAT
Gaëtane Suzenet
Gaëtane Suzenet, Founder - EUROPEAN WATER TECH ACCELERATOR
Victor Monsalvo
Victor Monsalvo, Head of Eco-efficiency, Innovation & Technology - AQUALIA