EIT Water Launched: New Innovation Community to Tackle Europe’s Water Challenges
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has selected the consortium that will lead EIT Water, the new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) dedicated to addressing critical challenges across the water, marine and maritime sectors and ecosystems. EIT Water will accelerate solutions that respond to growing environmental, economic and social pressures on Europe’s water systems.
A New EIT Community for Water Innovation
EIT Water becomes the EIT’s tenth KIC. It will adopt an integrated approach across freshwater, marine and maritime environments, supporting entrepreneurial education and skills development, innovation projects, and business creation. By connecting innovators, researchers, and learners with Europe’s largest innovation network, EIT Water will strengthen the talent pipeline and drive technology adoption across Europe.
Supporting EU Priorities and Regional Impact
This new KIC will contribute directly to EU priorities for a greener, more digital and more resilient Europe. Supported by the EIT’s established innovation model and on-the-ground presence in every EU Member State, EIT Water will help ensure new technologies and approaches are developed and deployed where they are most needed.
Focus Areas
EIT Water will prioritise three key challenges:
- water scarcity, drought and floods;
- marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation;
- the development of a circular and sustainable blue economy.
Meet the Winning Team Behind EIT Water
The winning team, Allwaters, consists of 50 partners from 24 countries, including leading industry partners, universities, research organisations, ports, non-governmental organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises, amongst others.
Water connects all parts of our society and economy – from food and energy to industry and biodiversity. With EIT Water, Europe is strengthening its ability to manage and protect this shared resource more sustainably and innovatively. This new community will play an important role in the implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy and the building of a water-smart economy in Europe. A water-smart economy that works for people, nature, and our competitiveness.
Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
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 by empowering local communities, businesses, and researchers. Supporting the delivery of the European Ocean Pact, it will contribute to restoring ecosystems, protecting marine life and securing a sustainable future for Europe’s water and maritime sectors.
Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans
We are proud to welcome EIT Water to the EIT Community, which will be a platform for collaborative innovation, bringing together business, research, and education with strong industry involvement to deliver real solutions for Europe’s water challenges. By combining the EIT’s proven innovation model with Europe’s leading water experts and industries, we can turn today’s pressing water crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth, resilience, and global leadership.
Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson, EIT Governing Board
We are truly honoured to lead EIT Water and to help shape Europe’s response to one of its most pressing challenges. Water is life – and safeguarding it requires innovation, collaboration, and commitment. Together with the EIT and our partners across Europe, we look forward to developing solutions that make our water systems more resilient, circular, and sustainable for generations to come.
Michelle Williams, Coordinator, Aarhus University (Allwaters consortium)
Next Steps
To facilitate EIT Water’s establishment, the EIT will provide the KIC with a startup grant of up to €5 million during the launch phase in 2026, before it is expected to become fully operational in 2027. EIT Water will be an open partnership, allowing all stakeholders in the water sector to take part and benefit from its activities over its 15-year EIT-supported duration. The partnership is expected to leverage additional public and private investment, aiming to build long-term financial sustainability and lasting impact across Europe’s water systems.
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