Aquatech Startup Forum 2026

At the crossroads of global challenges related to water scarcity and efficient water management, startups emerge as the key driver of innovation to transform the use and distribution of this vital resource. Raising awareness of these innovative solutions in a highly technical sector and establishing links with investors and key stakeholders is no easy task.

The Aquatech Startup Forum, organised in collaboration with leading industry associations, focuses on identifying disruptive projects that redefine the future of water technologies and their impact on global sustainability.

Do you want to participate? Tell us about your innovation at: [email protected]

– Make your company, products or services known to a specialised audience through a Pitch Elevator format.

– Connect privately with investment funds, corporate ventures, potential partners and investors in the Global Innovation System of the water sector to promote your project.

– Find strategic partners to help you develop and scale your innovation.

– Be a direct candidate to participate in the Aquatech Innovation Awards 2026.

The Aquatech Startup Forum invites startups and companies offering innovative solutions in various areas of water technologies, especially those addressing key challenges in water resource management, sustainability, and efficiency. Some typologies of startups and companies that fit in this context include:

1. Water Treatment and Purification
   Desalination Technologies: Companies that develop more efficient and sustainable methods for desalination of seawater or brackish water.
   Purification and Filtration Systems: Solutions using new materials or processes (such as advanced membranes or biofilters) to purify drinking water.
   Wastewater Treatment Plants: Innovations in the optimisation of wastewater treatment and reuse, applying low-cost or low-energy technologies.
2. Efficient Water Management and Distribution
   Smart Monitoring Systems: Startups offering IoT solutions to monitor water quality and quantity in real time, facilitating better resource management.Smart Distribution Networks: Innovations that enable optimisation and early detection of leaks in water distribution networks.Rainwater Management Solutions: Companies that develop innovative methods to collect, store and reuse rainwater.
3. Water Efficiency and Conservation Technologies
   Smart Irrigation Technologies: Solutions that use sensors and algorithms to optimise water use in agriculture, gardens and urban green spaces.
   Household Consumption Efficiency Devices: Startups offering smart devices to reduce water consumption in the home, such as low-flow faucets or shower systems.
4. Water Recycling and Reuse
   Onsite Recycling Systems: Companies offering technologies to recycle water within industrial facilities, buildings or even homes, promoting the circular economy.
   Grey Water Reuse Technologies: Solutions that enable the collection, treatment and reuse of grey water (from sinks, showers, etc.) for use in irrigation or sanitation systems.
5. Hydropower and Water-Based Energy Production 
   Microturbines and Hydropower Systems: Companies that innovate in small-scale power generation from water sources.
   Wastewater Energy Systems: Startups exploring ways to generate renewable energy from wastewater treatment processes.
6. Sanitation and Access to Water in Rural Areas
   Portable Water Purification Systems: Companies developing affordable and efficient solutions for rural communities without access to safe drinking water.
   Innovations in Basic Sanitation: Technological solutions for water treatment and improved sanitation in regions with limited infrastructure.

Do you want to participate? Tell us about your innovation at: [email protected]