The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has officially announced the launch of EIT Water, a new major Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) that will transform Europe’s water innovation ecosystem. As highlighted in EIT’s public announcement, EIT Water will unite leading organizations across the Water, Marine, and Maritime (WMM) sectors to build a smart, resilient, and competitive water future for Europe.
Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED) is proud to serve as a core partner of EIT Water, actively contributing to its mission from day one. Through our long-standing expertise in innovation, entrepreneurship, skills development, and ecosystem building, iED will support the acceleration of solutions and collaborations needed to secure Europe’s water future.
A Europe-wide collaboration to overcome water fragmentation
EIT Water outlines Europe’s most pressing water challenges, many of which stem from fragmentation across sectors, skills gaps, insufficient innovation uptake, and vulnerability to climate-related risks.
EIT Water addresses these challenges through:
- A pan-European partnership network
Co-Location Centers (CLCs) distributed across Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Central & Danube region, foster regional collaboration and connect ecosystems. - A smart, integrated approach to water management
EIT Water adopts a source-to-sea perspective, ensuring that freshwater, coastal, and marine systems are treated as interconnected parts of a single landscape. - Independent leadership and strong financial foundations
The initiative is guided by an experienced IMT team with decades of expertise in water, sustainability, innovation, and EIT operations.
A lean operating model and diversified revenue strategy ensure long-term sustainability.
An ambitious roadmap for innovation and impact
EIT Water connects entrepreneurship, education, and innovation through nine Action Programs, ranging from skills development and entrepreneurship support to testbeds, market acceleration, and a dedicated AllWaters Think Tank.
These programs are designed to:
- strengthen Europe’s water skills pipeline
- support startups and SMEs
- scale breakthrough solutions
- mobilize investment
- develop mission-driven, long-term innovation agendas
A major milestone: EIT Water begins its journey
The startup phase of EIT Water follows an ambitious timeline, including the submission of strategic documents in early 2026, partner alignment through regional CLCs, and the establishment of its headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark.
The permanent Water Village headquarters, featuring innovation spaces, test sites, and areas for public engagement, reflects the initiative’s long-term vision to become Europe’s central hub for water innovation.
Looking ahead
As EIT Water expands its partnership network in 2026, iED stands committed to strengthening Europe’s water innovation ecosystem through collaboration, entrepreneurship, and long-term impact. By collaborating with Europe’s leading institutions, innovators, and water stakeholders, we will contribute to a future where water ecosystems are healthier, industries are more resilient, and innovation drives sustainable impact.
Together, we join the movement shaping the next wave of water innovation in Europe.
