Leeds event aims to strengthen collaboration on Europe's water future
Representatives from the water, marine and maritime sectors across the UK and Ireland will come together in Leeds to help tackle some of Europe’s most pressing water challenges.
water@leeds is hosting its first EIT Water Regional Hub event, “Knowledge in Flow: Connecting Education, Knowledge and Talent to Drive Water Innovation and Resilience”. It will be held Horizon Leeds on Tuesday 20 October, and will explore how diverse skills, expertise, and collaboration can support innovation and business solutions in response to Europe’s water crisis.
Attendees will learn more about EIT Water, connect with peers, discuss shared challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and business development. The free event is open to representatives from companies, utilities, public authorities, academic institutions, start-ups and other relevant organisations, and registration is open until 15 October.
EIT Water is a new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) dedicated to water, marine and maritime systems, funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
water@leeds at the University of Leeds is home to the UK and Ireland EIT Water headquarters, one of eight Regional Hubs across Europe.
As the UK and Ireland hub, water@leeds supports EIT Water activity across both nations while connecting partners with initiatives taking place elsewhere in Europe. The hub also coordinates engagement, research and innovation programme awareness, entrepreneurship and skills development activities, alongside leading marine and maritime sector actions that strengthen the water innovation ecosystem and help attract additional investment and funding.
Martin Tillotson, Director of water@leeds and Professor of Water Management at the University of Leeds, said: “We're excited to hold our first event. EIT Water brings together organisations from business, government and its agencies, research and education to drive innovative ways of tackling challenges such as water scarcity, drought and flooding, pollution and ecosystem degradation in oceans, lakes and rivers, enabling the shift to a circular and blue economy.”
Professor Tillotson said the event would draw on a broad range of expertise to help shape the Regional Hub. People working in, or connected with, the water, marine and maritime sectors across the UK and Ireland are encouraged to contribute by contacting eitwater@leeds.ac.uk.
A significant challenge ahead
Professor Joseph Holden, Director of water@leeds and Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Leeds, said it was a great opportunity to engage with EIT Water, begin solving complex challenges, and contribute to a more resilient water ecosystem.
He said: “Pressure on water resources is intensifying – from climate impacts to ageing infrastructure and rising industrial demand. Yet innovation in the water sector remains fragmented, underfunded and often disconnected from those it needs to influence most.
“The challenge ahead is significant, but so is the opportunity to transform knowledge, talent and entrepreneurship into solutions that strengthen resilience and support economic and social wellbeing.
“We need to innovate and develop stronger collaborations connecting researchers, start-ups, industry, non-government organisations and public agencies and municipalities to turn knowledge into real solutions.”
The event is co-funded by the European Union and supports EIT Water’s mission to accelerate innovation and business creation across Europe’s water, marine and maritime sectors.
It will bring together current and prospective EIT Water members to explore opportunities in research and innovation, business creation, education and skills development.
How to register
“Knowledge in Flow: Connecting Education, Knowledge and Talent to Drive Water Innovation and Resilience” takes place at Horizon Leeds, 3rd Floor, 2 Brewery Wharf, Kendell Street, Leeds, LS10 1JR on Tuesday 20 October 2026, from 9:00 to 16:00.
You can register for free by visiting the TicketSource website. Registration will remain open until 16:00 on 15 October.
