Opportunities 2026 WAVEMAKER Water Innovation Award

2026 WAVEMAKER Water Innovation Award

Start-ups, spin-outs, and SMEs developing innovative solutions for the water, marine, and water system sectors are invited to apply to receive training, resources, and a grand prize of €5000.
Registration Details
01/08/2026 24/08/2026 16:00
Opportunity Type
Funding, Other, Training and resources
Location
Award
Top 3 Regional Teams will receive a one-year EIT Water Membership, providing access to a leading European network. 1st Place Regional Winner will represent the UK at the European WAVEMAKER Final at the EIT Water Launch Event, 15 October 2026. The overall European WAVEMAKER winner will receive a €5,000 development award.
Sector
Apply

Start-ups, spin-outs, and SMEs developing innovative solutions for the water, marine, and water system sectors are invited to enter the WAVEMAKER: Water Sustainability and Climate Resilience Award. Pitch your innovation and compete to:

  • Attend expert-led masterclasses
  • Pitch in-person at the regional EIT Water WAVEMAKER event
  • Receive expert feedback from experienced mentors, judges, and consultants
  • Connect with investors, corporates and innovation partners

Innovation themes

  • Water efficiency, recycling and circularity
  • Marine and freshwater ecosystem protection and water quality
  • Climate resilience and external threat adaptation for water systems

Benefits and grand prize

  • The top 3 Regional Teams will each receive a one-year EIT Water Membership, providing access to a leading European network of innovators, industry partners, investors, and business opportunities.
  • The 1st Place Regional Winner will represent the United Kingdom at the European WAVEMAKER Final at the EIT Water Launch Event on 15 October 2026.
  • European Grand Prize: The overall European WAVEMAKER winner will receive a €5,000 development award and an additional one-year EIT Water Membership.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 24 August 2026
  • Finalists Announced: 27 August 2026
  • Mentoring and Masterclasses: 3-11 Sept 2026
  • Regional Final Event in Oxford: 16/17 Sept 2026
Apply

Get in touch

For queries, contact Dr Frank Wong (frank.kawang@oxentia.com).

Apply

Programme

This opportunity is part of Water.

The water sector impacts every person, business and industry type in the UK. We turn on the tap and expect clean water. We rely on the water infrastructure, the pipes, the sewerage treatment, the rapid fixing of leaks. And we expect environmental issues to be a cornerstone of the industry and its operations.

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