Cross-Sector Water Innovation Network

A coordinated, cross-sectoral approach to water innovation – one that recognises both the shared challenges and the diverse levers for change.

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Collaboration for a more resilient water future

Water is an essential resource, not only for domestic consumers but also for our food, energy, and large industries in the UK. We are facing increasing pressure on our water resources such as:
  • rising demand, including emerging sectors like data centres and hydrogen production,
  • declining availability due to climate change and population growth, and
  • increasing water quality pressures.

Water is a dynamic resource that interfaces with and connects a range of sectors, such that any individual actor or sector can rarely solve water challenges.

The Cross-Sector Water Innovation Network (CSWIN) is a collaborative, cross-sectoral community of water-conscious innovators, supply chain actors, and end-users. Funded by Ofwat, and delivered by Innovate UK, the Cross-Sector Water Innovation Network will bring together innovators, businesses, and end-users from across sectors to accelerate sustainable growth, drive mutual value, and shape a smarter, more resilient water future.

Key focus areas

Catchments & landscapes

Catchments & landscapes

Enhancing partnerships to deliver water quality and resources for sustainable food, farming and land management.

Reducing pollutants in the water environment

Reducing pollutants in the water environment

Working together with industry and manufacturing to prevent pollution at its source to protect the water environment.

Rethinking the role of water

Rethinking the role of water

Transforming waste into valuable resources and reducing reliance on potable water to develop new business innovation.


EVENT

Introducing the Water Innovation Cross-Sector Challenge

Sign-up to the first of a four-part webinar series, where we will be introducing the new cross-sector element of the Ofwat Innovation Fund and sharing great examples of cross-sector collaboration within the water environment.

Read more and register

A network for change

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A Central Platform for Water Innovation Across Industries

CSWIN provides a space for organisations to align their efforts and explore water-related opportunities across different sectors. The platform helps connect activities that occur upstream and downstream of water company assets, encouraging a more joined-up approach to improving the water environment.

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Enabling Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

We support collaboration by connecting stakeholders, sharing best practices, and forming partnerships around priority challenge areas. Through this network, we promote knowledge exchange and coordinated action that contributes to the Water Innovation Cross-Sector Challenge.

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Identifying Shared Water Challenges Across Sectors

We are bringing together key sectors and stakeholders whose activities depend on or influence the water environment. By working collaboratively, we aim to uncover shared challenges and identify opportunities where innovation can deliver solutions that benefit both users and the environment.

Real-world examples and site-based learning can inspire innovators and validate solutions.

The challenge of ‘Water’ crosses many industries, government regulation and sectors. It our mission to create a centralised thinking force to drive change to how we respect, treat, and rely on water input and the outputs into our water sources. Explore our insight articles and reports into these challenges and opportunities for our water industries in the UK.

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Our Experts

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Join the network to collaborate, innovate, transform.

Join the network to benefit from expert facilitation and curated connections, funding insights and innovation challenges, to knowledge sharing and policy engagement.

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