I participated in the Clean Tech Swiss–Canadian Collaboration Forum 2022, an international event designed to strengthen cooperation between Swiss and Canadian innovators, utilities, researchers and technology companies. The forum focused on accelerating clean‑tech adoption across water, energy and environmental sectors, with a strong emphasis on advanced monitoring technologies and collaborative innovation models.

I was invited as a speaker, delivering a technical presentation on microbial activity sensing and its role in real‑time water and wastewater monitoring. My session explored how biological activity data can enhance process optimisation, early‑warning systems and environmental protection, and how these technologies can be integrated into digital water strategies.

The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and discussion of joint R&D, commercialisation pathways and opportunities for Swiss–Canadian collaboration.

My Contribution: Speaker on Microbial Activity Sensing

Presentation Title: Microbial Activity Sensing: Real‑Time Biological Insight for Water and Wastewater Systems

Key points delivered:

• Explained the scientific basis of microbial activity sensing, including metabolic indicators, oxygen uptake, and biological response signatures.
• Demonstrated how real‑time biological data can support process optimisation, treatment stability, and early detection of pollution events.
• Presented case studies showing improved operational performance through continuous microbial monitoring.
• Discussed integration with digital twins, AI‑driven analytics, and sensor networks.
• Highlighted opportunities for Swiss–Canadian collaboration in scaling biological sensing technologies.
• Participated in Q&A and follow‑up discussions with utilities, researchers and technology partners.

Key Themes Covered

Climate and sustainability drivers How environmental pressures shape investment and innovation priorities.

Advanced microbial sensing technologies Real‑time biological monitoring, sensor design, data interpretation and operational applications.

Digitalisation of water and wastewater systems Integration of biological, chemical and physical sensors with analytics and automation.

Clean‑tech innovation ecosystems How Switzerland and Canada support piloting, validation and commercialisation of emerging technologies.

Environmental monitoring and early‑warning systems Using biological indicators to detect toxicity, shock loads and treatment instability.

Cross‑border collaboration Joint R&D, technology transfer and market expansion opportunities.