Event: European Water Tech Week (EWTW) 2024

Date: September 2024

Location: Leeuwarden, Netherlands (WaterCampus / Wetsus)

Role: Keynote Speaker

Type of CPD: International innovation leadership / digital transformation / environmental performance

Duration: Multi‑day event (keynote + sessions + bilateral meetings)

Summary of the Event

I delivered a keynote address at European Water Tech Week 2024, held in Leeuwarden—Europe’s recognised hub for water technology research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The event brought together utilities, technology companies, researchers, investors, policymakers and international organisations to explore the future of water technology, digital transformation and climate‑resilient infrastructure.

The 2024 programme focused on breakthrough sensing technologies, AI‑enabled optimisation, nature‑positive water systems, circularity, and scaling innovation across Europe and globally. The event also showcased cutting‑edge research from Wetsus and the WaterCampus ecosystem, highlighting the region’s role as a leading centre for applied water‑technology development.

My keynote centred on the role of real‑time biological monitoring, microbial activity sensing, and integrated digital ecosystems in improving treatment performance, environmental outcomes and operational resilience.

My Contribution: Keynote Speaker

Keynote Title: Biological Intelligence in a Digital Water Future: Real‑Time Insight for Resilient Systems

Key messages delivered:

• Demonstrated how real‑time biological monitoring provides early‑warning capability and strengthens wastewater and drinking‑water resilience.
• Highlighted the role of microbial activity sensing in improving treatment stability, reducing pollution risk and supporting compliance.
• Positioned biological data as a critical missing layer in digital twins, predictive analytics and automated optimisation.
• Emphasised the importance of integrated data ecosystems combining biological, chemical and physical parameters.
• Encouraged cross‑border collaboration to accelerate innovation adoption and scale solutions across Europe.
• Reinforced the value of partnerships between utilities, innovators, research institutions and regulators.

Additional engagement:

• Participated in panel discussions on digital transformation, environmental monitoring and innovation scaling.
• Held bilateral meetings with European utilities, research groups and technology partners exploring biological monitoring pilots.
• Contributed to discussions on EU regulatory trends, circularity and climate‑resilient infrastructure.

Key Themes Covered

Climate resilience and long‑term planning Managing extreme weather, asset vulnerability and sustainability.

Digital transformation and predictive operations AI, automation, digital twins and integrated data platforms.

Advanced sensing and real‑time monitoring Biological, chemical and physical sensors for operational and environmental insight.

Environmental performance and river health Transparency, compliance, ecological outcomes and public trust.

Circular economy and resource recovery Water reuse, nutrient recovery, low‑carbon operations and sustainable manufacturing.

Innovation adoption and scaling Pilots, validation, procurement, capability building and cross‑border collaboration.