Event: SWCC (Saline Water Conversion Corporation) – Saudi Innovation Forum

Date: January 2023

Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Type of CPD: Keynote speaking / international collaboration / innovation leadership

Duration: Full‑day event (speaker + participant)

Summary of the Event

I participated in the SWCC Saudi Innovation Event in Riyadh, a high‑profile gathering convened by the Saline Water Conversion Corporation, the world’s largest desalination operator. The event brought together senior leaders from SWCC, Saudi ministries, global technology companies, utilities, engineering firms and innovation specialists to explore the future of desalination, digital transformation and operational excellence.

I was invited as a Keynote Speaker, presenting on the role of microbial activity sensing in enhancing real‑time monitoring, improving treatment performance and supporting resilient, efficient desalination operations. The event provided a strategic platform to engage with Saudi innovation leaders and contribute to discussions on the Kingdom’s ambitious water transformation agenda.

My Contribution: Keynote Speaker

Keynote Title: Biological Insight for High‑Performance Desalination: Microbial Activity Sensing in a Digital Water Future

Key points delivered:

• Explained the scientific foundations and operational value of microbial activity sensing for real‑time biological monitoring.
• Demonstrated how biological data enhances membrane protection, process optimisation, and early‑warning detection of toxicity or shock loads.
• Presented case studies showing improved operational outcomes in both desalination and wastewater systems.
• Discussed integration with digital platforms, including AI‑driven analytics, automated alerts and predictive optimisation.
• Highlighted opportunities for Saudi–UK collaboration in deploying advanced monitoring technologies across SWCC’s large‑scale desalination assets.
• Engaged in strategic discussions with SWCC leadership on innovation pathways, digital transformation and future pilot opportunities.

Key Themes Covered

International collaboration Knowledge exchange between UK innovators and SWCC’s global leadership in desalination.

Desalination innovation and operational excellence Membrane performance, fouling mitigation, energy efficiency and digital optimisation.

Real‑time monitoring and digital transformation Biological, chemical and physical sensors integrated with analytics and automation.

Saudi Arabia’s water strategy and Vision 2030 Innovation, sustainability and resilience in large‑scale water production.

Climate resilience and water security Ensuring reliable supply in arid regions through advanced monitoring and adaptive operations.

Technology adoption and scaling Piloting, validating and deploying emerging monitoring tools at utility scale.