Europe has taken a decisive step toward protecting its most vital resource with the launch of EIT Water, a new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) dedicated to transforming how the continent manages its freshwater, marine and maritime environments.
The initiative, selected and supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), is set to become a central force in tackling escalating water-related pressures driven by climate change, economic demands and population growth.
Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, outlined the significance of the project: “Water connects all parts of our society and economy – from food and energy to industry and biodiversity.
“With EIT Water, Europe is strengthening its ability to manage and protect this shared resource more sustainably and innovatively.
“This new community will play an important role in the implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy and the building of a water-smart economy in Europe. A water-smart economy that works for people, nature, and our competitiveness.”
A landmark addition to the EIT network
As the tenth KIC in the EIT portfolio, EIT Water marks a strategic expansion of Europe’s innovation capacity.
Unlike traditional sector-specific programmes, EIT Water brings together the full spectrum of the water cycle – rivers, coastlines, oceans and the industries connected to them – under one coordinated approach.
Through entrepreneurial training, innovation funding and business incubation, the community aims to build a stronger talent pipeline and accelerate the commercial uptake of new technologies across Member States.
Addressing Europe’s most urgent water challenges
At the heart of EIT Water’s mission are three priority areas:
- Climate-driven water extremes, including worsening droughts, floods and growing water scarcity.
- Degradation of marine and freshwater ecosystems, which threatens biodiversity, economic activity and long-term sustainability.
- Advancement of a circular and sustainable blue economy, promoting smarter resource use, cleaner industry and resilient coastal regions.
With water crises intensifying across Europe, the new initiative will provide a unified platform for research, innovation and real-world deployment.
A Pan-European consortium to lead the way
The newly selected consortium, Allwaters, brings together 50 organisations from 24 countries.
Its diverse membership, ranging from universities and research centres to SMEs, ports, NGOs and major industry players, reflects the scale and complexity of Europe’s water challenges.
This broad coalition will guide EIT Water through its development and ensure solutions are rooted in regional needs.
Michelle Williams, Coordinator, Aarhus University (Allwaters consortium), added: “We are truly honoured to lead EIT Water and to help shape Europe’s response to one of its most pressing challenges.
“Water is life – and safeguarding it requires innovation, collaboration, and commitment. Together with the EIT and our partners across Europe, we look forward to developing solutions that make our water systems more resilient, circular, and sustainable for generations to come.”
Funding, timeline and long-term vision
To support the launch phase in 2026, the EIT will provide up to €5m in startup funding, with EIT Water expected to become fully operational by 2027.
Designed as an open partnership, the programme will welcome stakeholders from across the water sector throughout its 15-year mandate.
Its long-term aim: to leverage significant public and private investment and deliver a transformative, lasting impact on Europe’s water systems.
