oPPORTUNITIES FOR START-UPS AND sMES
A CATALYST FOR WATER INNOVATION
A complete range of tools and programmes to propel Start-ups and SMEs to new heights, and champion water R&I
WELCOME TO THE INNOVATION ACCELERATOR
WaterWise Hub empowers innovators, start-ups, and SMEs to transform water challenges into opportunities through cutting-edge technologies, funding access, and collaboration. The Innovation Accelerator is the mechanism that will allow water innovation 10-20 Start-ups and SMEs to further develop, test, mature and scale their water technologies and services, setting the foundations for circular water solutions to enter the SE Europe, and Eastern Partnership Countries market.
A Complete Support Programme
Innovation Accelerator is part of a multistage support programme which starts with Open Calls and Tech Challenges, and expands onto residency, mentoring, funding, admin, business development, and legal support for innovators, SMEs and Start-Ups.
Propelling Research & Innovation
The accelerator will allow for independent performance testing, reducing product development costs, rapid prototyping, design for use/manufacture, systems engineering, prototype demonstration in an operational environment, field trials and scaling-up, while ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.
Building on a Successful Model
The Innovator Accelerator is modelled after the very successful Cranfield University’s Technology Accelerator program, and aims to support 10-20 entities.
TOOLS & PROGRAMMES
Tech Challenges
Empowering innovators to develop, test, and showcase breakthrough water technologies in collaboration with industry leaders.
Residency Programme
Offering innovators a residency at collaborating Technology Parks (e.g., the Lavrion Tech Park and the ECOIND facilities) as a reward of the Tech Challenges.
Technology Transfer Office
Providing business and legal support to SMEs and start-ups admitted to the Accelerator (e.g., IP issues, advice on market opportunities etc.).
Open Calls
Inviting SMEs to propose bold solutions for water challenges, offering them resources, mentorship, and opportunities to scale.
FundFinder Portal
Helping innovators navigate funding opportunities, connecting them with the right financial resources to help them grow and scale their solutions.
Mentoring Programme
Connecting innovators and SMEs with expert guidance, helping them refine their solutions, grow their businesses, and achieve success.
Joint Pilot Projects
Launching two Joint R&I Pilot Projects where academic, business and end-user partners work together to develop solutions for the adoption of circular water innovations.
B2B Meetings
Business-to-Business meetings between water innovators and end-users (benefiting from industry and utility end-users, that are Hub partners).
Residency Programme
01
An Award for Innovators
Tech Challenge winners will be offered to opportunity to join the WaterWise Residency Programme, at collaborating Tech Parks including the Lavrion Tech Park (GR), and the ECOIND facilities (RO).
02
Tech Park Support
Residency fellows will gain experience (hands-on and research) and knowledge in state-of-the-art technologies and innovations, receive mentoring support and opportunities to develop skills that will take their venture to the next level
03
A Sandbox for Water Excellence
The Residency will offer the opportunity to test emerging technologies in controlled environments, allowing innovators to scale new solutions without having to worry about the regulatory requirements
04
From Fellows to Ambassadors
At the end of the residency, fellows will receive certification and will be invited to the WaterWise Ambassador Network to ensure their continuous support even after the end of the project.
