The Innowise Scale pitching Competitions 2022 are here

The InnoWise Scale pitching competitions focus on finding innovative solutions to reverse water scarcity, changing from water misuse and pollution to reduce, reuse and non-use of water. During the events, the 35 companies selected to participate in the competitions will pitch their solution to specific sectoral challenges and case studies provided by different end users, with the possibility of been awarded with equity-free cash prizes of up to 12,000€ based on the uniqueness and replicability of their innovations, and 30,000€ of special prize as a voucher to implement a demo study with one of the problem holders.

As part of the competition’s programme, the EIT communities EIT Food, EIT Climate KIC, EIT Manufacturing and EIT Digital aim to deep dive into the circular future of the water sector and how digital tools and innovations can support that transition.

The series of talks under the title of Road to 2030: Future circular water-cycle perspectives will bring insightful discussions around key topics aligned with the InnoWise Scale competition challenges.

The InnoWise Scale pitching competitions will take place online following the calendar detailed below. Each pitching event will delve into one topic and sector. The topics will be the following:

EIT Manufacturing & ENCE | 22nd November, 10:00 – 12:45 CET

This is the debate question the first pitching event, led by EIT Manufacturing. Water recycling is seen as the clearest way to reduce water consumption and make efficient use of scarce water resources. But how can companies implement these solutions? Which are their incentives? Why are they facing administrative barriers?

EIT Climate-KIC & DEYAPH | 23rd November, 10:00 – 13:00 CET

This is the debate question for second pitching competition, led by EIT Climate-KIC. In the report ‘Point on the Circular Water 2050 horizon’, the water sector set itself a set of circular objectives such as going fully circular by 2050. But is the system ready to take that challenge? Which are the barriers that must be overcome?

EIT Food & Familia Torres | 28th November, 10:00 – 13:00 CET

This is the debate question for 3rd pitching competition, led by EIT Food. The occurrence of emerging pollutants and the increasing salinity in irrigation waters is a growing concern. The smart use of available water resources and the quality of irrigation water is important to avoid problems in the soils and in the production. Wastewater treatment is key to tackling the root cause of this issue. Wastewater treatment is key to tackling the root cause of this issue. The agri-food sector is one of the biggest consumers of freshwater and therefore a big producer of wastewater. Ensuring a circular water cycle in the sector would increase soil health and water quality and availability. But, how can the industry integrate a circular water cycle? Can that process also recover nutrients from wastewater to be reused in food or wine production?

EIT Food & Municipality of Nisyros | 29th November, 10:00 – 12:45 CET

This is the debate question for 4th pitching session, led by EIT Food. Current systems of governance and economic organization are unsuited for a world altered by global warming. The public sector must see itself as a market shaper that works with all stakeholders in the water economy to create pathways for innovation and investment, ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation, and provide enough water for food, energy, and natural systems.

EIT Digital & Cadagua | 30th November, 10:00 – 12:35 CET

This is the debate question for last competition, led by EIT Digital . The last InnoWise Scale pitching will close the series of talks Road to 2030: Future circular water-cycle perspectives with an insightful conversation about the usage of digital tools to manage water.