Waves of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-wise World

Waves of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-wise World 

Date: 15th November 2023                   Time: 9.30am -1.00pm                 Where: DCU Alpha Campus                    Cost: Free 

Building upon the resounding success and escalating demand for water-centred dialogues witnessed during World Water Week 2023, the DCU Water Institute and DCU Invent would like to invite you a dedicated event focused on the multifaceted discussions surrounding water security. This event will comprehensively cover various facets, ranging from utility planning strategies and the risk factors that have captured the attention of insurance companies, to the innovative solutions emerging from start ups aimed at effectively addressing the challenges posed by water insecurity.

Next, we will delve into how innovation can effectively tackle the pressing challenges posed by water insecurity. We will explore the various categories of innovations that have captured the interest of investors, shedding light on what they are actively seeking. Furthermore, we will discuss strategies for incubating entrepreneurs and facilitating their journey to market, ensuring that these innovative solutions can disrupt and be adopted by businesses and society itself. 

Who should attend? 

Whether you are a business looking to discuss sustainable water security, a start-up working in water, an esteemed academic, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a passionate advocate for innovative water solutions, this event promises to be an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and catalysing the future of water-centric endeavours.                                                                                                       

Agenda Overview

9am – 10am Registration 

10.00am – Opening Address – Water Security Overview 

Prof. Fiona Regan

10.10 am Panel Discussion 1: Water Security for the future 

Our language needs to change from water supply to water security. DCU Water Institute sees water insecurity as being a growing
threat to societies globally – affecting the protection of water functions and services for humans and the environment. There are many dimensions to water security (social, economic, political and environmental) – relating to efficient and equitable use, equal domestic opportunities and sustainability of the resource for businesses and the public as a whole. The key is to make the most of water resources for the benefit of people and ecosystems. The risks relating to flooding, water scarcity and water quality are central to the objective of water security for all. Water security must be considered in the context of a changing climate.

To explore these pressing issues, we will engage in a robust discussion with our esteemed panel members. Together, we’ll unravel the intricacies of water security and shed light on the path forward in safeguarding this invaluable resource for current and future generations.

Panellists include: Uisce Eireann, Allianz, KLIR, 20Fifty Partners   

Facilitator: Prof Fiona Regan, DCU Water Institute, Centre Director

 

10.45am – 11am      Open Discussion with Audience Q&A with rapporteur overview 

 

11am – 11.30am – Tea & Coffee Break

 

11.30am – 11.40am – Key Note Address:

Vice Admiral Mark Mellet, Former Chief Of Staff at The Defence Forces and Founder of Green Compass 

11.40 Panel Discussion 2: Water Innovation & Disruption 

DCU Water Institute believe that innovative ideas that address the big challenges facing the water sector come from increasing and improving collaboration and building partnerships from within and outside the water sector. We believe that all water users – businesses and public alike, can drive innovation in the water sector.
Innovation champions can be important to driving change, providing support, and ensuring collaborative approaches are adopted. We need to go beyond business-as-usual innovation practices in the water sector – taking account of technology, culture, business practices, commercial models and strategies to address barriers to adoption of innovation in water and wastewater services.
Organisations must strategically plan for innovation, building up their internal capacity, and leveraging support of external
stakeholders. There is a growing role for a shared use of enabling technologies and sharing data (e.g sensors and monitoring, modelling techniques etc.) that can help to reduce elements of risk within the innovation process.

In our panel discussion here, we will explore how collaborative efforts and innovative strategies can revolutionise the water sector. We will delve into the crucial role of innovation champions, the significance of technology, and the sharing of data to drive positive change and ensure a sustainable water future for all and the water investment landscape.

Panellists include: Mazarine Ventures, Hovione, An Forum Uisce and BIM

Facilitator: Ronan Cunningham, DCU Invent Director

12.15pm – 12.20pm      Open Discussion with Audience Q&A with rapporteur overview 

12.30pm Ministerial Address 

Minister Ossian Smyth T.D

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy

12.30 Ireland’s Innovation Funding Landscape & Access 

Dr Carolyn Hughes, Director of Business Development Manufacturing, Engineering, Energy & Water, DCU Invent

1.00pm Networking & Lunch

REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE