The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has officially launched EIT Water, a new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC).
EIT Water will address Europe’s most pressing water challenges across freshwater, marine and maritime ecosystems.
Following a competitive call launched in January 2025, and a rigorous expert evaluation, the EIT Governing Board selected the winning consortium in November 2025.
The new KIC marks an important milestone for Europe’s water resilience and innovation capacity.
A New EIT Community for Water Innovation
EIT Water becomes the tenth KIC within the EIT Community.
It adopts an integrated approach across water systems, from rivers and lakes to seas and coasts.
Its activities will focus on:
- entrepreneurial education and skills development;
- innovation-driven research and demonstration;
- startup creation and scale-up;
- stronger links between education, research and business.
By connecting innovators, learners and researchers to Europe’s largest innovation network, EIT Water will strengthen the talent pipeline and accelerate technology adoption across regions.
Aligned with EU Priorities
EIT Water will contribute directly to EU priorities for:
- a greener Europe;
- a more digital economy;
- increased resilience and competitiveness.
With an on-the-ground presence across Member States and partner countries, the KIC will ensure that solutions are developed and deployed where they are most needed, including in moderate and emerging innovation regions.
Key Focus Areas
EIT Water will prioritise three strategic challenges:
- Water scarcity, drought and floods
- Degradation of marine and freshwater ecosystems
- Transition to a circular and sustainable blue economy
Founding Partners Across Europe
EIT Water will bring together 50 founding partners from across Europe, forming the Allwaters consortium.
The partnership includes industry leaders, universities, research organisations, ports, public authorities, NGOs, startups and SMEs.
This strong geographical coverage ensures regional impact and close alignment with local water challenges.
Founding partners by country include:
Bulgaria
• Marine Cluster Bulgaria
• Tech Tour Global
Croatia
• Digital Innovation HUB Innovamare
• Ruđer Bošković Institute
Cyprus
• Limassol District Local Government Organisation
Czech Republic
• BIOEAST HUB CZ
Estonia
• University of Tartu
Greece
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Igoumenitsa Port Authority
Hungary
• MAHART-Freeport
Italy
• Second Degree Irrigation Consortium for the Emilia-Romagna Canal (CER)
• International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM)
Poland
• Elbląg Seaport Authority
• Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW
Portugal
• University of Coimbra
Spain
• FCC Aqualia
• Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA)
• Navantia
• Port Authority of Vigo
• Ricardo Valle Innovation Institute Foundation
Türkiye
• Entertech Istanbul Teknokent
Ukraine
• National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Voices from Europe
“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.”
Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
“A healthy ocean and resilient freshwater systems are two sides of the same coin. EIT Water will help bridge blue and green innovation and support the delivery of the European Ocean Pact.”
Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans
“EIT Water will be a platform for collaborative innovation, bringing together business, research and education to deliver real solutions for Europe’s water challenges.”
Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson, EIT Governing Board
“Water is life. Safeguarding it requires innovation, collaboration and long-term commitment. We are honoured to lead EIT Water together with partners across Europe.”
Michelle Williams, Coordinator, Aarhus University, Allwaters Consortium
Locations Across Europe
EIT Water will establish eight Co-Location Centres (CLCs).
These centres will provide access to services, networks and opportunities for innovators, students and entrepreneurs.
Confirmed locations include:
- CLC South: Šibenik, Croatia
- CLC Iberian Peninsula: Malaga, Spain
- CLC Black Sea: Varna, Bulgaria
Funding and Next Steps
To support its establishment, EIT Water will receive:
- up to €5 million in start-up funding during the launch phase until 2026.
Full operations are expected to begin in 2027.
Over time, EIT funding will gradually decrease as the KIC attracts additional public and private investment, in line with the EIT model of long-term financial sustainability.
EIT Water will operate as an open partnership over its 15-year EIT-supported duration, inviting stakeholders from across the water sector to engage and benefit.
EIT Water is set to play a central role in building a water-smart, resilient and competitive Europe – for people, nature and the economy.