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EIT Water: Community Launch Event
Be part of the moment Europe’s water, marine and maritime innovation community comes to life.
In October, EIT Water will launch its new community of leaders, innovators and changemakers from across Europe to tackle challenges in the water, marine and maritime sectors. This event marks the moment our community comes to life. Join us in Málaga on 15 October and make new connections, identify future collaboration opportunities, meet fellow members and celebrate early innovation.
Tickets are available to EIT Water members and invited guests only. Tickets are limited to one per member organisation. Booking takes place on our dedicated registration site.
EIT Water Strategy and Cooperation Members and VIPs will be invited to our Mayoral Reception on 14 October, an exclusive opportunity for high-level networking ahead of the launch.
Be there at the beginning
Europe’s water, marine and maritime systems face interconnected challenges: ecosystem degradation, pollution, climate risk, resource scarcity and fragmentation across sectors.
The ideas, expertise and innovations to tackle many of these challenges already exist. What is needed is a connected community capable of bringing them together. The EIT Water Launch Event marks the start of that journey.
Over one day in Málaga, members will come together to build relationships, exchange ideas, discover emerging innovations and identify opportunities to collaborate across sectors and borders.
Benefits of attending
Connect with leaders and innovators from across Europe’s water, marine and maritime ecosystems.
Identify shared challenges, complementary expertise and opportunities to work together.
Contribute to the Community Charter and how we collaborate in the years ahead.
Hear from policymakers, leaders, startups and innovators already developing solutions to Europe’s challenges.
Learn from leading voices in innovation, policy, industry and research.
Who you’ll meet
One community. Different sectors. Shared challenges.
The EIT Water Launch Event will bring together approximately 150 members and invited guests from across Europe’s water, marine and maritime innovation ecosystem.
Facilitated sessions, networking breaks and informal conversations will give you plenty of opportunities to meet fellow members and find the people and organisations tackling challenges relevant to you.
Ideas to inspire action
Hear from leaders and innovators working across policy, industry, entrepreneurship, research and investment.
Jessika Roswall took up her mandate in December 2024. She was previously Sweden's Minister for EU Affairs, including through Sweden's EU presidency, and served in the Swedish Parliament from 2010 to 2022, latterly as second vice-president of its EU affairs committee. She holds a law degree from Uppsala University.
Meet the speaker
Stefaan Hermans is Director for Competitiveness, Talent Mobility and International Cooperation at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. He previously led its Policy Strategy and Evaluation directorate and held senior posts across EU research and innovation. He also lectures on EU affairs at KU Leuven.
Meet the speaker
Mikael brings more than 20 years of leadership across the water, marine and environmental sectors. Former Managing Director of DHI subsidiaries and Executive Vice President for global business units spanning offshore energy, ports and water resources, he brings deep experience of EU innovation frameworks to EIT Water's first year.
Meet the speaker
Namrata Nadkarni is a maritime transport expert, professional moderator and founder of Intent Communications. An award-winning journalist with two decades in the maritime and transport industries, she is known for high-energy moderating and for drawing insight across sectors. She has chaired the Alternative Fuels Working Group for the World Ports Climate Action Programme.
Meet the speakerThis is a first look at who you'll hear from. We'll add the rest of the line-up here soon.
When and where
Our event will be held at La Pérgola del Mediterráneo, one of Málaga’s most iconic waterfront restaurants, perfectly positioned on the Paseo de la Farola at Muelle Uno, right beside the harbour. Owned by Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas, the venue has a beautiful semi-enclosed terrace overlooking the water and is the perfect backdrop for our EIT Water Community Launch.
Mayoral Reception
EIT Water Strategy and Cooperation Members and VIPs are invited to a Mayoral Reception at Mirror Hall (Salón de los Espejos), Málaga Town Hall on the evening before the launch. It is an exclusive opportunity for high-level networking with peers and leaders in the regional water community.
If you plan to attend, please allow for an additional night in Málaga.
Your invitation to join the community
Who can attend?
The EIT Water Launch Event is an exclusive event for EIT Water members and invited guests.
Membership gives organisations the opportunity to become part of a long-term European innovation community connecting companies, universities, cities, researchers and innovators across the water, marine and maritime sectors.
Members are not simply attendees. They have an opportunity to help shape the community, build new partnerships and contribute to the solutions EIT Water develops and scales.
Not yet an EIT Water member?
Discover how your organisation can become part of the community.
Already invited?
Secure your place through our dedicated event registration page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the event invite-only?
Yes. The EIT Water Launch Event is for EIT Water members and invited guests. If your organisation is interested in joining EIT Water, find out more about membership.
How do I book my place?
Registration takes place on our dedicated booking site. If you have received an invitation or are eligible to attend, use any ‘Register here’ button on this page.
Where exactly is the event taking place?
The event takes place at La Pérgola del Mediterráneo, Paseo de la Farola, 18, 29016 Málaga, on the city’s waterfront beside the port. See Plan your visit for travel, accommodation and accessibility details.
Who is invited to the Mayoral Reception and when is it?
EIT Water Strategy and Cooperation Members and VIPs are invited to a Mayoral Reception at Mirror Hall (Salón de los Espejos), Málaga Town Hall on Wednesday 14 October, from 18:30 to 20:30 — the evening before the launch event. It is an exclusive opportunity for high-level networking with peers and leaders in the regional water community. If you plan to attend, please allow for an additional night in Málaga.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. The EIT Water Launch Event is free to attend for EIT Water members and invited guests.
Will food and refreshments be provided?
Food and refreshments will be provided throughout the event, including arrival snacks, morning and afternoon networking breaks, lunch, and an evening drinks reception with canapés. We are happy to cater to your dietary requirements. Please include this information on your registration form.
What if I have accessibility requirements?
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive event for all attendees. Please indicate any specific accessibility requirements when completing your registration form so we can make the necessary arrangements. If we need any further details to support your needs, a member of our team will reach out to you.
Is there a preferred accommodation supplier?
Yes. To make your stay as convenient as possible, a dedicated hotel room block has been secured at Staybridge Suites Malaga. Preferred rates have been arranged for EIT Water attendees.
- Single room with breakfast included: €189 per room, per night
- Double room with breakfast included: €199 per room, per night
All registered guests will receive a secure link to access this preferred rate in the confirmation email.
Full details, including the hotel’s facilities and location, are on Plan your visit.
Who can I contact with a question?
For questions about the event, please get in touch.