EIT Water West

Overview‍

EIT Water West strengthens water, marine and maritime innovation across Belgium, France, Luxemburg and the Netherlands. Based in a region shaped by major port and coastal cities, our regional hub focuses on water circularity, multi-use innovation and sustainable solutions for highly urbanised and industrialised environments.

In 2026, the EIT Water West host is Blue Cluster Belgium, a strategic maritime industry cluster driving collaborative innovation in offshore energy, blue biotech, blue tourism, coastal protection, pollution mitigation, smart shipping and maritime security. Through its extensive cross-border network, Blue Cluster connects research, industry, ports and public authorities to accelerate circular and blue economy solutions.

Our geographic scope‍

Belgium, France, Luxemburg, Netherlands

Our regional priorities

• Water circularity and management of legacy pollutants

• Coastal protection and nature-based solutions

• Sustainable blue economy, including aquaculture and blue biotech

• Clean shipping and smart maritime innovation

• Offshore renewable energy and multi-use platforms

Our regional strengths and assets

• Strong port and coastal city ecosystems

• Leadership in water circularity and reuse

• Multi-use innovation in offshore and coastal zones

• Strong SME and industry engagement

• Experience linking societal and environmental challenges

• High-quality research and maritime innovation networks

Our members

• Belgium: Aquafin, Aquature Technologies B.V., Aqvita SRL, CEBEDEAU, Blue Cluster, Ghent University, Haven van Antwerpen - Brugge, Jan De Nul, Noah Water Solutions, North Sea Port, Sea alarm Foundation, SK Consulting, VITO, Water Europe

• Netherlands: KWR Water B.V., Nauti, Stichting Centre of Expertise Water Technologie, Stichting Deltares, Stichting Water Alliance, Stichting Wateropleidingen - World Water Academy, Stichting Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology,

• France: ALW FI, INRAE, Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), TVT Innovation – System Factory, Technische Universiteit Delft, The Great Bubble Barrier, University of Amsterdam, World Waternet

Contact: rhwest@eitwater.eu

EU funding: This activity is funded by the European Union.

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