At the World Water-Tech Innovation Summit, 25-26 February 2025 in London, Water Alliance was proud to see two of its members, Samotics and HULO, actively contributing as sponsors. This event gathers global water leaders to tackle urgent challenges like infrastructure resilience, sustainability, and efficiency. A perfect opportunity to check in with both companies and see how they are making an impact in the UK.
A complex but crucial market
The UK water sector is one of the most demanding in the world. Utilities face strict performance targets, heavy fines, and intense public scrutiny. On top of that, aging infrastructure, climate-driven weather extremes, and increasing water demand make reliability more critical than ever.
These challenges also create opportunities for innovation. The market actively seeks smart solutions to prevent failures, improve efficiency, and secure a sustainable water supply for the future. Dutch companies like Samotics and HULO are already demonstrating how technology can help utilities stay ahead.
Samotics: preventing failures before they happen
Samotics helps utilities detect failures before they cause downtime or costly repairs. Using Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA), their technology monitors critical infrastructure in real-time. Instead of installing sensors directly on hard-to-reach equipment, Samotics analyzes electrical signals collecting electrical data from the motor control cabinet. This allows utilities to spot early signs of wear, inefficiencies, and potential failures – even in remote or submerged locations.
The demand for predictive maintenance is growing fast. Samotics already works with most UK water utilities like Yorkshire Water, Southern Water, Thames Water and more.
HULO: tackling water loss with AI-driven leak detection
HULO is working hard to establish itself in the UK, addressing one of the sector’s biggest challenges: water loss. With around 30% of clean drinking water lost due to leaks, utilities are under pressure to improve efficiency. HULO’s AI-powered platform detects and localizes leaks and other anomalies in real time, enabling faster response and reducing water loss.
Unlike traditional leak detection, which often requires expensive and time-consuming fieldwork, HULO’s technology integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, even when there are no DMAs. Their AI-driven approach helps utilities locate leaks faster, minimize disruption, and save millions of liters of water.
To accelerate its growth, HULO recently secured an €800,000 investment from LUMO Labs and the Netherlands Enabling Water Technology (NEW) Fund. With a proven solution and a growing international presence, the UK is a logical next step in their expansion.
Water Alliance: opening doors in the UK market
Expanding into a market like the UK is challenging – especially in a heavily regulated and risk-averse industry like water. That’s why Water Alliance actively supports its members in gaining visibility, credibility, and the right connections abroad.
Through initiatives like the WTEX10 program, which has been running for several years, Water Alliance helps its members navigate international markets by providing exposure, strategic matchmaking, and market insights. Samotics and HULO, along with many other Dutch water tech companies, have leveraged this platform to showcase their innovations and build essential relationships with UK utilities, regulators, and industry leaders.
Samotics and HULO’s journeys in the UK show how technology and collaboration can drive real change in the water sector. By preventing failures and reducing water loss, they contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future – something we, as Water Alliance, are proud to support.
