From 16 to 19 June, Water Alliance – as part of the WTEX10 programme – will take part in an innovation mission to Spain. This mission, organised by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), focuses on digitalization and solutions for water scarcity in agriculture. It aims to explore opportunities for cooperation between Dutch and Spanish parties working on innovative water technology in the agrifood sector.
The mission will take participants to Madrid and to the dry but agriculturally advanced region around Murcia in the southeast of Spain, with additional visits to the regions of Aragon or Valencia. These regions face significant challenges related to drought, yet also offer strong potential for investment and innovation. Key topics include irrigation optimisation, water reuse, monitoring and data-driven technologies.
Concept programme
Over the course of 3.5 days, the programme will deepen our understanding of the water-agriculture-food nexus in Spain and the parallels with Dutch challenges. The programme includes:
- Expert insights on current developments from government, research, industry, and agriculture;
- Exploration of Spain’s national PERTE programme (Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation) focused on digitalising the water cycle for irrigation, and potential opportunities for Dutch stakeholders;
- An interactive workshop with stakeholders around the water digitalisation study (publication by RVO expected May 2025);
- Site visits to agricultural innovations, irrigation communities and water digitalisation facilities (including Vega Innova Innovation Hub);
- Field visits to water infrastructure such as desalination plants, treatment centres, and research institutes;
- Networking with start-ups, industry representatives, researchers, and government stakeholders.
Promoting Dutch innovations
Water Alliance joins this mission with a group of innovative Dutch companies and knowledge institutions, including several Water Alliance members. Together, we will showcase Dutch solutions that contribute to a future-proof and circular agricultural sector.
Networking dinner with Spanish partners
On the evening of Monday 16 June, Water Alliance will co-host a networking dinner in Murcia in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy. The dinner will offer an informal setting for Dutch and Spanish businesses, research organisations and government representatives to connect, exchange knowledge and explore collaboration opportunities.
Programme:
18.05 – Opening by Ambassador Roel Nieuwenkamp
18.15 – Presentation “Study Digitalization Strategies of the Agricultural Sector in Spain and the Netherlands” by Elena Lopez Gunn, Icatalist
18.45 – Panel discussions moderated by Juliette Douglas (Water Alliance) and Rob Zoutberg (Dutch Embassy)
20.00 – Networking dinner
Strengthening the international network
This mission highlights Water Alliance’s continued commitment to supporting its members in expanding internationally and developing sustainable solutions to urgent water challenges. We believe that cooperation between countries facing similar issues is key to accelerating innovation.
Would you like to learn more about this mission or are you interested in international collaboration in the field of water technology? Feel free to contact us.
Organiser of this event
- Juliette Douglas
- +31 (0)683706450
- Liaison Business Development
- j.douglas@wateralliance.nl
