Interested in joining the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026?
From 2–4 November 2026, the inaugural WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit will take place in Lisbon, Portugal. This international conference brings together utilities, industry, policymakers and technology developers to share knowledge and showcase innovations within the bioeconomy. Key themes include water reuse, resource recovery, circular processes and the valorisation of organic residual streams.
For Water Alliance, this event aligns closely with the activities we are currently developing in Portugal. Together with our Portuguese partners, we are working to strengthen long-term collaboration between the Dutch and Portuguese water sectors. The WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit offers an excellent opportunity to further build these relationships, establish new connections and explore international partnerships.
Why join?
The WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit brings together international companies, knowledge institutions, governments and investors working on the development of the bioeconomy. Taking part as part of the Water Alliance delegation gives you the opportunity to:
- establish new international contacts and meet potential partners and customers;
- explore concrete business opportunities for collaboration, projects and market development;
- raise the profile of Dutch water technology within the international bioeconomy;
- gain knowledge and market insights into current developments and applications;
- strengthen your international presence together with other Dutch organisations.
Who should participate?
The WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit is particularly relevant for Dutch organisations active in:
- water reuse;
- industrial water solutions;
- resource and nutrient recovery;
- bio-based processes;
- circular technologies;
- sustainable wastewater treatment.
Programme
Under the theme From Organic Waste Streams to Circular Value Systems, the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 will focus on how organic residual streams can be transformed into valuable raw materials for a circular, low-carbon economy.
The programme focuses on several interconnected themes:
- Global Drivers, Policy & System Transformation
- Circular Bioeconomy Systems & Resource Recovery
- Science, Research & Innovation
- Digital Infrastructure & AI
- Markets, Finance & Investment
- Collaboration & Deployment Platforms
Sessions will cover topics including resource recovery, urban bio-refineries, nutrient recovery, energy from biosolids, emerging technologies, digitalisation and AI, financing, and the development of markets for bioresources. This also closely reflects the broader content of the working agenda, which includes dedicated sessions such as Wastewater Plants as Urban Bio-Refineries, Closing the Nutrient Loop and Energy from Biosolids.
Monday 2 November
Sustainability Day
The summit begins with technical/site visits, followed by the pre-conference forum Sustainable Water Stewardship. The pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings begin in the late afternoon. The day concludes with the welcome reception.
Tuesday 3 November
Innovation Day
Business meetings and conference sessions take place from the morning onwards. The programme includes the Exchange Lunch: a two-hour working lunch featuring round-table discussions. In the evening, there will be a gala dinner and awards ceremony.
Wednesday 4 November
Collaboration Day
The final day consists of business meetings and the Global Bioeconomy Roundtable.
What is included?
As a Water Alliance member, you can attend the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit at a special member rate of €1,595 excluding VAT per person. The standard price for this package is €2,195 excluding VAT.
The package includes:
- Two nights at the official WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit hotel on 2 and 3 November;
- participation in the one-to-one business meeting programme, with at least five business meetings;
- full access to all conference sessions and workshops;
- access to the programme featuring more than 80 speakers from 41 countries;
- Welcome Cocktail Reception on 2 November;
- WEX-BIO Dinner & Awards Ceremony on 3 November;
- Exchange Lunch and Farewell Lunch;
- site visits on 2 November;
- airport transfers;
- access to all presentations after the conference.
Register for WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit
Organiser of this event
- Juliette Douglas
- +31 (0)683706450
- International Business Development
- j.douglas@wateralliance.nl
