SIWI joins the winning consortium to lead EIT Water – Europe’s new innovation community tackling water challenges

A European partnership for water resilience 

EIT Water will unite leading actors from research, business, and education to address some of the continent’s most urgent challenges – from droughts and floods to pollution and the degradation of freshwater and marine ecosystems. By building bridges across sectors and regions, the initiative will help Europe move towards a truly water-smart and climate-resilient future. 

As the tenth Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) launched by the EIT, EIT Water will strengthen Europe’s capacity to innovate and adapt in the face of growing water pressures. Through entrepreneurial education, startup acceleration, and innovation-driven research, the community will foster new solutions, businesses, and skills that make Europe’s water systems more sustainable and inclusive. 

 SIWI: the only Swedish founding partner 

SIWI is the only Swedish organization among the 50 founding partners from 24 countries, representing universities, research institutions, ports, NGOs, SMEs, and major industry leaders. Its participation is a natural fit with EIT Water’s mission. 

SIWI brings world-leading expertise in water governance, climate adaptation, and ecosystem resilience — essential foundations for tackling droughts, floods, and degradation. Through Swedish Water House, SIWI acts as a bridge between Swedish water actors and international partners, connecting innovation with policy and practice to ensure that new solutions are anchored in effective institutions and equitable water management. 

“As the only Swedish partner in EIT Water, SIWI is proud to bring Sweden’s long tradition of water innovation and collaborative governance to a European stage,” said Helena Thybell, Executive Director at SIWI. “Water connects us all — across sectors, borders, and ecosystems. Together with our partners, we will help ensure that the innovations developed through EIT Water translate into lasting resilience for communities and nature across Europe.” 

 Building Europe’s water-smart future 

The ALLWATERS consortium brings together a diverse network of leading organizations to focus on three key areas: 

• Water scarcity, drought, and floods 
• Marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation 
• Circular and sustainable blue economy 

EIT Water will establish eight regional Co-Location Centres in Aarhus, Vienna, Antwerp, Berlin, Málaga, Šibenik, Varna, and Leeds – creating a connected network for innovators and entrepreneurs across Europe. During its launch phase, the initiative will receive up to EUR 5 million in start-up funding from the EIT, with full operations expected to begin in 2027. 

“Water connects all parts of our society and economy – from food and energy to industry and biodiversity,” said Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. “With EIT Water, Europe is strengthening its ability to manage and protect this shared resource more sustainably and innovatively.” 

By linking local innovation with European-scale action, EIT Water aims to transform how Europe manages and values its shared water resources. As part of the founding consortium, SIWI – through Swedish Water House – will contribute to strengthening the science-policy interface, supporting innovation ecosystems, and promoting effective water governance as a foundation for resilience.

Learn more about EIT Water:
https://eit.europa.eu/our-activities/call-for-eit-communities/eit-water 

About SIWI
Stockholm International Water Institute, SIWI, is a world-leading expert on water governance, water diplomacy and cooperation over shared water resources. We are a not-for-profit foundation is headquartered in Stockholm but work globally as an advisor to governments, cities, and companies on the use and management of water. 

Media contact:
Andrea Norgren, Communications Manager
Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)

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