A networking and matchmaking event for companies from the iWATERMAP partner regions was organized during Aquatech Amsterdam 2019.
7 company representatives from Portugal, Czech Republic, and Greece. had an opportunity to explore Aquatech and meet 25000 water professionals. On top of this, a matchmaking event was organized in cooperation with Water Alliance. The representatives, as specific case owners, were paired with companies from the Water Alliance network. In total, five P2P meetings took place, which will result in future cooperation.
During the iWATERMAP partner meetings water problems were discussed and potential solutions shared. This led to more interest from regional stakeholders to engage and get acquainted with breakthrough water technologies. The Aquatech 2019 trade fair offered a perfect opportunity to organise a series of B2B events.
Water Alliance, the network organisation for the Dutch water technology sector and a regional stakeholder linked to Wetsus and the Province of Fryslân, organised a matchmaking programme with support of the Enterprise Europe Network
They collected water related needs and issues from the iWATERMAP partners and their case owners, where matched with Dutch solutions. Several matchmaking meetings took place of which some where an instant success. At the end of the day two iWATERMAP stakeholders agreed on collaboration with two Dutch companies in future projects.
The main stakeholders and beneficiaries are public and private companies in iWATERMAP partner regions, which have a specific water problem and which are looking for a solution provider.
Resources needed
The travel cost for companies from Portugal, Czech Republic, and Greece were covered by iWATERMAP . The partner selection, venue and event facilitation was supported by Water Alliance and EEN.
Evidence of success
Several matchmaking meetings took place of which some where an instant success. At the end of the day two iWATERMAP stakeholders agreed on collaboration with two Dutch companies in future projects.
Potential for learning or transfer
Many Interreg Europe projects facilitate longer term interaction between European regions with a focus on a specific problem. This interaction and the engagement with stakeholders can easily lead to successful B2B meetings from different European regions. This way problem owners and solution providers will be able to get in touch.
It is foreseen that Aquatech will be organised again in 2021. The success of this first edition in 2019 warrants a repetition of this best practice with another facilitated B2B exchange. Ofcourse, this will among others depend on the COVID-19 impact on trade fairs in 2021.
Tags: Business, Circular economy, Environment, SME, Stakeholders, Technology, Water
