Connecting Dutch water innovation to the world: Netherlands Pavilion at IFAT Munich 2026

A platform for Dutch water excellence

The Netherlands Pavilion at IFAT Munich gave 16 innovative Dutch technology and service providers a strong international stage to present their solutions to a global audience. Co-organised by NWP and Water Alliance, the Pavilion brought together companies working across the full spectrum of water management – from advanced filtration and UV technology to smart monitoring and sustainable treatment solutions.

The programme also featured activities organised in close collaboration with the broader Dutch delegation at IFAT Munich. These included:

• international matchmaking sessions organised by the International Cleantech Network in partnership with Water Alliance;
• the launch of the NEW Water project; and,
• a thematic session on PFAS in industrial water and climate-adaptive water management, organised under the Water4All Partnership.

UV Alliance session: knowledge exchange at the Pavilion

One of the programme highlights at the Netherlands Pavilion was the UV Alliance session, moderated by NWP's Marieke Leenhouts. The session brought together sector specialists, technology providers, and international stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore the latest developments in UV water treatment technology. 

Pollutants are becoming more complex. As a result, water treatment increasingly needs more steps. Collaboration is essential for a healthy, circular water chain. The UV Alliance works as a community towards a sustainable water chain by assigning true value to water. 

UV disinfection is a field in which Dutch companies and other European partners hold a strong international position. The UV Alliance brings this expertise together and shares best practices on how UV, as an extra step in the water treatment process, can add value to reducing the water footprint and the environmental impact, and to saving energy. The session marked the launch of the UV Knowledge Hub and was a valuable opportunity in showcasing the Alliance’s expertise in a focused, professional setting. 

The lively discussion touched on both technical innovation and market opportunities, reflecting the growing global demand for effective, chemical-free water treatment solutions.

Matchmaking meetings: building bridges across borders

Alongside the programme activities at the Pavilion, NWP facilitated a series of targeted matchmaking meetings – a core part of NWP's mission of connecting Dutch water expertise to international partners and markets. Each meeting underlined the strong and broad international interest in what the Netherlands has to offer the water sector.

• GIGwater (Brazil) – NWP met with Flavio Lemos and Gabriel Rodriguez, GIGwater’s owner, to explore shared interests and potential areas for cooperation, building on growing ties between the Dutch and Brazilian water sectors. GIGwater connected to several NWP members, both at the Pavilion as well as at other stands at IFAT Munich.
• WEFE Study Tour delegation (Jordan) – A delegation from Jordan that included ministry representatives visited the Pavilion as part of a study tour on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus. The meeting was a valuable exchange on Dutch approaches to integrated water management and the potential for future collaboration.
• AESABESP / Sabesp (Brazil, website in Portuguese) – AESABESP, the engineers' association of Sabesp, the Brazilian water utility, visited the Pavilion to connect with Dutch innovation in the water sector, and explored the potential for a Netherlands Pavilion at Fenasan – Brazil's leading water and sanitation trade event.

These meetings are a tangible reflection of the international reach of Dutch water technology and the interest in partnership from around the world. NWP will follow up on each of these conversations in the weeks ahead.

Lively networking reception closed the week warmly

During the week, a lively networking reception brought together participants, partners, and guests in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. NWP extends special thanks to Linda Mieden, Deputy Consul of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Munich, for officially opening the reception, and to the Consulate General for their kind support throughout the week. Special thanks also go to NWP members Aquatech Global Events and NX Filtration for supporting the event.

Thank you to our participating companies

A warm thank you to all 16 companies whose presence, commitment, and enthusiasm made the Netherlands Pavilion such a success:

Aquacycl, Aquatech Global Events, Dorset Green Machines, ESEP Environmental Technology, Haskoning, Nedap, Norit Activated Carbon, Primo Group, PureBlue Water, Solisenz, REDstack, RN Solutions, Salttech, Van Remmen UV Technology, Wioniq Benelux, and Your Filter Factory

And a special thanks to the team at Water Alliance, for another great collab!

IFAT Munich 2026 once again demonstrated the depth and breadth of Dutch expertise in water technology. NWP looks forward to building on the connections made this week and to continuing to champion Dutch water innovation on the global stage.

Interested in joining the Netherlands Pavilion at a future international event? Check our calendar of events and get in touch with the Events team to explore opportunities.