From AI to action: TKI Watertechnologie at European Water Technology Week 2026
From 26 to 28 October, Leeuwarden was the meeting place for water professionals, researchers and innovators attending the European Water Technology Week (EWTW). TKI Watertechnologie, run by Netherlands Water Partnership and Water Alliance, joined the three-day event to connect with the international water sector. With a dedicated session on AI in water infrastructure, a series of podcast recordings and plenty of conversations at the stand, the focus was on how new technologies can be put to practical use.
One of TKI Watertechnologie’s contributions was the AI & Water Innovation: Building the Infrastructure of Tomorrow session, held on Wednesday 28 October.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of everyday operations in the water sector. From monitoring groundwater resources and predicting maintenance needs to detecting leaks and optimising water treatment processes, AI offers opportunities to improve decision-making and infrastructure management.
Moderated by Arjan Braamskamp, the session brought together four experts, each approaching AI from a different perspective.
- Thomas Oomen Liebers (TNO) – groundwater stewardship and the role of data in sustainable groundwater management.
- Pejman Shoeibi Omrani (TNO) – AI and digital twins for smarter water infrastructure.
- Frank van der Hulst (HULO.ai) – using AI to reduce water loss and enhance understanding of water distribution networks.
- Zeinab Aghajani (AI Governance Specialist) – the importance of responsible AI, governance and organisational readiness.
A central theme was the shift from exploring AI's potential to applying it in practice. The technology is developing rapidly, but successful implementation requires more than sophisticated algorithms. Reliable data, collaboration, trust, and the ability to translate information into operational decisions are equally important.
The discussion also addressed the opportunities and barriers to wider adoption, including ethical considerations, organisational preparedness and the need to build confidence in AI-supported decision-making.
Continuing the conversation through podcasts
Alongside the conference session, TKI Watertechnologie recorded a series of podcasts featuring perspectives from experts across the water sector. Under the theme AI & Water Innovation: Building the Infrastructure of Tomorrow, the conversations explored how AI applications have evolved in recent years, what is possible today, and where the next developments may take us. The podcasts also offer an opportunity to look beyond the technology itself, given that collaboration, responsible implementation and market adoption can accelerate innovation across the water sector.
Experts featured in the podcast:
- Arjan Braamskamp - Liaison, TKI Water Technology
- Thomas Oomen and Pejman Shoeibi Omrani, TNO
- Frank van der Hulst, HULO.ai
- Zeinab Aghajani, AI Governance Specialist
- Doekle Yntema, Wetsus
- Samira Ehsani, Versa Solution
The session is part of the TKI Water Technology TechTalk series.
Keep an eye on TKI Watertechnology’s LinkedIn channel for the upcoming episodes.
Connecting knowledge, innovation and the market
Throughout the three-day event, the TKI Watertechnologie stand was a meeting place for water professionals to connect, discuss developments in the sector and explore opportunities for innovation. This reflects TKI Watertechnologie’s role in connecting businesses, research institutions and public authorities to accelerate water technology innovation and bring new solutions to market.
As part of the Dutch Top Sector Water & Maritime and carried out by Netherlands Water Partnership and Water Alliance, TKI Watertechnologie works to strengthen public-private collaboration and turn technological developments into practical applications.
Next stop: TKI Watertechnologie Day on 25 November
The conversation will continue on 25 November 2026, when TKI Watertechnologie hosts its annual TKI Watertechnologie Day at KWR Water Research Institute in Nieuwegein. Under the theme From Monitoring to Action: Innovation for Water Quality, the event will introduce the new roadmap entitled Action-oriented Monitoring for Water Quality Management (in Dutch). Building on the discussions in Leeuwarden, the day will explore how innovative monitoring technologies and data-driven solutions can help translate water quality data into informed decisions and practical action.
Organised by TKI Watertechnologie, Water Alliance and Netherlands Water Partnership, the programme brings together businesses, researchers, public authorities and water managers to share practical experiences and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Curious about what to expect?
Last year’s TKI Matchmaking Event, ‘Light on Water’, took place in Wageningen and focused on photonics, sensor technology and smart data. The event brought together experts and professionals for a day of knowledge sharing, networking and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Watch the aftermovie for a look back at the event and an impression of what to expect.
Join us in Nieuwegein on 25 November to explore the next steps in water quality innovation. There are only a few places left, so make sure to secure yours.
Find out more about the TKI Watertechnology Day and register (in Dutch)
