Driving innovation in water technology: Dutch expertise in action – A podcast by Radiofabriek (in Dutch)

Recorded at the Wetsus Congress in Leeuwarden by New Business Radio, this episode of the TechTalks podcast, part of the TKI Water Technology programme, explores the pivotal role of water technology in driving innovation, sustainable solutions, and economic growth. Featuring leading voices from Dutch industry and start-ups, the episode captures the energy and expertise of the congress and showcases how technological innovation is addressing pressing water challenges both in the Netherlands and globally.

The podcast highlights the strong connection between Dutch industry and knowledge organisations, demonstrating how collaboration fuels research, development, and market-ready solutions. With ongoing water scarcity and increasing demands on water systems, innovation in water technology is essential, not only for ensuring water quality in line with European and Dutch standards but also for supporting economic stability, regional development, and international competitiveness.

Note: The podcast is in Dutch.

Speakers featured in the Podcast series

Frank van der Hulst – CTO & Co-founder, Hulo
Frank introduces the congress and shares insights from Hulo’s innovation journey. His expertise in modular algorithms, leak detection, and network optimisation demonstrates how Dutch start-ups are solving pressing water challenges using Machine Learning and SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions. Listen to this Podcast

Heleen Sombekke – Programme Director, UPPWATER / University of Twente
Heleen discusses how UPPWATER supports innovators in developing and scaling water technology solutions for international markets facing water scarcity. The programme connects research, development, and market deployment, fostering cross-sector collaboration. Listen to this Podcast

Job van Schelven – PureTerra Ventures
Job explains how venture capital drives disruptive water technologies globally by supporting early-stage companies to scale up advanced treatment systems, digital monitoring tools, and circular water solutions, all in line with the Clean Water For All mission. Listen to this Podcast

Paul Buijs – RN Solutions
Paul shares his experiences with membrane distillation, UV-based water treatment, and floating desalination concepts, illustrating how innovation and entrepreneurship in the Dutch water sector tackle global water challenges. Listen to this Podcast

Pieter Hack – Pure Water Group
Pieter reflects on 27 years of innovation in the Dutch water sector, highlighting partnerships across the industry and the importance of adapting to changing water demands for consumers. Listen to this Podcast

Rob van Dongen – Chairman, TKI Water Technology & CEO, Brabant Water
Rob emphasises finding alternatives to groundwater and the role of circular solutions and seawater in sustainable Dutch water management. Listen to this Podcast

TKI Watertechnology Podcast series

The podcast series was produced by De Radiofabriek for New Business Radio (in Dutch). A compilation of the interviews was broadcast on New Business Radio on 14 November 2025. The full series is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

These podcasts are part of the TKI Water Technology programme – implemented by the Netherlands Water Partnership and Water Alliance. TKI (Top Consortium Knowledge & Innovation) focuses on water technology for water and agriculture in the Dutch Knowledge & Innovation Agenda (KIA). The programme helps companies accelerate and valorise innovations using public resources, connecting research, development, and market implementation.

For more information on TKI Water Technology, visit: https://www.tkiwatertechnologie.nl (in Dutch).