President, Ion Exchange (India) Ltd.
Responsible for Technology, Heavy Industry & Environment Business, Corporate Marketing, Corporate Diversification and Communication.
Mr. Ajay Popat pursued his engineering degree in Plastics Technology from the Plastic & Rubber Institute, UK and Masters in Business Administration specializing in Marketing & Strategy with honors from NMIMS Institute. He has also been conferred with a Fellowship by Indian Plastics Institute in 2007.
He has more than 40 years of experience in Strategy, Business & Organisation Development with leading organizations like Resins & Plastics Ltd. (then a subsidiary of Asian Paints Ltd.), Pidilite Industries Ltd. and Ion Exchange. He had an extremely successful career track record with Pidilite industries from 1983 to 1994 where he grew from the position of Sales Representative to All-India Sales Manager with successive promotions and career progression every year.
Associated with Ion Exchange since 1994, he has spearheaded several initiatives in developing and successfully commercializing proprietary, advanced & sustainable technologies for purification & separation in water, wastewater treatment and more recently in areas of renewable energy in compliance with legal, environmental, economic and social requirement of our country. During his tenure, Mr. Popat successfully conceived the idea of a separate Environment Management business, which he formed through a joint venture between Ion Exchange and a leading Belgium company. Under his leadership as a CEO of this joint venture (and then elevated to the Board of the Company), Mr. Popat created a leadership position for the joint venture, leading to his elevation as the President of the parent company, Ion Exchange (India) Ltd. where he is responsible for Corporate functions in Technology, Marketing, Communications, Heavy Industry Business Verticals, Environment Division and Corporate Affairs.
Mr. Popat is active in promoting the cause of water industry through active participation with the Water and Environment Council in CII, FICCI, Bombay Chamber of Commerce, Indian Environmental Association, Water Quality Association – India Task Force, Process Plant and Machinery Association of India (PPMAI) and other trade bodies. He is a Director in the governing bodies of these organizations and leads CII’s Core group on Promotion of New and cutting–edge Technology for Waste Water Management. He has chaired and delivered more than 100 papers on the subject of Sustainable Environment Management practices. He continues to play an active role to facilitate industry & its associated initiatives to achieve efficiency and excellence in water and energy management practices benefiting all stake holders.
He likes to read, socialise, pursue indoor & outdoor sports activities and pursue lifestyle improvement activities for the benefit of self, associates and the society.

President, Ion Exchange (India) Ltd.

Founder & CEO, Orb

Xiao Zhang is a PhD researcher at Wetsus and University of Twente. Her research focuses on developing stable polyelectrolyte multilayer nanofiltration membranes, which are designed to perform effectively under harsh process conditions, such as high salinity and extreme pH. These advanced membranes aim to provide solutions for the efficient treatment of various industrial streams.

PhD Researcher, Wetsus

Kaustub Singh is a research engineer in the R&D of Royal FrieslandCampina, specializing in membrane driven separation and purification technologies. He earned his PhD from Wageningen University, working on electro-driven water purification and resource recovery. In addition, Kaustub has contributed to the field redox active flow batteries. His work in water desalination and energy storage has appeared in several publications and multiple filed patents. At FrieslandCampina, he continues to advance (electrochemical) membrane separation technologies to support sustainable industrial processes such as side stream handling and valorization.

Research Specialist, R&D, Royal Friesland Campina

Joost is co-owner and managing director of Paques Biomaterials. He is also member of the supervisory board of (previously family owned) Paques Holding b.v., as well as board member with a few organisations like Suspacc and BEstart. In the past, Joost was executive leadership team member of Paques Global, managing director of Paques Europe and business developer at Paques Environmental Technology in Shanghai. Before that he worked at Accenture for 4 years. Joost studied at Delft, University of Technology and at Insead Business School in Fontainebleau, France. Paques Biomaterials is leading in the field of development and realization of PHA installations on the basis of organic waste streams. Paques Biomaterials uses naturally present micro-organisms and work from the BioBizz hub in Balk.

Managing director, Paques Biomaterials

Experienced process engineer with over 20 years of international experience in waste water treatment, effluent reuse and sludge treatment. In this role I have a broad experience in the design of new waste water treatment systems, upgrades of existing sytems, trouble shooting, commissioning and process support.

Sr. Process engineer, RoyalHaskoningDHV

Alexander is a project manager at Antea Group and expert in water management, specializing in water strategies, disaster risk management, and sustainable industrial practices. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, they drive impactful solutions in environmental resilience, regulatory compliance, and circular resource use.

Project Manager water and climate, Antea Group

From my role as Permitting Lead with HyCC, we are applying for the necessary permits for future green hydrogen production sites in the Netherlands. This is entirely in line with my personal motivations, including my desire to contribute to the energy transition. The energy transition will not succeed through the success of a single company but through the partnership of various parties within the Netherlands. We also aim to limit water consumption, for example, by exploring the possibility of using RWZI effluent in the production process when permissible.

Permitting lead, HyCC

Presenter Biographic
Dave Wilson has a BSc in Applied Geology from the University of Birmingham, UK and started his career working with groundwater sampling and monitoring instrumentation. He has spent the last 18 years installing and maintaining sensors in Drinking Water and WasteWater applications and has delivered teaching material on the real world use of monitoring technology in treatment plants around the world. Having helped to integrate and build In-Situs Process monitoring business he is now the Vice President of Global Sales for In-Situ.

Vice President of Global Sales, In Situ

More than 20 years of experience as Sales Manager and Project Manager in the field of Marketing and Communication, leading and coordinating teams in sectors as diverse as the publishing world, specialized consultancy in the health sector and pharmaceutical industry, and media for professionals or general media. Also experience with customers and suppliers in areas of purchasing and customer service and in sectors such as large food and distribution chains, logistics multinationals, and online portals in the automotive sector or vehicle maintenance managers serving large leasing fleets.

Head of Sales Municipal Wastewater, CIMICO

Dr. Alexander Finnegan is a postdoctoral researcher at Wetsus (the Netherlands), focusing on reducing microplastic pollution and advancing circular economy practices. His experience has been on projects related to plastic recycling, and quantifying environmental microplastics found in water and air. He obtained his PhD from the National University of Singapore in 2022 with a thesis titled “Freshwater and Atmospheric Plastic Pollution in Southeast Asia”.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Throughout my career, I have been active for 27 years as a project, process, and maintenance professional. My passion for energy and water management has driven me to develop innovative solutions and implement sustainable practices. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to efficiency, I have successfully completed numerous projects. My expertise and dedication make me a valued professional in the sector.

Capex Manager,  Puratos NV

Hendrik Swart has focused on sustainable water technologies since the start of his academic career, earning a Master's in Water Technology from the Wetsus Academy. At REDstack, he contributed to the development of the electromembrane stack, transitioning from R&D to process engineering. Now, as a Sales Engineer, he helps bring this technology to market, enabling industries to save water, chemicals, and reduce costs. At Aquatech, he will discuss solutions for the industrial sector.

Sales Engineer, REDstack BV

Stephen Wheeler is a Senior Ion Exchange Technologist at ResinTech, a US manufacturer of ion exchange products based in Camden, New Jersey. He has been in the water treatment industry for over 15 years.
 
Stephen runs the technical and applications support group for ResinTech and has been involved with their laboratory and R&D efforts to identify and remediate PFAS contaminants. Stephen has presented at multiple technical conferences on PFAS remediation technologies.
 
Stephen holds a degree in Environmental Resource Management from Penn State University and is an Environmental Commissioner for the Borough of Clayton, NJ.

Senior Ion Exchange Technologist, ResinTech Inc

Sales, Krohne

LG Sonic BV

cientific Technical Lead & Flood Modeler,  RSS-Hydro

EZMEMS

Application Technology Manager

​Şenol ​Ağaç is actively supporting water technology companies in their sales efforts since 2016. He is working for 3 different clients and selling their products into the real estate industry in Germany and Europeanwide.
He is a conference speaker at Aquatech and other events & fairs in 2025.
With "Chancendeutschland" he has published a bestselling book on the future of German democracy.

Founder, Sustainable Water Consulting

Dipl.- Geol., MBA Reinhard Klaus
After graduating in geology, more than 15 years as managing director of his own engineering consulting firm specializing in water supply, municipal infrastructure and environmental remediation. 
Then 4 years as Managing Director at CDM Smith Consult, including Head of Municipal Infrastructure. 
From 2010 - 2018, after completing an executive MBA degree, self-employed consultant in international business development, specializing in drinking water supply, well construction, groundwater remediation. 
From 01/2019 – 03/2024 at Xylem as Business Development Manager Assessment Services & Digital Services for Central and Northern Europe.
Since 04/2024 with Rosenxt as New Market Development Manager  Water Line Infrastructure Team.

Asset Management, Rosen-NXT

Director International Sales Chromafora, Chromaforma

As a seasoned business development expert with 17+ years of experience, I've established a reputation for driving growth and innovation. Born and raised in Kolkata, India, I cultivated a passion for applying knowledge to real-world challenges. I earned a PGDMA degree in Paint & Resin Technology from JU University, Kolkata, and began my career at Kansai Nerolac, rising to R&D Specialist in 2010.
With a proven track record of success, I've led business development efforts for multiple organizations, including J K Protomax, Industrial Resins & Chemicals, where I achieved 10x sales growth in 8 years. My expertise lies in bridging the gap between technology and application, with a focus on environmental sustainability. As a natural connector, I thrive in marketing and partnership roles.
When I'm not working, you can find me exploring new destinations or recharging. I'm committed to making a lasting impact in my field and collaborating with like-minded professionals to drive positive change.

Co-Founder & COO, Exposome Pvt Ltd

With a technical background in Chemistry and a commercial focus for 20+ years, Colm has a proven track record of delivering performance improvement in manufacturing environments by streamlining workflows, optimising resources, and driving continuous improvement.
With a focus on identifying opportunities for growth, product development and developing global partnerships, Colm leads the Aquamonitrix team with values underpinned by a culture of collaboration and innovation.

CEO, Aquamonitrix Ltd

Hans-Jürgen Wedemeyer was born in Monheim, Germany, in 1963 and  graduated as a plant technician from the “Bayer AG Leverkusen” in  1984 and as a lab technician in 1992.  He started his career in 1985 at Bayer AG in Leverkusen, Germany.  Wedemeyer was working as a lab technician in the department Plant  Protection and was responsible for analytic pretreatment.  In 1992 he changed within Bayer AG to the Lewatit Ion Exchange  Resins business unit as an Assistant Lab Manager for Ion exchanger  applications.  Since 2006 Wedemeyer is working as a global technical manager at Ion  Exchange Resins business unit (now part of LANXESS and renamed  into Liquid Purification Technologies) and is responsible for  make-up- water, condensate polishing and ultra-pure-water applications  with Ion exchangers.  Hans-Jürgen Wedemeyer is married and has one child.  Cologne, June 2016

Aplication Technology Manager, Lanxess

Jorien has joined Orb as Chief Scientist after obtaining her PhD on biostability and microbial monitoring of drinking water at Ghent University in 2023. She is an expert in online monitoring technologies and focuses on applied research and development of microbial sensors for utilities, industry and reuse applications for Orb.

Chief Scientist, Orb

Diego Bleeckx, an engineer in chemistry & bioprocesses, is a specialist in industrial wastewater treatment. At Waterleau, he has designed advanced wastewater treatment plants across multiple continents and managed international projects. As Growth Leader for PFAS removal, Diego focuses on innovative solutions to eliminate "forever chemicals" from industrial water streams. His expertise and global perspective make him a passionate advocate for sustainable water management and environmental stewardship​.

Growth Leader – PFAS Removal, Waterleau

Stefan Schmidt studied mechanical engineering at the University of Siegen and started working for the SMS group GmbH in 1996. Over 25 years of experience in fluid & piping engineering of rolling mills and other plants for steel industry led finally into taking care of water solutions. Today Mr. Schmidt is part of the Water Treatment team of the SMS group developing new perspectives on the steel industry water footprint.

Water Expert at SMS group / Steel Industry

Wouter is an environmental engineer with over 12 years of experience in sustainable water technology, resource recovery, and waste stream reuse. He is a results-driven advisor who values technological solutions and human processes. Passionate about making the world a better place, he has worked on phosphorus recycling and set up numerous projects on organic waste valorization. Since 2022, he has worked at LeAF, previously at Arcadis, Nutrient Platform, and REWIN West-Brabant.

Senior Consultant, LeAF

With over 10 years of experience in the water sector, Nikki has developed her expertise in designing and optimizing water treatment systems. She has successfully implemented innovative and sustainable practices, ensuring efficiency and reliability across all operations. Furthermore, Nikki upholds high standards in monitoring and environmental compliance.

Manager Technology, Azulatis

Andrea Naves has been working in the Sustainability area of the Eurecat  Foundation since 2020. She currently works as an Advanced Researcher in the Water, Air and Soil Unit of the center. Her main lines of research are included within water treatment technologies, both conventional and advanced systems with membranes, in the industrial field. She has experience in tertiary treatment systems for water regeneration and reuse, as well as zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems. She has worked in more than 20 research projects, public and private, participating in various scientific-technical publications and patents.

Advanced Researcher, Eurecat

Ragne Pärnamäe is a Scientific Project Manager at Wetsus, specializing in electrochemical membrane technologies at the water-energy nexus. She holds a MSc in Chemical Engineering from Aarhus University and is currently pursuing a PhD at Wageningen University & Research, where her research focuses on alkaline water electrolysis and nickel-based hydrogen evolution catalysts.

Scientific Project Manager

Policy Officer –Embassy of the Netherlands in Mexico

Sandro Hansen is a seasoned sanitary and environmental engineer with over two decades of experience in water and wastewater treatment systems across large industrial and sanitation sectors. He holds postgraduate degrees in business management and water desalination and reuse, complemented by certifications in machine learning and artificial intelligence. His career encompasses consultancy roles in Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Currently, as an application specialist at Turing, a company specializing in digital solutions for water systems, Sandro leverages his expertise to enhance operational safety and efficiency. Turing's platforms, such as TOP Clear, provide digital solutions throughout the water lifecycle, aiming to reduce total water costs and improve reliability.

Application Specialist, Turing

I’m a Spanish engineer with over 25 years’ experience specializing in wastewater projects and project management. My journey began in Spain, where I started working as a process designer and project manager, primarily focusing on industrial wastewater treatment systems.
For the past 15 years I’m living in the Netherlands, Amsterdam, where I’ve been involved in managing projects related to wastewater, drinking water and water governance. My expertise lies in the realms of sustainability and innovation, area’s I’m deeply passionate about. 
In essence, my goal is to deliver tangible results and driving positive change within the realm of water management, using my expertise and leadership skills to make a meaningful impact in this crucial field.
I am currently working between my two countries. In Spain, I focus on industrial water management in collaboration with Arcadis. In the Netherlands, I work as a water expert, collaborating with the water boards. Trying to integrate the knowledge from both countries.

Water matter expert, Arcadis Spain

As the CEO of REDstack BV, Paula leads a company dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. From water treatment to CO2 capture and resource scarcity, REDstack is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions that make a tangible, lasting impact.
REDstack develops and produce the world’s most advanced and efficient ElectroMembrane stacks. REDstack's technology is revolutionizing industries by enabling the harnessing of clean water, the recovery of valuable resources, and supporting the reuse of chemicals.

CEO, REDstack

Director at BioDetection Systems in Amsterdam, The Netherlands since 2006.
Experienced in international effect-based monitoring tool development and applications since 1992. Former Managing Director and Head of several laboratories at Kaneka Corp. (Japan), Eurofins (GER) and SGS (GER/USA). 
University education at Tübingen University (Germany, 1992-1997, PhD), Lancaster University (1997, post-doc) and Kyoto University (1998-2001, post-doc).
He has ample experience in initiating/coordinating of various international collaborative research projects in many kinds of applications (ROHS, REACH, environment, water monitoring & treatment, wildlife & human health). 
His area of expertise spans innovative approaches in application of various (bio)analysis tools with many kinds of chemicals (EDCs, POPs, PFAS) in many different matrices (environment, feed/food, wildlife and human monitoring). 
He has been involved in more than 150  publications & cases related to these pollutants in various countries. 
He is currently involved in several EU Grean Deal water projects such as PROMISCES (PFAS and PMTs in the water cycle), SafeCrew (Desinfection byproducts), OneBlue (Marine water pollution) and HOLISTIC (Urban water pollution) as well as in Risk3Hunter for non-animal methods (NAMs).

Director, BioDetection Systems bv

Partners voor Water

Irene Marian is a Technical Sales Consultant with a degree in Chemical Sciences and over 15 years of experience in the water treatment and desalination industry.
 
She began her professional career in the pharmaceutical industry at Lilly Co., where she developed a focus on excellence and continuous improvement. 
 
Over 17 years ago, she joined Adiquimica, an international Spanish company specialized in water treatment products and services. Initially representing their commercial interests locally, her role soon expanded to include national and international business development, as well as developing transversal business lines such as IAQ. 
 
Working in business development, she found her passion in membrane technology, particularly reverse osmosis, and today combines her experience in the municipal sector with industrial demands to achieve increasingly greater water recoveries. 
 
Currently, she specializes in client and project management, sales, business development, and technical expertise within Adiquimica's Technical-Sales Department.

Sales Consultant, Adiquímica

With 18 years of experience working in the water sector, Ruben Wentink has developed a strong reputation as a strategic advisor in the Dutch water industry. As a strategic advisor for five years, he has focused on advising drinking water companies on critical topics such as the impacts of climate change on drinking water, strategies for reducing water consumption and navigating the complexities of water governance.
In the last two years, Ruben has shifted his focus to stormwater management, at FieldFactors,  leveraging his expertise to address climate impacts in urban environments. His work spans cities, sports facilities, and industries, where  innovative strategies are developed to mitigate the challenges posed by increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
This holistic approach to sustainable water management helps to create resilient water systems for the future.

Snr. Business Developer, FieldFactors

A passionate professional with more than decade of experience in closing the water loop in various types of challeging industrial and municipal wastewater streams with proven delivery of innovative recycling concepts. Talent for identifying the most cost-efficient solution for the client to build up a resilient and sustainable environment. 
Dimitra has developed innovative treatment solutions for mainly light & heavy industries and municipal applications, leveraging her deep technical knowledge and commitment to advancing water treatment technologies.
She is primarily working with leading industrial companies worldwide in water efficiency studies, wastewater treatment assessments and technology due diligence. Hence, her strong technical / commercial background contributes to an excellent understanding of the water market trends.

Senior Technology Consultant, Isle utilities

Dr. Christine Kleffner is a process engineer with over 10 years of R&D experience in membrane technology. She specializes in the innovative application of membrane processes for energy efficient treatment and concentration of saline process and wastewater, striving to develop sustainable technical solutions for the industrial implementation of a circular economy.

Professor of Sustainable Process Engineering

Antonia is an Environmental Engineer with a M.Sc at Politecnico of Turin. She is currently based in Switzerland, and she works for Isle Utilities as a Technology Consultant within the industrial team.  She has working experience on water usage within many production processes, ranging from F&B, to O&G, textile, chemical and many more. She has expertise in water treatment technologies, utilities and is very passionate about water neutrality and water stewardship. Before joining Isle, she worked at Philip Morris International and Siegried on innovative treatment technologies pilot projects, applied to wastewater, wastewater recycling and cooling towers.

Technology Consultant, Isle utilities

Has over a decade of experience scaling water startups and driving adoption of innovative technology into the water industry across the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Joshua has held a number of leadership roles, spearheading the growth of new technology and supporting international brands globally. His expertise spans sales and service, growing from an R and D base, helping him become a key force in delivering sustainable, high-performance water treatment solutions. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of York.

Director at Policontrol, specialized in sales and market development with solid experience in the consumer goods segment. Raphael has a comprehensive career, working at both local and international levels, excelling in communication and negotiation strategies for B2C and B2B markets, as well as in project development and implementation.
Professional Experience:
Director of Sales and Market Development | Policontrol
Leading sales management and market development, focusing on product expansion and consolidation. Developing innovative products both online and in laboratory environments, tailored to market needs. Implementing effective communication and negotiation strategies to maximize results in B2C and B2B markets. Proven ability to adapt to multicultural environments and solve problems quickly under pressure.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Advertising & Marketing | Universidade Paulista Specialization in Applied Statistics | University of Colorado Boulder (2013)
Skills:
Sales Management Market Development Communication and Negotiation Product Development Adaptation to Multicultural Environments Problem-Solving Under Pressure
 Languages:
Portuguese (Native) English (Advanced)

Operations Director, Policontrol

Prof. Eric D. van Hullebusch received his PhD (Aquatic Chemistry and Microbiology) from Université de Limoges (France) in 2002. From November 2002 until October 2004, he was a Marie Curie Postdoctoral fellow at Wageningen University & Research (the Netherlands) where his research focused on the optimization of anaerobic granular sludge reactors by studying the speciation, bioavailability and dosing strategies of trace metals. In 2005, he was appointed as associate professor in biogeochemistry of engineered ecosystems at Université Paris-Est (France). From September 2016 until August 2018, he worked at IHE Delft as chair professor in Environmental Science and Technology and head of the Pollution Prevention and Resource Recovery chair group. In September 2018, he joined Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France) as full professor in Biogeochemistry of engineered ecosystems. Prof. van Hullebusch has published more than 295 peer-reviewed papers (17000+ citations, h-index 68) in the field of biogeochemistry of metals and metalloids in engineered ecosystems. His research is currently mostly focusing on the implementation of novel biohydrometallurgical approaches for the recovery of technology critical elements as well as polluted soils (bio)remediation with a particular focus on Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Full Professor, Institut de physique du globe de Paris / Université Paris Cité

Elad began his professional career as a research and development engineer in MABR (Membrane Aerated Bioreactor) technology - starting with the small lab-scale pilot  throughout all the development stages until he served as an engineer who led the planning and running of MABR facilities in various parts of the world.
Later on, he served as a technologist (CTO) for a 300 MLD desalination plant.  As part of his role, he worked tirelessly for economic and environmental efficiency, while developing a unique algorithm and applying advanced engineering techniques. Among other things, for example, he initiated and worked to change LG's membrane production method, developed a method to optimize membrane replacement, and was responsible for significant savings in chemical consumption by developing techno-economic models to create optimal processes. 
At the same time as his work in industry, Elad is an academic lecturer in a  Chemical Engineering Faculty, and works regularly to educate the future generation.  As part of his various positions, he made sure to adopt students to carry out a final project, who also won several academic awards.  Today, Elad serves as CTO at All e Water, in which he leads a number of technological developments that we may all benefit from in the future.

CTO, All e Water

Program Manager Digital Twin Distribution Network (Brabant Water)

Enterprise Product Sales (Bentley)

Matt has over 30 years’ experience in the water and wastewater industry, covering a variety of commercial and leadership roles across global organizations such as Suez, Black & Veatch, Bluewater Bio and Evoqua. At Specific Energy, Matt is responsible for strategy and growth of the business across EMEA and other international markets; through developing and maintaining customer and partner relationships, and demonstrating the advantages Specific Energy can bring to pump system design, operation and asset management programs for operational resilience and energy efficiency.

Vice President, EMEA, Specific Energy

AI Solutions Director  (Sand Technologies)

Van Leur studeerde aan de Wageningen UR Bodem, Water en Atmosfeer. Ze kwam in 1994 via een stage bij Meteo Consult terecht, waar ze bijna vijf jaar weerberichten voor kranten, radio en televisie verzorgde. Ze werkt freelance sinds april 1997 als weervrouw voor de televisiezenders van RTL.
Naast haar werkzaamheden voor televisie schrijft ze artikelen en columns over haar kennis en ervaringen en verzorgt ze lezingen over weer, klimaat en duurzaamheid. In oktober 2011 maakte ze als weerkundige deel uit van Solar Team Twente tijdens de World Solar Challenge: een zonne-auto race van ruim 3000 km dwars door Australië. Ook hierover werd een televisieprogramma gemaakt.
Twintig jaar lang presenteerde Van Leur het weerbericht bij de nieuwsuitzendingen van RTL 4. Op 30 juni 2017 deed ze dat voor de laatste keer. Vanaf 5 juli 2017 presenteerde ze de wekelijkse weerrubriek Wat een weer bij RTL Late Night.

Meteoroloog, Helga van Leur

Dean, ResinTech University, ResinTech, Inc.

Engineer by vocation, with experience in renewable energies, space structures and now in wastewater treatment, particularly in advanced digital control solutions with artificial intelligence. I like to keep up to date with new technologies and keep learning new things.

Digital Solutions Sales Technician, CIMICO

Autobiography of Oleg Dubov
My name is Oleg Dubov, and I was born on August 11, 1982, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to scientific research and technological development in water treatment, plasma applications, and chemical engineering. My academic background and extensive professional experience have led me to a fulfilling career in both academia and the private sector.
Education and Academic Achievements I hold a PhD in Nanoscience, Materials, and Chemical Engineering from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Catalonia, Spain. My doctoral research focused on the development of innovative materials and technologies for water treatment, including electrochemical processes and advanced oxidation methods. Prior to that, I earned a Master’s degree in Global Management of Innovation and Technology from Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland, where my thesis explored the profitability of recycling small electronic devices for the recovery of critical materials. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Saint Petersburg State University, where I specialized in physical chemistry and membrane methods for water treatment.
Professional Experience Currently, I serve as a co-founder and Chief Technical Officer at FIDCHEM S.L., a company based in Spain that specializes in the application of cold pulsed corona discharge plasma for water treatment. Our primary focus is on the removal of persistent organic pollutants such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and polychlorinated pollutants, as well as disinfection of water. Simultaneously, I work as a postdoctoral researcher at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, where I continue my research on PFAS removal using advanced plasma-based technologies.
Previously, I held the position of Advanced Researcher at Eurecat, the Catalonian Technology Centre. In this role, I was responsible for public and private projects related to chemical and electrochemical advanced oxidation of water contaminants, as well as the development of electrochemical sensors for water impurities.
From 2011 to 2018, I served as the Head of the R&D Department at the BTP Group of Companies, which operates in the field of water and wastewater treatment. During my time there, I led innovative projects focused on advanced oxidation processes, zero liquid discharge technologies, heavy metal removal, and the adaptation of various treatment methods to industrial wastewater challenges. My responsibilities included project management, technical analysis, data modeling, and collaboration with research institutions for joint projects.
My earlier professional experience includes working as a research chemist and research technician at Aquaphor Corporation, one of Russia’s leading producers of household water treatment systems. I contributed to the development of new antiseptic materials and methods for water sterilization, as well as the synthesis of fiber-selective ion exchange materials for heavy metal removal.
Research Interests and Contributions My research interests lie in the field of chemical and electrochemical water treatment, with a particular focus on plasma applications for the removal of persistent organic pollutants. Over the years, I have conducted numerous R&D projects related to membrane technologies, advanced oxidation processes, and electrochemical sensing. My work has resulted in several patents, including methods for producing nitrogen-rich carbon nitride coatings, mobile water purification stations, and devices for backwash water treatment.
Throughout my career, I have presented my research at international conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborated with industrial partners and academic institutions. I am passionate about bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical industrial applications, especially in the field of water treatment technologies.
Skills and Expertise I possess a broad range of skills, including project management, process optimization, and hands-on laboratory work. My expertise spans various chemical analysis techniques, such as HPLC, gas chromatography, and FTIR spectroscopy, as well as electrochemical methods and surface analysis. I am proficient in programming languages like Python for data analysis and automation and have experience with microcontroller platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
In addition to my technical skills, I am fluent in English and have a strong command of Spanish. My native language is Russian.
Personal Motivation My professional journey has been driven by a deep interest in addressing global environmental challenges, particularly in the realm of water treatment. I am committed to developing sustainable solutions that can help mitigate the impact of industrial pollutants on water resources. My work at FIDCHEM S.L. and my ongoing research at Universitat Rovira i Virgili are testaments to my dedication to this cause.
In conclusion, my career has been shaped by a combination of scientific curiosity, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. I continue to seek new opportunities to advance my knowledge and contribute to innovative solutions in the field of water treatment and environmental sustainability.

Co-founder, CTO, FIDCHEM.SL

Michiel van der Meer is Water Manager and Business Developer at Bilfinger Engineering and Consultancy with an intrinsic motivation to contribute to the sustainability of The Netherlands and the water transition. Regarding the assets of both the industry and the government my goal is to create value for the future.

Water Manager and Business Developer, Bilfinger Engineering & Consultancy

Johan holds a degree in Industrial Engineering in Chemistry and a post-master's degree in Environmental Sciences. Since 2000, he has worked as a researcher specializing in water technology at VITO, contributing to various industrial sectors. Over the years, he has participated in numerous research projects (e.g., FP7, H2020, IWT-VIS, and open calls), which have helped him build extensive technological expertise. Currently, he serves as a Business Developer within the Water Team at VITO. In this role, he facilitates collaboration between researchers and industry, helping to address water challenges and accelerate water-innovation.

Business Developer Unit Water & Energy Transition, VITO

Involved since 2019 in the development of a multiclient industrial water supply and wastewater treatment facility owned by North Water BV in the area of Delfzijl, The Netherlands. From conceptual design of the water utility plant in the early days of the project, through the actual realization, involved in many aspects of the project. Part of the plant is taken into operation and we expect the full plant to be operational in 2025.

Process technologist, North Water

Hamed is a industrial water expert with over 8 years of experience in process and R&D engineering in the field of water and wastewater treatment. He holds an EngD in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering and has led numerous projects focused on (waste)water treatment, resource recovery/reuse, and sustainable brine/concentrate management. Passionate about innovation and collaboration, Hamed promotes holistic approaches to address water challenges, considering entire life cycles and natural system.

Industrial Water Expert, Royal HaskoningDHV

In his role as Application Technology Manager with LANXESS, Dirk develops new applications for ion exchange resins in th field of battery metals, waste- and drinking water.
Prior to joinging LANXESS in 2016 Dirk pursued a Post-Doc at Harvard University, with a main focus on ion exchange resin for pharmaceutical applications. Dirk obtained his PhD in 2013 in polymer chemistry.
 
He is the author of 25 reviewed articled and 10 patents. His work was awarded by the Konrad Adenauer and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Application Technology Manager, Lanxess

Senior Sales Consultant, Aquatech Global

Sustainable Water & Green Energy

Nil Llopart Aguado has extensive experience in the field of desalination, having worked at Acciona Agua since 2016 within the desalination and new technologies group. He began his career as an operator at the Tordera pilot desalination plant, where he supported various projects, both internal and European funded project (LIFE DREAMER, INTEGROIL H2020, etc.), as well as in other regions and sectors. Currently, he serves as a project manager in Acciona's innovation department, participating in and contributing to the optimization of desalination processes through data analysis and pilot plant demonstrations, as well as occasionally contributing to their design.

RD project manager

Teamleider   Energie & Circulaire Systemen, KWR Water

Vishal is a Research Analyst at BlueTech Research. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the National University of Singapore. During his PhD and post-doctoral work, Vishal conducted research on membrane technologies for desalination and industrial wastewater treatment. Before joining BlueTech, he worked as an Incubation Manager at a Singapore government supported startup incubator, supporting the commercialization of innovative water technologies.

Research Analyst, BlueTech Research

Director Desarrollo de Negocio Agua, COX

Vanessa has a degree in European studies, specialized in business and communication, a master’s degree in international commerce and an MBA. At Isle Vanessa works as principal consultant in Isle´s European office, she is based in Spain. Vanessa has a broad experience in delivering new technologies for pipeline condition assessment and leak detection to utility clients around the globe.    
She has a broad experience in managing R&D projects for new technologies focusing on the client´s needs and expectations and the market up-take of these technologies. She furthermore has extensive experience in project management with clients in Europe, South America and the Middle East. Through her active participation, she has been able to establish a robust network of connections and gain a comprehensive insight into the requirements and obstacles encountered by utilities throughout the world, along with the emerging technologies that align with various demands.

Principal Consultant, Isle Utilities

Jeremy Pollack is the Director of Government Affairs for the Water Quality Association (WQA), where he leads the association’s legislative and regulatory efforts at the global, federal, state, and local levels. He is spearheading key initiatives on behalf of WQA members, including efforts related to PFAS, lead, and rural water quality. Jeremy was named one of The Hill’s top lobbyists for 2024 and recently appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee (ETTAC), which advises the U.S. government on strategies to enhance exports while ensuring environmental, safety, and regulatory standards.
Prior to WQA, Jeremy was the Manager of Federal and Global Government Affairs for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), where he served as the chief liaison to Congress and federal agencies. He was instrumental in educating lawmakers on energy and refrigeration standards and building partnerships with key government agencies, including DHS, DOE, and NIST.
Jeremy’s experience also includes consulting for Gephardt Government Affairs and serving in the offices of former Congressman Jared Polis and Governor John Hickenlooper, when he was vice-chair of the bipartisan National Governors Association.

Director of Government Affairs, Water Quality Association

Xylem

Dr. Ir. Harrie Besselink 
Director BioDetection Systems BV. (BDS)
 
Harrie Besselink is Director of  the Product and Application Unit (PAU) at BioDetection Systems BV. He obtained his Master’s degree in Molecular Science, orientation Biochemistry/Toxicology at Wageningen University, the Netherlands. His PhD degree in Environmental Toxicology he also obtained at Wageningen University, the Netherlands. After working at Wageningen University and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (IVM), he joined as pioneer of bioassays BioDetection Systems in 2001 as Head of Laboratories. Managing contract analyses, technology transfer and training courses is his daily business. Furthermore, he is specialized in validation and valorisation of bioassays (e.g. OECD and ISO). In addition, he is an international expert in assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in environmental and biological samples using biological analysis techniques and key innovator in the development of application tools for various CALUX bioassays. He participated in various national and international/European research programs, such as TECHNEAU (bioassays), DEMEAU (WWTPs), AQUANES (alternative WWTPs). Currently, he is participating in EU PROMISCES (focussing on PFAS), EU SafeCrew (focussing on DBPs), and EU OneBLUE (focussing on Safe Urban Water).

Director BioDetection Systems (Product and Application Unit (PAU))

Philippe Tob is a chemical engineer, innovator, and entrepreneur dedicated to changing how we hydrate. As the founder of Aqvita, he has pioneered breakthrough mineral infusion technologies that transform purified water into mineral-rich hydration. Holding multiple patents, Philippe has reimagined water remineralization by mimicking nature’s process with precision and sustainability. At Aquatech, he will unveil how Aqvita’s latest innovations are setting new standards for the mineralization of purified water.

CEO, Founder at Aqvita

Steve is a strategic leader, entrepreneur, and industry innovator, recently recognised as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the UK (2025) for his contributions to water, energy, and infrastructure. As CEO of RSE, Steve is driving the company’s expansion, while spearheading sustainability and innovation initiatives, including green steel, modular water treatment, and international growth into North America, Europe, and Oceania.
With over 25 years of experience, Steve has built a reputation for turning around businesses, scaling operations, and pioneering digital transformation. His leadership at Galliford Try saw the Water & Environment division grow from £100M to £500M revenue, integrating acquisitions, embedding AI and automation, and achieving record profitability
A Non-Executive Director with British Water and the Scottish Futures Trust, Steve influences policy on procurement, infrastructure investment, and construction innovation. He is also a strategic advisor to OFWAT on the UK’s £56bn RAPID water programme, shaping the future of national water infrastructure.
Steve champions talent development, social value, and sustainability, having doubled apprentice intake in previous roles and driven ESG-led initiatives. With a hands-on approach and a commitment to servant leadership, Steve continues to push the boundaries of engineering, water, and digital transformation.
Follow Steve on LinkedIn for insights into water, sustainability, and infrastructure innovation at https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveslessor/

ogram Manager R&D – Industry 4.0 (De Watergroep)

CEO (Fluid Analytics)

Simone Callioni has worked in the water treatment industry since 2001, filling various technical, sales, and business development roles. His career began in Italy and expanded across Europe before he took on roles in the Middle East, India, and the United States. His 20+ years of experience have given him extensive knowledge of water treatment technologies and their use in industries such as biofuel production, oil and gas, mining, power generation, food and beverage, and more. Currently, he is the Global Lead Project Development Manager for the decarbonization industry at Aquatech, based in The Hague, Netherlands.

Global Lead Project Development, Aquatech

Paul van Ruiten is an independent consultant who has been active in the field of the environment and sustainability for over 25 years. He advises companies on sustainability and CSRD, such as Klaverblad Verzekeringen, Vissers Energy Group and Postillion Hotels. He organises and facilitates stakeholder dialogues, such as for the ABU (Temporary Employment Sector Organisation), and he provides CSRD training for Outvie, NCOI and Zuyd Professionals, as well as (in-house trainings) for Dura Vermeer and CSU. Paul has been director for Environment and Energy at Royal HaskoningDHV, TNO and DCMR Milieudienst Rijnmond. (regional environmental permitting and compliance authority). He is the main author of the book ‘Business with positive impact, a new management perspective’, is chairing the Supervisory Board of Aidenvironment and has held various other supervisory positions.

Bureau Om

Director, Allied Waters / EnergyLabNL

Dr. Liviu Mantescu is the founder and CEO of Watergenics GmbH in Berlin. 
He wrote extensively on natural capital, ecosystem services, and the challenges of industrial wastewater treatment.
Liviu’s book “Margins and Nature: Effectiveness in Environmental Governance” (forthcoming) deals with these challenges.

Founder, Watergenics

President, WaterValue

Galen Fulford is an environmental entrepreneur, inventor, and founding director of Biomatrix Water. With over a decade of experience in ecological water treatment and sustainable development, he specializes in integrating natural systems with advanced technology to solve complex water quality challenges. Since 2012, Galen has served as Managing Director of Biomatrix Water Solutions Ltd., a company renowned for its innovative modular water treatment systems. These solutions have powered transformative projects such as the Wild Mile in Chicago and Eden Dock in London. Biomatrix Water operates in over 20 countries, delivering nature-based solutions that restore and enhance aquatic ecosystems. Galen’s work has led to numerous patent-worthy innovations, including Floating Ecosystems, Active Island Reactors, and Helix Flow Reactors. His entrepreneurial approach was further shaped by the MIT Entrepreneurship Development Program, which equipped him to scale technological solutions for global environmental challenges. Passionate about collaboration with both people and nature, Galen's mission is to bring water systems back to life for the benefit of both humanity and the environment. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys exploring water through kiteboarding, cold-water swimming, kayaking, and sailing. Galen continues to lead Biomatrix Water’s efforts to pioneer sustainable water solutions worldwide.

Jeffrey has been involved with PFAS remediation for over 20 years.  He has a doctorate in Earth Sciences from the University of Quebec and is a docent with Gothenburg University.  He has worked as a researcher and consultant and joined ECT2 in 2020.

European business development manager, ECT2

Pamela Moussa is a PhD researcher in the field of biofilm control and sustainable disinfection methods for drinking water systems. Affiliated with Wetsus and the University of Groningen, her work focuses on identifying natural, sustainable compounds to safely manage microbial contamination in water distribution systems. Her research aims to replace traditional chemical disinfectants, like chlorine, with non-toxic alternatives, understand their mechanism of action, and produce a cost-effective disinfection protocols to be used in contingency situations.

Mirvahid is a PhD researcher at the University of Twente and Wetsus. His research combines numerical and experimental methods to develop innovative designs for reducing friction in pipelines and to study the underlying mechanisms of surface-water interactions. Collaborating with industry leaders like Vitens and Wavin, he focuses on creating biomimetic designs, such as riblets, and predictive models to enhance energy efficiency in water distribution and hydraulic systems.

Burcu is leading the Global Water Technology Group and over the years, she has led several projects ranging from feasibility studies to commissioning and troubleshooting of treatment plants for various industries. Based on her knowledge and experience Burcu was named a Fluor Fellow in the field of water and wastewater treatment. Since 2020, she serves as vice chairwoman of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AiCHE)  for the Netherlands/Belgium section.

Process Engineering Manager – Fluor Fellow, Fluor Corporation

Steven Lam is Head of Technology at Gradiant, a water technology company that strives to treat the toughest waters. Over the past 14 years he has developed technologies related to thermal desalination, OARO, semi-batch ro, advanced oxidation processes, PFAS removal, and many more. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and specializes in thermodynamics and product commercialization.

Head of Technology, Gradiant

Hessel is trained as hydrologist. Within Deltares, he gained 15 years of experience with flood and drought risk datasets and modelling, and flood and drought monitoring and forecasting. His approach to design of technology and projects is strongly anchored in co-design. Over the past 5 years, his focus has been on research and development of locally sustainable technology for data related to natural hazard risks, and creating a bridge between local entrepreneurs with skills to collect data sets, and local and international audiences, that require such data sets. Within Rainbow Sensing, He conceived the idea for OpenRiverCam, the first entirely free and open-source suite for operational management of river monitoring sites using camera observations. Within Delft, University, he supervises students that work on affordable or repurposed technology for environmental monitoring.

Director, Rainbow Sensing

Sr. Water Treatment & Integration Engineer, Shell

Guillaume Clairet holds a Physics Engineering degree from Laval University, an MBA from the University of San Diego, and is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Canada. In his early career, Mr. Clairet worked on projects involving groundwater remediation for the Canadian National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS). Since joining H2O Innovation in 2004, Guillaume has held multiple positions of increasing seniority in project management, sales, innovation & strategic business development. He has served in his current role as Chief Operating Officer of H2O Innovation since 2015 and he remains active in many industry associations (IDRA, WateReuse, WEF and AMTA). Mr. Clairet has previously served for 8 years on the Board of Directors of the International Desalination & Reuse Association (IDRA). He is currently a mentor for the Imagine H2O water start-up accelerator and is also actively involved as a General Partner of the specialized fund investing in water technology companies: Cycle-H2O.

COO, H2O Innovation

Project Manager, Water Alliance

With nearly 25 years in Sales & Business Development, Wayne focuses on Industrial Water Treatment at HPNow. Using his previous experience with Xylem and Evoqua, along with already established connections, his primary focus is on Data Centre Cooling and Light Industry applications.

Head of Industrial Sales – Europe & Middle East, HPNow

Birte Raes, a chemical engineer passionate about sustainability, has spent the past five years at Aquafin, the Flemish wastewater company, driving innovation in water quality, micropollutants, and reuse through local and European R&D projects. Straddling both science and fieldwork, she bridges cutting-edge research with real-world application. Committed to a holistic approach, she advocates for clean water and environmental protection through integrated, forward-thinking solutions.

Researcher, Aquafin

Program Manager, Water Stewardship SCS Global

Senior Research Analyst Jacob Steele is a licensed professional engineer and BlueTech’s in-house PFAS expert. He recently authored a deep dive on PFAS Destruction Technologies and an assessment of the costs of PFAS removal from drinking water for BlueTech’s subscription clients. Jacob tracks all aspects of the PFAS regulatory and technical landscape, keeping BlueTech’s PFAS Watch Service clients informed on how the latest developments inform. Through BlueTech’s advisory services division, Jacob also provides bespoke PFAS-related strategic and technical advisory services to established and emerging technology providers, industrial end-users, utilities, and investors.

PFAS Expert, Bluetech Research

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