Access to water is becoming an increasingly critical challenge for many industries, making it a fundamental prerequisite for production processes. This session will explore practical examples demonstrating how water reuse can enhance water security. Additionally, it will highlight opportunities for resource and energy recovery that can emerge from innovative water management practices.

Wetsus: Circular Water Use

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

DITEC Manager (Digitalization, Technology, and Circularity)

Tim van Hattum is Head of the Green Climate Solutions Programme at Wageningen University & Research and one of the initiators of The Netherland 2120. He is keynote speaker and author of the book the Only Planet Climate Guide for the 21st century. Tim is an expert in water management, climate adaptation and nature-based solutions with 25 years of experience as consult, policy advisor and researcher.

Head of the Green Climate Solutions Programme. Wageningen University & Research

Daniele Strongone is the General Manager for AWC Europe, the Spain-based division of American Water Chemicals (AWC) looking after the EMEIA and APAC regions. He is also the President and one of the Co-founders of the Water Positive Think Tank. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Napoli Federico II (Italy) and a Master’s Degree in Chemical and Bioprocesses Engineering from the Engineering School of the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). With a passion for sustainability and experience in Europe, Australia, Africa and Middle East, he has worked in several areas of the water treatment industry such as chemicals, equipment, drinking water and wastewater project management, leading business strategies and growing revenue. His biggest mission is to help leaving a positive impact on the water resources.

General Manager, American Water Chemicals (AWC)

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))

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

Chris is the Director of Strategy and Insight at Isle and has over 15 years’ experience in industry. Chris looks after Isle’s Technology Scouting and Market Insight teams to provide clients with support on emerging market dynamics, new venture growth and innovation strategies.
He is experienced in working with innovators to bring their solutions to the water industry. His work spans across the lifecycle of new ventures, having supported teams seeking investment, piloting and developing new products and implementing mature solutions at an enterprise scale. He is also the Chief Commercial Officer for METzero, a wastewater treatment technology provider.
Chris previously worked at Bristol Water (UK) as the Head of Business Improvement and Innovation. He developed the company’s innovation framework and founded a business incubator to support startups bringing their new solutions to the industry.
Prior to Bristol Water, Chris worked for Baringa Partners supporting a range of Utility clients across the UK with operating model improvement projects. Chris holds a 1st class Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath.

Director of Strategy and Insight, Isle Utilities

Application Technology Manager

Sales manager, Danfoss

Sales, Krohne

10+ Years active within gas and water as a consultant, entrepreneur and board member in various companies.
Co-founder of DALI Pipeline Monitoring DALI is a pipeline monitoring solution aimed at optimizing water asset management and increasing network resilience, by providing real time information about a pipeline’s performance and integrity, using fiber optic sensing.
Co-founder and CEO of Fiberflux Fiberflux develops the hardware needed to implement (fiber optic) cables inside of pipelines, as a part of DALI Pipeline Monitoring, but also stand alone for fiber communication networks or other applications.
Board member of a gas and water solutions company focused on pipe systems and leak detection services.

Co-owner, DALI Pipeline Monitoring

Round Table 7, CEO, Valuing Blue B.V.

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

Mathematics graduate. Before joining Canal de Isabel II in 1992, Javier worked for Andersen Consulting and Isdefe (Spanish Ministry of Defence). Currently working for Canal de Isabel II, he carried out duties as R&D analyst, Head of Software Development and IT. Since 2007, as Deputy Director of Instrumentation, Control, Automation, Telecommunications, Metrology, the Control Centre and Digital Transformation. Javier is also a member of IWA’s Governing Assembly, IWA’s Strategic Council and leads EUREAU’s Joint Working Group for Innovation.

Deputy Director –  Telecontrol (Canal de Isabel II)

Mohamed Mokhlef's journey into the water industry wasn’t a straightforward one. As a young man, he dreamed of a career in media, believing it held the power to influence minds and drive change. But a conversation with his father changed everything. He learned that billions of people worldwide lack access to clean water and proper wastewater services—a silent crisis with far-reaching consequences. That realization shifted his perspective and set him on a path he never imagined.
Today, Mohamed leads IWTE, a company founded by his father in 1992. What started as a small family business has grown into a regional leader in water treatment under his leadership. Since 2021, he has focused on transforming IWTE into a modern, forward-thinking organization, opening its first international branch in Saudi Arabia, working on ISO certifications, and preparing to publish its first ESG report.
Alongside IWTE, Mohamed founded Meyahh, a startup designed to empower small contractors, support local manufacturers, and bring more investment into the water industry. He believes collaboration and innovation are key to solving the region’s water challenges.
Mohamed’s journey has taken him to over 15 countries and 96 cities, where he’s met hundreds of experts and seen firsthand the issues that need solving. His focus is clear: to turn challenges into opportunities and to help create a more sustainable future for the Middle East and Africa.

CEO, Meyahh

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

Nicholas Nelson is the Director of Innovation and Technical Marketing at Omya International for Consumer & Environmental Solutions, responsible for the development of products and solutions for water, air and consumer applications based on natural minerals.

Director of Innovation and Technical Marketing for Consumer & Environmental Solutions, Omya International

Vice President and General Manager, McEwen Copper

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

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

César is a sanitary engineer with over ten years of experience in the water technology sector. As a Senior Technology Consultant at Isle Utilities, he  is responsible for delivering innovative solutions in water for industry projects. He supports internal teams in providing high-quality advice on wastewater reclamation, water stewardship, and cleaner production for manufacturing sites.

Senior Technology Consultant, Isle Utilities

(PhD, Materials Science, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany) joined Kurita Europe GmbH in 2017 worked several years in Research and development as Innovations manager in water treatment with focus on boiler water, cooling water and geothermal applications. Since 2025 responsible as local technical manager in Benelux area.

LTM Manager BENELUX, Kurita

Dawaco

Program Manager Digital Twin Distribution Network (Brabant Water)

Boom Chicago is an international creative group based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that writes and performs sketch and improvisational comedy at their theater on the Rozengracht.
The group performs their own shows and hosts outside productions at their theater on the Rozengracht. The venue with three theaters also houses Boom Chicago for Business, and the Boom Chicago Academy and InterActing, their program for teenagers with autism.
Shows performed at Boom Chicago examine a range of subjects including privacy, the role of technology, Europe, the extreme right, Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn, 9/11, social media, the gig economy, AI and the Metaverse.
Comedy Central News (CCN), a news show on the Dutch Comedy Central TV channel, was created by Boom Chicago

The world-class improvisers

I´m glady to introduce myself
My name is Norbert Rademacher. I´m a HACH Application Development Manager and hold a degree in electrical and enviromental engineering.
I´ve been advising and supporting HACH customer for almost 30years this year with my expertise in industrial water applications and water cycle management.

Application Development Manager, HACH

As an experienced professional in water quality and sustainable water management, I have significantly enhanced my expertise through active participation in the Water Platform Brabant and the Water Bank initiatives. Collaborating within the Circular Water Working Group of the Water Alliance, I focus on promoting green-blue water applications and optimizing (rain)water usage to conserve resources for future generations. Additionally, I contribute to the development and application of sensors and AI-driven data platforms to improve water quality monitoring and decision-making. My work aligns with the transition towards a circular water economy, promoting innovation in sustainable water solutions. More details at https://waterplatformbrabant.nl/ and https://www.microlan.nl/ and my profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepappelsmicrolan/

Managing Director, microLAN / OSD

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

Global Advisor on Digital Sciences (KWR)

Business Developer National, Water Alliance

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

Business Development Manager Mexico,  Netherlands Enterprise Agency

Product manager of Aquasuite OPIR, a virtual operator for drinking water treatment and distribution. Engineer who enjoys pragmatic solutions for complex challenges, especially if it contributes to a better society. I strongly believe that for a true impact on society, cooperation is key. Background: MSc in mechanical engineering.

Product manager drinking water Aquasuite®, Royal HaskoningDHV

Bart is a Hach Application Development Manager for drinking water and desalination applications for the region EMEA. He holds a bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering of Hogeschool van Utrecht, The Netherlands. Bart joined Hach Company in 2016 as sales engineer for the municipal market in The Netherlands and joined the EMEA ADM team in 2021. Before joining HACH, Bart worked in sales and product management roles with pumps, analyzers and integrated solutions.

Application Development Manager, Hach (Dr. Lange Nederland B.V.)

Corine Houtman works as a Toxicologist at The Water Laboratory in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Her work is devoted to the investigation of the presence and toxicology of contaminants in the aquatic environment and to the management of the Water Laboratories own research program. With her studies, she advises the drinking water companies with respect to chemical water safety issues. She also a researcher at the department of Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment A-LIFE, VU University Amsterdam.
She has a MSc in environmental chemistry and toxicology (Leiden University, Wageningen University) and a PhD on effect-directed analysis of endocrine disruptors in the aquatic environment (2007, VU University Amsterdam). During the PhD, she obtained the national and European registration as Toxicologist (ERT). After having worked as project leader at BioDetection Systems and as a toxicologist at the Netherlands Forensic Institute, she has worked at the Water Laboratory for over ten years now. Her main fields of interest are emerging contaminants in water, bioassays, effect-directed analysis and risk assessment of chemicals.

Toxicologist, senior researcher chemical water quality, Het Waterlaboratorium, VU University Amsterdam

Over 10 years of experience as a researcher at the Desalination Technology Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Successfully, I have led multiple research projects as a principal investigator, contributing to advancements in desalination technologies and water treatment. My efforts have been recognized and I have been nominated by the global prize for innovation in desalination and the 8th edition of King Hassan II great world water prize.
 
Expertise
• Atmospheric Water Harvesting: participateDevelopment of device to extract water from air in arid regions. • Metal-Organic Framework Synthesis: Innovation of materials and devices to capture harmful gases contributing to acid rain. • Polymer and Ceramic Membrane Synthesis: desalination and water treatment technologies to improve efficiency of membrane and reduce the environmental impact of traditional methods. • Micro - Nano plastics in Water: Development of advanced detection methods and mitigation strategies for sustainable water management.

Researcher, King abdulaziz city for science and technology

CEo & CoFounder, HULO.ai

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

I am a molecular biologist-microbiologist with an interest in applying microorganisms to environmental and industrial processes. During my PhD research, I have focused on aerobic granular sludge, a biofilm used in biological wastewater treatment. I studied the microbial activity and composition of the biofilm and the conversions of organic macromolecules during the wastewater treatment process. I am interested in combining advanced techniques to study mixed microbial communities and their in situ behavior. With a little help from microorganisms, I hope to contribute to transitioning to a sustainable society.

Process Engineer, CIMICO

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

Juan Cifuentes is a Technical Manager at Energy Recovery, Inc., with extensive experience working in wastewater treatment and reverse osmosis desalination. Prior to joining Energy Recovery, Juan held several engineering roles for large EPC firms focused on commissioning, operations and maintenance, and procurement, including managing process and engineering design of wastewater treatment and desalination plants. Juan has worked on water treatment projects around the world, including in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and China. He has a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Oviedo.

Technical Manager, Europe & Middle East, Energy Recovery, Inc

Tina Donda serves as the Senior Vice President of IAPMO R&T's Water Systems program, where she leads strategic planning and oversees key initiatives within the division. With over 20 years of experience in the water treatment industry, Tina has an extensive background in both the technical and operational aspects of product certifications. Prior to her current role, she managed the daily operations of IAPMO R&T’s product certification program for water treatment products. Tina is also actively involved in standards writing groups, contributing to the revision of existing standards and the development of new ones. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, and Management from Penn State University.

Senior VicePresident, IAPMO R&T's Water System Program

I am a general manager and an civil engineer served in the Korea Water Resources Corporation. I have had extensive experiences in the water sector including water resources development, overseas projects, climate change adaptation and corporate strategy since 2005. Currently, I am leading the global marketing and project development leveraging the digital water management technology in the water utility such as digital twin water management platform, AI-enabled water treatment plant and smart water network management of K-water.

General Manager, K-water

Founder & CEO, Orb

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.

PhD Researcher, Wetsus

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.

Policy Officer –Embassy of the Netherlands in Mexico

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

Dr. Perryman received a PhD in Chemistry from the University of California at Davis, where his research focused on synthesis and operando characterization of Earth-abundant electrocatalysts. He performed postdoctoral research at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA, as well as at the Chemical Engineering department of Stanford University where research efforts were dedicated to developing bipolar membrane electrolyzers for hydrogen production from seawater. He is the CTO of Brineworks, based in Amsterdam, NL.

Chief Technology Officer, Brineworks

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.

Director Desarrollo de Negocio Agua, COX

Jeroen Van Stappen has obtained his PhD in Geology in 2017 after which he continued in academic research with the focus on geo-chemical changes in the subsurface related to human activity. As of December 2022, Jeroen joined the Flanders Environment Agency as team lead of the inorganic and metal analyses of the laboratory. In 2024, the laboratory invested in the development of a biological section for effect based monitoring via Calux® tests. Since January 2025, Jeroen Van Stappen is the acting head of the laboratory until further notice.

head of laboratory Flanders Environment Agency / Team lead inorganics

Peter Cartwright entered the water/wastewater treatment industry in 1974 and formed his consulting engineering business in 1980. He is a Chemical Engineer and a Registered PE in the state of Minnesota. Peter has authored over 300 articles and presented more that 300 lectures in conferences globally. He also provides expert witness testimony in legal cases. Peter is the recipient of the Award of Merit, Lifetime Member and Hall of Fame Awards from the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the Frank Tiller Award from the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS). He was the 2016 McEllhiney Distinguished Lecturer for the National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation and is currently one of two instructors providing technical training for the WQA Professional Certification program.

President, Cartwright Consulting Co., LLC

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

AQC项目经理, Project Manager, Aquatech China

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

Mr Wilbert Menkveld has a BSc. degree in Chemical engineering from Saxion University, Enschede and a MSc. degree in Environmental Technology and Urban Environmental Management from Wageningen University & Research Center in the Netherlands. He has more than 27 years of experience in design, engineering and optimisation of water and biomass plants for many different markets.
He worked from 2002 until 2013 as senior industrial wastewater expert and manager industrial water treatment at Witteveen+Bos Consulting Engineers in the Netherlands. In 2013 he started as Director Innovation & Technology at Nijhuis SAUR Industries in the Netherlands. Since 2023 he is Chief Technology Officer for SAUR and it’s industrial division Nijhuis Saur industries. He is as CTO responsible for Innovation strategy, development of new technologies/solutions, market introduction and technology selection for water and resource projects.

CTO Saur / Nijhuis Saur Industries

Gerrald Bargeman obtained his MSc and PhD degree at the University of Twente, and worked for Shell R&D and NIZO Food Research before joining AkzoNobel in 2002. At AkzoNobel and its divested businesses Nouryon and Nobian, Gerrald held scientific and leadership roles. Currently, he is Process Technology Specialist and part-time professor at the University of Twente, where he holds the chair “Membranes for Harsh Conditions”. Gerrald is (co-)author of approximately 50 peer reviewed journal publications.

Process Technology Specialist and Part-time Professor Membranes for Harsh Conditions, Nobian Industrial Chemical B.V

Dr.-Ing. Markus Busch is an expert in Environmental Engineering with a focus on water, microbiology, and separation technologies. With over 25 years of industry experience in global technical leadership, he has worked in Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. Since 2022, he has served as Global Technology Manager at Lanxess Material Protection Products in Germany. Previously, he was Application Leader for Industrial Preservation at Dupont & IFF Microbial Control.
25+ years industry leadership in water technology  - Industrial microbial control:         water, paper, O&G, anti-fouling, preservation  - RO, NF, UF membranes, ion exchange  - Germany, Spain & Switzerland  - LANXESS (previously Dow, Dupont, IFF)  - Technical, regulatory, projects, organizations
Doctorate, "integrated UF/RO system development" Wroclaw University of Science & Technology
Master (Dipl.-Ing.), "anti-scalant evaluation" Technical University Berlin and Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Global Technology Manager, Lanxess

Jordi Bacardit serves as a Marketing Manager for DuPont Water Solutions, where he oversees the Industrial Water and Energy sector across Europe, Middle East and Africa. He is also the global segment lead for Energy, encompassing Power Generation, Lithium Brine Purification, and Green Hydrogen. With over 15 years of experience in water treatment, Jordi has expertise in technology and application development, technical service, commercial development, and marketing roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Barcelona, complemented by an MBA from the University Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain.

Marketing Manager - Industrial Water & Energy, EMEA, DuPont Water Solutions

Dr. Kees Roest has worked at KWR Water Research Institute since 2008 and was among the pioneers in KWR’s wastewater research. On the Energy and Circular Systems team he works on sustainable transitions with a focus on innovative (waste)water treatment concepts and the reuse of water, energy, and materials. Kees is managing the KWR TKI Water Technology program for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and is portfolio manager resource recovery and circular systems issues at KWR. Kees has a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology from WUR.

Senior Scientific Researcher, KWR

Dr. Perrier is the Sr. Director of technology at KenWave Solutions Inc. and co-inventor of Dynamic Response Imaging™ for condition assessment.
With 20 years' expertise in vibroacoustic and 17 patents, Dr Perrier developed engineering solutions and performed technology transfer in automotive, manufacturing, construction, and water industry.

Sr. Director of Technology, KenWave Solutions Inc.

Experienced international drinking water expert, currently co-owner of software company Spatial Insight.

International business developer, Spatial Insight

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

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

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

Mark Mainzinger is the Product Manager at Fluid Equipment Development Company (FEDCO). FEDCO supplies pumps, energy recovery turbochargers, and innovative solutions for RO applications. Mark is responsible for managing FEDCO’s product lines including design enhancements, product line maintenance, and launching new products. Mark joined FEDCO in 2021 as an Applications / Project Engineer where he was responsible for managing critical and technically challenging projects and applications.

Product Manager, Fedco USA

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

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

Since 1992, I have been committed to technological innovation, product research and development, and production in the clean drinking water industry, accumulating over three decades of experience in the development and manufacturing of clean drinking water products and equipment. Currently, I serve as the Vice President and Chief Research and Development Officer at Angel Group, where I lead cutting-edge research on advanced clean drinking water technologies and the development of innovative products. Driven by the mission to enhance consumers' quality of life, I focus on delivering comprehensive clean drinking water solutions.
Since 2012, I have successfully launched several industry-leading core technologies, including high-performance, long-lasting reverse osmosis membrane technology; antibacterial nano-crystal whisker activated carbon with superior antibacterial properties; super activated carbon that effectively removes residual chlorine and heavy metals; folded filter cartridge technology that enhances water flow; next-generation flat ultrafiltration membranes; APCM filtration membranes; UVC-LED sterilization technology; and counterbalance pump technology. These innovations have achieved international leadership and have been successfully commercialized. My contributions have not only driven technological advancement but also involved me in the formulation of multiple national and industry standards, addressing critical gaps in the clean drinking water sector and significantly advancing the industry's technological progress and standardization. To date, I have obtained 79 patent authorizations and published five papers in SCI-indexed international journals.
Awards: - Second Prize of the Science and Technology Award from the China Membrane Industry Association (twice) - Gold and Silver Awards at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions in Switzerland (3 Gold and 3 Silver Awards) - Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Nuremberg, Germany (3 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze Awards) - Gold and Silver Awards at the Asian International Innovation and Invention Awards (3 Gold and 3 Silver Awards) - Gold and Silver Awards at the Silicon Valley International Invention Fair in the United States (2 Gold and 2 Silver Awards)

Vice president, Shenzhen Angel Drinking Water Industrial Group Corporation

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

Co-Founder & COO (Riverkin)

Mae provides strategic environmental and infrastructure policy expertise to a diverse range of corporate, municipal, and nonprofit clients. Prior to becoming a contract lobbyist, Stevens worked on Capitol Hill in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Throughout this seven-year tenure, she focused most of her time on the intersection of water, equity, and affordability, and generally how to make cities and towns even better for the people who live and work there. 
Most recently, she served as Environmental Policy Advisor to Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), handling the Senator’s responsibilities as a senior member of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, including staffing the Senator during the crafting and passage of the FAST Act and the 2016 and 2018 Water Resources Development Act bills – the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act and America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) respectively. The WIIN Act served as the congressional response to the Flint, Michigan water crisis, and created new grant programs for water infrastructure. Following WIIN in 2016, the passage of AWIA in 2018 marked the most significant revision to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in over two decades.

Chair of Water Practice, Banner Public Affairs

Panos has over a decade of experience in industrial wastewater treatment and sustainability, specializing in tailored solutions for complex water challenges. He has led sales and strategy for high-value projects across Europe. As Head of Industry – Europe at Isle, he helps businesses adopt cutting-edge water technologies and advance their corporate water sustainability goals.

Head of Industry - Europe, Isle Utilities

Nebojša Ilić is a chemical engineer deeply committed to environmental protection and sustainability. He specializes in advanced water treatment, with a focus on functional nanomaterials and hybrid treatment processes. Nebojša holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Belgrade, Serbia.  His academic journey included research stays in Germany and Thailand, where he explored diverse topics such as developing novel nanomaterials for methanol sensing, UV-blocking, and targeted cancer therapy. Nebojša's Ph.D. research at the Technical University of Munich focused on developing novel nanomaterials for removal of PFAS from water and providing insights into the fundamental forces governing the adsorption process. Furthermore, he investigated ultrasonic cavitation as a potential method for destroying concentrated PFAS streams and conducted preliminary environmental impact assessments of different PFAS treatment train strategies. Before co-founding SUIKI,  Nebojša honed his entrepreneurial skills in a well-known battery recycling startup, conceptualizing and testing various water treatment solutions for lithium carbonate purification and production. Currently, Nebojša is spearheading technology development and co-founding SUIKI, an internal startup within TDK. SUIKI is driven by a mission to rapidly develop and deploy innovative solutions for complex water treatment challenges, starting with destruction of PFAS in-situ using electrochemical oxidation. Nebojša's dedication to impactful research is reflected in his publications in prestigious journals like "Chemical Engineering Journal" and "Advanced Materials."  His combined expertise in chemical engineering, process optimization, and early-stage deep tech startups positions SUIKI as a leader in delivering transformative environmental solutions to the market.

Co-Founder, Head of Technology, SUIKI (by TDK)

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

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

Tatiana Fedotova is the Founder and Managing Director of LeafTurtle, a boutique sustainability consultancy dedicated to positive change, collaboration and partnerships in the field of water stewardship. Tatiana has over 18 years of sustainability and international cooperation experience. She has worked at the intersection of public and private sectors including the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the United Nations, with a singular expertise on and passion for water. Before founding LeafTurtle, Tatiana was the Global Water Lead at Quantis, a leading science-based sustainability consulting group. She studied political science and sustainability, and has been continuously learning since, with a particular focus on change management and behavioral impact.

Founder - Water stewardship specialist, LeafTurtle

Research Manager, Bluetech

Sreenath Kariveti, 39 years old, born and raised in southern India. Currently working as a Global Segment Manager – Wastewater at MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions Division. Graduated MS in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras in 2008. Started professional career in 2009 as a researcher developing novel Microfluidics filtration and separation technology at university of Twente, The Netherlands and then joined in 2011 M+H Group in Singapore as lead research engineer to develop Ceramic Membrane for oil field produced water treatment in Singapore and in 2015 launched the product in US market at i2m LLC (a Startup of M+H group). Also founded another M+H corporate startup in 2018 to address and optimize the water treatment filtration systems operational efficiency through a digital SaaS platform- STREAMETRIC.  In 2019, relocated to set up R&D team and as Tech transfer Manager in China and in 2021 moved to Germany to take over Global product Manager UF position. Over the last 15 years, worked in multiple functions starting in R&D, Technical expert supporting sales, business development, product management and Strategy development.

Global Segment Manager, Wastewater, MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions GmbH

Ali graduated with Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Right from school, he joined DuPont De Nemours, Permasep® Products  (RO membrane division).  In 2005, Ali joined GE Corporate as Desalination Sales Leader then in 2006 joined GE Water & Process Technologies. In September 2007, he was appointed as Commercial Development Leader, for Middle East and North Africa providing industrial water purification solutions as  well as water re-use and desalination solutions.  He joined Nanostone in April 2023 and ZwitterCo in June 2024 as Sales executive for MEA.  Ali has many years of water and wastewater including infrastructure investment experience  dealing with large water projects in Algeria, Cameroon, Iraq, Kuwait, and across the MEA  region.

Sales Executive, MEA, ZwitterCo

Orianna Bretschger received a B.S. in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Northern Arizona; and after a career in aerospace and government consulting, she completed a Ph.D. in Materials Science at the University of Southern California. Bretschger launched Aquacycl with her partners after 12 years of technological development and validation. Dr. Bretschger is a 2021 Cartier Women’s Initiative Science and Technology Pioneer Laureate, a 2019 Fellow in the National Academy of Sciences New Voices in Science, Engineering and Medicine Program, a 2022 Unreasonable Fellow, and Aquacycl was a Finalist for the 2023 Earthshot Prize for their work to decarbonize wastewater treatment. 
Aquacycl was founded in November 2016 and the company provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to help companies support healthy watersheds and communities worldwide with offices in the United States and Aquacycl Europe B.V. in the Netherlands. Aquacycl technologies and services guarantee permit compliance, greenhouse gas mitigation, reliable performance in variable production environments, and operational savings. Customers served by Aquacycl, including PepsiCo, have realized up to a 30% reduction in wastewater management costs and over 100 tons of greenhouse gas emissions mitigated per month.

CEO & Founder, Aquacycl

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

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

Shintaro Mori holds a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in materials science from Osaka Prefecture University in Japan. Since 2002, he has been a researcher at Kurita Water Industries Ltd., specializing in water treatment technologies, particularly for boiler and cooling water systems.
With a strong background in electrochemistry and corrosion protection, he has presented his research at international conferences. As an engineer, he has significantly enhanced the efficiency of water treatment processes, resulting in substantial cost savings and environmental benefits.
He is also an active member of the Japan Industrial Standards Committee (JIS) and the Thermal and Nuclear Power Engineering Society. Additionally, he holds certifications as an Environmental Measurement Specialist and an Energy Manager.

Senior Chief Researcher, Kurita Water Industries

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

AI Solutions Director  (Sand Technologies)

Gabriele earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Her graduate research focused on carrying out a feasibility study utilizing a nanofiltration pilot system for a local municipality, while assisting on other research projects including corrosion studies, RO piloting, and more. In May 2024, Gabriele joined American Water Chemicals as an Applications Engineer, where she has been providing technical support, troubleshooting, and innovative solutions to clients in the water treatment industry. Recently, Gabriele transitioned to American Water Chemicals’ European division, where she continues to apply her technical expertise while expanding the company’s support across international markets.

Applications Engineer, American Water Chemicals

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

Enterprise Product Sales (Bentley)

Sr. Water Treatment & Integration Engineer, Shell

Head of Business Analytics (Scottish Water)

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

Director International Sales Chromafora, Chromaforma

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