Welcome to the Fishbowl: The Grand Debate
Kickstarting the Innovation Forum with a bang, this opening discussion will inspire everyone around the theme for the day: Aligning action to scale water solutions. Forget scripted, sat down manels (all male panels) draining the life out of audiences, half distracted and on their laptops. A provocative debate will address the elephants in the room:
- Are new “innovations” genuinely innovative, and also needed?
- Is water technology the right space for venture capitalist finance looking for returns quicker than the sector can offer?
- What can utility innovation programs and labs do better to help start-ups move from the innovation to the operations teams?
Speakers
As the Chief Project Manager and Head of Water at Clean - The Danish Water and Environmental Cluster - I bring a wealth of experience from working in diverse international locations such as Copenhagen, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Stockholm. With a robust portfolio of projects spanning the Nordics, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and East Asia, I am dedicated to making a significant impact on the world.
Specialising in climate innovation, project development, stakeholder engagement, and innovation processes, I strive to drive societal change in response to climate change challenges. Holding a Master of Science in Engineering (MSc) in Sustainable Cities, has given me the foundation to addressing immediate climate-related challenges while fostering long-term sustainable solutions.
Liza is a professional engineer who specializes in water technology investments at PureTerra Ventures. She brings over 7 years of industry experience working as a water engineer for Hazen and Sawyer, focused on innovative stormwater solutions for complex urban environments and large water quality challenges. Now in the water VC space, she has worked with three leading water-focused VCs globally, bringing a well-rounded background to investing in cutting-edge water technologies. Liza has a BS from Columbia University and an MBA from London Business School.
I am Ben, CEO of Isle, a global consultancy dedicated to accelerating innovation in water and climate change. With a PhD in biochemistry and a background in early-stage technology investment, I bring a blend of scientific expertise and practical experience to the water sector.
My work focuses on connecting innovative technologies with real-world applications, helping water utilities enhance efficiency, adopt sustainable solutions, and address environmental challenges. Passionate about collaboration and knowledge sharing, I strive to bridge the gap between groundbreaking innovations and their impactful implementation. Let’s work together to drive progress and build a sustainable future.
Karsten Lumbye has "only" been part of the water sector since 2017, where his work has centered on creating new business opportunities, designing innovative business models, and building joint venture companies. As Chief Innovation Officer at Aarhus Vand, one of Denmark's leading water utilities, he collaborates closely with colleagues to explore fresh approaches to the challenges and opportunities in the industry.
Karsten is passionate about finding ways to combine business innovation with sustainable practices. His contributions, developed in partnership with an exceptional team, have helped Aarhus Vand take significant steps forward in redefining what’s possible in the water sector.
At the Aquatech Innovation Forum, Karsten will share his experiences and perspectives on how collaboration and fresh thinking can open up new avenues for growth and sustainability in the global water landscape.