Water efficiency, recycling & circularity
Industrial water reuse, smart monitoring, resource recovery, water-saving technologies and circular process water systems.
EIT Water WAVEMAKER pilot — regional award event
Regional Business Creation Award
EIT Water WAVEMAKER Baltics 2026
Industrial Living Labs for Water Circularity, Climate Resilience & Decarbonization. Join startups, spinouts, industrial partners, mentors and investors in Klaipėda to accelerate real-world water innovation.
About the event
A regional award event for water innovation with real industrial pathways.
EIT Water WAVEMAKER Baltics 2026 connects promising startups, SMEs and research spinouts with industrial end-users, infrastructure operators, mentors, investors and public authorities.
From innovation to market uptake
Selected ventures receive structured pitch feedback, mentoring and visibility to help move solutions closer to validation, deployment and growth.
Industrial living lab context
The event uses Klaipėda’s industrial ecosystem as a practical setting for water efficiency, circular resource use, climate resilience and decarbonization challenges.
Cross-border ecosystem building
Outreach targets ventures and innovation actors from the Baltic region, Germany and the wider European ecosystem.
Challenge areas
What challenges are we tackling?
We are looking for solutions that help industries, cities and communities use water more efficiently, improve resilience and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Climate resilience & adaptation
Solutions for flood, drought, infrastructure stress, extreme events, decision support and resilient water systems.
Marine & freshwater water quality
Pollution monitoring, water-quality analytics, nutrient reduction, microplastics detection and ecosystem restoration.
Industrial decarbonization
Water-linked decarbonization, industrial symbiosis, waste heat recovery, digital twins and renewable energy integration.
Why apply?
Pitch, learn, connect and unlock pilot pathways.
Selected teams will gain exposure to mentors, jury members, industrial stakeholders and innovation ecosystem leaders.
Pitch to an expert jury
Present your solution to experts in water innovation, sustainability, investment and ecosystem development.
Receive targeted mentoring
Get support on business model, market entry, pilot readiness, procurement and investment positioning.
Meet industrial end-users
Connect with industrial companies, infrastructure operators, utilities, municipalities and public-sector stakeholders.
Compete for recognition
Three regional winners will be selected and connected to the EIT Water ecosystem.
Awards
Compete for regional WAVEMAKER recognition.
The event will select three regional winners. The first-place winner will be invited to represent the region at the EIT Water Launch Event.
1st Place Regional Winner
Recognition as the leading WAVEMAKER Baltics 2026 venture and invitation for one representative to pitch at the EIT Water Launch Event planned for October 2026.
- Regional WAVEMAKER winner recognition
- One-year EIT Water ecosystem membership for 2027
- Invitation to pitch at the EIT Water Launch Event
- Visibility with mentors, partners and ecosystem stakeholders
2nd Place Regional Winner
Regional recognition, EIT Water ecosystem visibility and one-year EIT Water ecosystem membership for 2027.
3rd Place Regional Winner
Regional recognition, EIT Water ecosystem visibility and one-year EIT Water ecosystem membership for 2027.
Programme
One-day event agenda
Draft programme for 17 September 2026. Final timings may be adjusted once mentors, jury and participating startups are confirmed.
08:30 – 09:00
Registration & coffee
09:00 – 09:15
Welcome by DEEP Ecosystems and Klaipėda FEZ
09:15 – 09:35
Introduction to EIT Water WAVEMAKER
09:35 – 10:00
Industrial living lab briefing: water circularity, resilience and decarbonization
10:00 – 11:30
Startup pitch round 1
11:30 – 12:00
Jury Q&A and feedback
12:00 – 13:00
Networking lunch
13:00 – 14:15
Mentoring clinics: market, pilot readiness, procurement and investment
14:15 – 15:30
Final pitch preparation
15:30 – 16:30
Final pitches
16:30 – 17:00
Jury deliberation and networking
17:00 – 17:30
Award ceremony and next steps
Sign up
Sign up to attend the event.
Use the form to register your interest in attending EIT Water WAVEMAKER Baltics 2026 in Klaipėda. Startup teams that want to pitch should also complete the separate application form.
If the embedded form does not appear, please refresh the page or check your browser privacy settings.
Startup applications
Apply to pitch at WAVEMAKER Baltics 2026.
Applications are open for startups, SMEs and research spinouts developing solutions for water circularity, climate resilience, water quality, industrial sustainability and decarbonization.
Venue
Hosted at Klaipėda FEZ Conference Center.
The venue provides workspaces, Wi-Fi, a presentation stage and accessibility accommodations for up to 60 participants.
Klaipėda FEZ Management Company Conference Center
Address:
Pramonės g. 31
LT-94103 Klaipėda
Lithuania
- Wi-Fi
- Workspaces
- Presentation stage
- Accessibility accommodations
- Capacity up to 60 participants
Organizers & partners
Delivered by innovation ecosystem builders.
The regional WAVEMAKER event is organized by DEEP Ecosystems with Klaipėda FEZ, connecting startups with an international network of innovation hubs, mentors, industrial stakeholders and ecosystem partners.
DEEP Ecosystems
International ecosystem-building organization supporting startups, SMEs, innovation hubs, investors and public-sector partners.
Klaipėda FEZ
Local partner hub providing direct exposure to an industrial ecosystem focused on decarbonization, resource circularity and climate resilience.
EIT Water ecosystem
The event contributes to the wider EIT Water WAVEMAKER Business Creation Award programme and its regional innovation pathway.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is EIT Water WAVEMAKER Baltics 2026?
It is a regional business creation award event for startups, SMEs and spinouts working on water innovation, circularity, climate resilience, water quality and industrial sustainability.
When and where will the event take place?
The event is tentatively planned for 17 September 2026 at the Klaipėda FEZ Management Company Conference Center in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
Who should apply to pitch?
Startups, SMEs and research spinouts with solutions relevant to water efficiency, circularity, climate resilience, freshwater or marine water quality, industrial sustainability or decarbonization.
How do I apply?
Use the application form linked on this page. Applications are submitted through the dedicated Google Form.
How do I sign up to attend?
Use the embedded sign-up form in the “Sign up” section. Startup teams that want to pitch should also complete the application form.
What language will the event use?
The recommended working language is English to support international participation from the Baltic region, Germany and the wider European ecosystem.
Ready to become a WAVEMAKER?
Join us in Klaipėda on 17 September 2026 and help shape the future of water innovation in Europe.
