The scale of the challenges for innovation has never been greater in the UK water sector – that was the message from the Innovation Summit jointly hosted by British Water and Bentley Systems in the City of London on 30 September 2025.

The event was conceived by Bob Taylor, convenor of the newly launched Innovation Focus Group at British Water, and chief executive of Portsmouth Water, and developed in direct response to feedback from British Water members, who had called for greater support in navigating the innovation ecosystem. Identifying funding routes, finding the right collaborators, and moving from pilot to widescale adoption remains a challenge for many innovators.

Desire for innovation

However, Bob Taylor pointed out that “the opportunities are many”, and that the challenges and the desire for innovation have "never been greater" in the water sector.

He cited multiple factors driving the push for innovation, from the 5,000 ml/day water resources gap to the 88 recommendations of the Independent Water Commission (IWC) Final Report. He said that the finance could now be found, but that there was “a challenge of people being afraid to fail”, in a sector that both delivered a product and managed waste. “We can’t get it wrong,” he concluded.

The opportunity for innovation in water includes Ofwat’s Innovation Fund, which represents £400m over the next five years. Mark Hannis, principal at the Ofwat Innovation Fund highlighted the value of collaboration, saying that successful partnerships already formed under the initiative was “testament to the value of collaboration”, which the IWC Report has written large, showing that it is the “new way of working in water.”

UKWIR chief executive Mike Rose underscored the point, “By working collaboratively you stand the best chance of solving the problems more quickly and efficiently,” he said. “Innovation is risky, but by working together, you stand the best chance of de-risking.”

Utility initiatives and approaches to innovation

Three water companies shared their approaches to innovation, with Severn Trent’s senior commercial manager, Samantha Burrage, introducing the utility's new Wavemakers Exchange for innovation and partnerships across the water sector. The initiative includes a training programme for early-stage start-ups in the UK’s complex water regulatory and legislative landscape.

Strategic partnerships lead Clare Hughes acknowledged that the utility had challenges around collaboration and that the new direction was “not just about what Severn Trent wants, it is what we can do to help you.”

Kieran Brocklebank, head of innovation at United Utilities, said that the water company’s business plan hardwires innovation, “We cannot deliver what we need to for our customers without innovation.”

He explained a three-stage approach that transfers “quick-wins” internally, alongside adopting “breakthrough” ideas that are new to UU, and leading “super radical” developments. In recent years this has included a multi-partner Ofwat Innovation Fund project to develop AI models that can review CCTV footage of wastewater pipe condition.

Angela MacOscar, head of innovation at Northumbrian Water, highlighted the importance of having a culture that engages all areas of the company. “The people in operations know where the gaps are,” she said, “and they’re the people who need to adopt innovation, so it is really important that we work with that part of the organisation.”

Mapping routes - British Water to launch Innovation Map

As the lead trade organisation for the UK water sector, British Water plan to support members in building even closer relationships with water companies. The organisation will soon launch an Innovation Map on its website - designed to help companies from the supplier community quickly identify innovation portals for each water and wastewater company.

This purpose is to help those with technologies and services that can add value, to discover and understand utilities’ innovation aims and requirements.

European opportunity - British Water and Water Europe sign MoA to establish strategic framework for collaboration

The event also looked at the international picture, with Jacob Tompkins, co-founder and director of the European Water Technology Accelerator, sharing valuable advice for entering new markets.

This included seeking funding from diverse sources - from “climate funds interested in water resilience” to very localised funds for specific measures. He also advised innovators not to think of Europe as a single market, but to target “the right countries” and be specific.

British Water also signed a Memorandum of Action with Water Europe at the Summit, to establish a strategic framework for collaboration, with a commitment to fostering innovation in the water sector, supporting business development, and strengthening global connection for members of both organisations.

Andrea Rubini, director of operations, Water Europe, said:

“Water Europe is delighted to join forces with British Water to build a resilient water smart society and economy while creating new opportunities for businesses across the UK and Europe. The partnership will accelerate innovation, champion sustainable water technologies, and deliver impact across Europe, the UK, and globally.”

Reflecting on the event as whole, British Water chief executive Lila Thompson said:

“I’m delighted that our first Innovation Summit brought together key stakeholder in the global innovation space, highlighting opportunities for partnering, funding and showcasing good practice. Our members play a vital role in unlocking innovation in water, with a wealth of embedded experience and expertise, as well as the equipment and technologies that deliver on the ground.

“It is important that everyone understands this fast-moving landscape and the opportunities coming to the fore with the scale-up of investment in infrastructure, technology, and innovation.”