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Boost your solution for water challenges

WAVEMAKER is a regional EIT Water business creation event organised by IRTA, aimed at startups, spin-offs, early-stage SMEs and entrepreneurial teams with solutions related to water.

Its aim is to help the selected projects advance their value proposition, technical and market validation, pilot preparation and pitch development.

During the day, teams will take part in:

  • Technical and business mentoring.
  • Review of the value proposition and validation needs.
  • Guidance on market, regulation, intellectual property and possible pilots.
  • Pitch preparation and rehearsal.
  • Final presentations before a jury.
  • Selection of three regional winners.

Who is it for?

The call is open to:

  • Startups and spin-offs.
  • Early-stage innovative SMEs.
  • Entrepreneurial teams.
  • Research projects with the potential for transfer or spin-off creation.
  • Initiatives led by students or research staff.

Priority areas

We are looking for solutions related to:

  • Water quality and protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems.
  • Water efficiency, reuse, recycling and circularity of resources.
  • Resilience to drought, water scarcity and extreme weather events.

Special emphasis will be placed on solutions applied to agri-food systems, aquaculture, the blue bioeconomy, monitoring, safe reuse and smart water management.

The selection of applications will take into account their fit with the challenges of EIT Water, the maturity level of the solution, and its potential for validation, real-world application and market reach.

Winning projects

The three regional winners will receive one year of membership in the EIT Water ecosystem during 2027.

The project ranked in first place will be invited to present its solution and receive recognition during the EIT Water Launch Event, scheduled for 15 October 2026. At this European event, the global winner will receive €5,000 and one additional year of membership in EIT Water during 2028.

Submit your application

The WaveMaker 2026 event will take place at Barcelona Circular (BAC).
Sign up now and submit your application! The deadline to do so ends on 31 August 2026:

WaveMaker 2026 Application

Since late 2025, IRTA has been part of EIT Water, the European Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) dedicated to tackling the major challenges related to water, as a core partner alongside leading institutions such as Wageningen University and INRAE. You can find out more about EIT Water on its official website: eitwater.eu.