The Climate-KIC Business Competition in Water was part of Deltares' SME innovation event. During the event six entrepreneurs pitched their idea for business development, knowing that only three could be awarded a voucher, worth €25.000.

At the event Hans Huis in’t Veld, figurehead from TopSector Water, elaborated on the available instruments for SME companies from the Dutch government. Hero Prins, director of Entrepreneurship emphasised the need for Climate-KIC to connect its knowledge partners towards the small and medium sized entrepreneurs.

From the submissions for the Climate-KIC Business Competition ”Business in Water” six business development ideas were selected to present on stage.

A jury, consisting of representatives from the Climate-KIC Community – including last years’ winner HKV - selected the three winning proposals.

A knowledge voucher with a value of €25.000 was awarded to:

- Jan Willem Roël from Flexbase for his concept of low cost autarkic floating homes in Asian deltas
- Jos Maccabiani from Hansje Brinker for the detection and monitoring of sagging sewage systems
- Dorian Hill from Hillblock is working on a new dike protection layer to set the new (ecological) standard

Climate-KIC will connect the entrepreneurs to the best experts from Climate-KIC partners to develop their ideas into new products and services. Climate-KIC aims to generate market growth for existing businesses. Hillblock found their knowledge partners in Deltares, Arcadis and Alterra / Wageningen University.

(source Climate-KIC)