The upcoming Smart Water Systems Conference in London in April will include two sessions on smart water technologies - one of which will address Ofwat’s £400 million Innovation Fund.
The sessions will comprise of detailed case studies highlighting how innovative smart water technologies are transforming the UK’s water infrastructure.
The first, led by Flavio Oliveira Director, Water Supply Department, Águas e Energia do Porto will explore how AI and machine learning can enhance water network efficiency through predictive maintenance, leak detection, and optimization.
The second, presented by Jeannette Henderson, Innovation Manager at Ofwat, will review the Ofwat Innovation Fund’s role in driving innovation in the UK water sector, focusing on sustainability and future challenges. 
The economic regulator for the water sector has increased its Innovation Fund to £400 million, supporting pioneering projects, including the development of autonomous "Pipebots" for sewer maintenance and waste heat recovery. Funding projects such as these is seen a vital step to delivering more sustainable and robust water infrastructure.
Jeannette Henderson’s presentation will provide an overview of the Ofwat Innovation Fund’s progress in driving innovation within the UK water sector. The overview will discuss recent updates to the Fund, highlight key outcomes from Water Breakthrough Challenge 4, and explore future requirements for innovation to address emerging challenges and sustainability priorities. Topics covered will include:
- Water Breakthrough Challenge 4 – this has demonstrated the potential of innovative solutions to address water sector challenges
- The role of future innovation in addressing emerging trends and challenges, such as climate change and population growth
- Aligning innovation with sustainability priorities and meeting PR24 targets - crucial for a sustainable water future
Click here for more information about the conference and details of how to register
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