The BlueTech Forum 2024, held from June 2-4 in Edinburgh, was a resounding success, highlighting groundbreaking innovations and fostering dynamic collaborations in the water sector. The event was marked by engaging roundtables, dynamic 5×5 sessions, and inspiring keynote addresses from industry luminaries such as Gary White and Prof. Kongjian Yu. The forum featured personal Ikigai water stories, prestigious awards, and enriching activities, including a screening of “Our Blue World” and a botanic walk led by Scottish Water.
Day one: innovation and inspiration
The forum commenced with a warm welcome from Paul O’Callaghan, CEO and Founder of BlueTech Research. His opening remarks set an inspiring tone for the event. Gary White’s keynote address was profoundly thought-provoking, sparking new ideas and discussions among the attendees.
The day’s sessions included presentations from accelerator voices and interactions with the innovators behind the showcased technologies. The “My Ikigai” segment featured personal water stories from professionals, underscoring the human connection to water.
Aimee’ Killeen, president-elect of the US Water Environment Federation, one of the movie’s partners said, “We need to tell our story better as an industry, so part of our strategic plan is that we need to amplify the stories of water – and again that’s on each of us. We’re very good at talking to each other in this sector, but we also bear the responsibility oas water workers to tell our stories to our families and our friends and get that message out there.”
Roundtable insights and creative solutions
A highlight of the forum was the 16 roundtable discussions, where delegates tackled real-world challenges with innovative solutions. Notably, Professor Andrew Tyler from the University of Stirling discussed the application of Earth Observation Science (EOS) in water management. “With the EOS project, there’s potential for making smarter decisions around investments in water solutions at the catchment scale,” said O’Callaghan. This approach, which leverages satellite data for predictive insights, exemplifies the innovative spirit of the forum.
Experiential learning and networking
Delegates enjoyed a tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where Scottish Water experts demonstrated innovative urban stormwater management techniques, including rain gardens and specially designed pools. This hands-on experience highlighted practical solutions for urban water challenges.
The day concluded with a memorable dinner reception at Edinburgh Castle. Guests, led by a bagpiper, enjoyed a private tour of the crown jewels worn by Mary Queen of Scots, offering a unique blend of history and celebration.
Day two: storytelling and sustainable solutions
The second day focused on storytelling, collaboration, and innovative thinking to address global water challenges. Prof. Kongjian Yu’s keynote on sponge cities and nature-based solutions set the stage for discussions on sustainable water management.
He revealed how urban landscapes can be transformed to retain water and create stunning urban landscapes at scale. “The key to holistic solutions is … green and blue together as a kind of sponge,” he said. “Not just as a city, but as a planet – a sponge planet – solving all kinds of problems – carbon … biodiversity, meanwhile cooling off the planet, and recharging the aquifer, and creating beautiful habitats, even for people.”
On a smaller scale, delegates experienced new approaches to water management first-hand during tours of Edinburgh’s stunning Royal Botanic Garden led by Scottish Water’s team. The public utility is partnering the Garden in exploring different approaches to managing urban stormwater. Rain gardens and specially designed pools, planters and beds are already changing the landscape of this formally designed green space, creating new habitats for wildlife, and keeping water away from walkways during storms.
A captivating panel discussion on the documentary “Our Blue World,” moderated by Corina Shika Kwami, brought together diverse perspectives:
- Paul O’Callaghan, BlueTech Research: Emphasized the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of belief, bravery, and collaboration.
- Gary White, Water.org: Highlighted the role of stories in inspiring action and the crucial role of women in solving water issues.
- Aimee Killeen, Water Environment Federation: Advocated for clear communication and positive storytelling to enhance the public image of the water sector.
- Laura Gallindo, GRUNDFOS: Showcased the impact of water access projects and stressed the importance of storytelling for global impact by 2030.
Creative collaboration and awards
The day included inspiring personal ‘Ikigai’ water stories from industry leaders and ‘six thinking hats’ workshops, where participants tackled water challenges using Edward de Bono’s creative problem-solving method.
The forum concluded with the announcement of the Innovation Showcase Awards. UK start-up WASE won the Best Go-To-Market Strategy award for its innovative approach to treating organics in wastewater, and Seattle-based Membrion received the Most Disruptive Technology award for its ceramic ion exchange membranes.
Celebrating success and looking ahead
The BlueTech Forum ended with an improv music night, providing a relaxed setting for attendees to unwind and connect after two intensive days. Special thanks to MCs Corina Shika Kwami and Tom Ferguson for their exceptional hosting.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants and partners for making the BlueTech Forum 2024 a tremendous success. Special acknowledgments to Aquatech, AqueoUS Vets, GRUNDFOS, Kemira, REWAISE EU project, Sciens Water, The Scottish Government, Veolia, Xylem, and Yokogawa for their invaluable support.
The BlueTech Forum 2024 was a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and storytelling in addressing global water challenges. We look forward to continuing this journey and driving meaningful change in the water sector.
Read the full press release here.
