In this episode, we talk to María José Toledo, Managing Director of Aigües d’Elx, and David Blasco, the organisation’s Head of Innovation, to learn how they are tackling the challenges of the integrated water cycle and the role innovation plays in their strategy.

Throughout the programme, we discuss collaboration between businesses and universities, the search for technological solutions and the opportunities offered by Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI). We focus in particular on the preliminary market consultation launched by Aigües d’Elx, which addressed three major challenges: advanced treatment of contaminants and nutrient recovery; the valorisation of sludge from wastewater treatment; and the capture and valorisation of wet wipes found in the sewerage network.

The consultation received 12 innovative proposals, demonstrating the potential that emerges when an organisation opens up its challenges to the innovation ecosystem and encourages participation by businesses, technology centres and research groups. During the interview, we also reflect on how to identify opportunities for collaboration and turn them into projects capable of addressing real needs.

An episode exploring how open innovation and connections between universities and businesses can help tackle water-related challenges and move towards more sustainable and efficient water management.