Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) President & CEO, Bryan Stubbs, and Director of Communications and Engagement, Samantha Martin, recently traveled to the Netherlands to attend European Water Technology Week (EWTW) 2026.

EWTW brings together global experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to address critical freshwater challenges. For CWA, this trip offered the opportunity to engage with international partners, explore cutting-edge European research and technology, and showcase how regional cluster models accelerate water tech innovation on a global scale.

Highlighting Global Water Tech Clusters

Day 1 focused on global collaboration and emerging technologies. Bryan Stubbs participated in a Global Water Tech Clusters Panel, organized and moderated by Hein Molenkamp of the Water Alliance. Joined by leaders from Northumbrian Water (UK) and the Portuguese Water Partnership (Parceria Portuguesa para a Água), the panel explored how water clusters can collaborate across borders to scale critical technologies globally. 

Research and Water Tech Investment

The morning sessions highlighted groundbreaking research spinning out of the Wetsus campus. A key highlight was the presentation of the Marcel Mulder Award, an annual prize honoring the top research breakthrough at Wetsus, awarded to Mu Lin for innovations in electrochemical carbon dioxide capture. CWA also tracked promising early-stage innovations, including an electrical air quality treatment technology for wastewater facilities, identifying potential opportunities to connect this solution with partners across our network.

Additionally, the European Investment Fund announced a €30 million commitment into PureTerra II, a dedicated water-focused fund from CWA venture capital partner PureTerra Ventures. Bryan also had the opportunity to catch up with the PureTerra team during the event. The first day concluded with a networking dinner at the Wetsus campus alongside more than 125 international water technology leaders. 

Exploring World-Class R&D and Field Pilots

Day 2 featured an inside look at the Netherlands' world-renowned water research infrastructure. Morning sessions at EWTW focused on critical industry challenges, including PFAS removal, microplastics mitigation, AI integration in water operations, resource recovery, and circular water systems.

In the afternoon, Bryan toured WaterCampus Leeuwarden, the leading hub for water technology in Europe that brings scientific research, applied testing, and commercialization under one roof. The site visit highlighted the three managing partners that anchor the campus across every stage of the technology lifecycle:

• Water Alliance: A long-time partner of CWA, serving as the business development and cluster growth organization focused on helping water tech companies scale, enter new markets, and expand global exports.
• Applied Research Lab (CEW - Centre of Expertise Water Technology): The applied science facility where researchers, students, and businesses collaborate to test and demonstrate emerging technologies, moving solutions from the laboratory toward market readiness.
• Wetsus: The European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, serving as the campus's primary scientific research engine with advanced wet-lab infrastructure. Wetsus features a unique doctoral program that combines PhD research with business development, entrepreneurship, and commercialization training, bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application.

The team also visited the Leeuwarden wastewater treatment plant to observe multiple active pilot projects. Among them was Cobalt Water Global, a participant in the Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator Program, which CWA is a partner on. The company is currently executing a large-scale pilot funded by a European partner.

The evening concluded with the WaterCampus Superconnectors CEO Pitch and Dinner, an exclusive gathering of water leaders and water tech companies.

Connecting Global Water Tech Solutions to U.S. Market Demand

On the final day, CWA engaged with various researchers and innovators. Bryan and Samantha met directly with several international companies interested in leveraging CWA’s testbed to trial their technologies and establish a North American presence. CWA also connected with regional European entities spanning water tech clusters, economic development agencies, and emerging startup support networks. 

With funding and investment for water technology growing across Europe, maintaining strong international alignment remains a high priority for Cleveland Water Alliance. By attending global events, forming connections with international partners, and tracking emerging industry trends, CWA continues to stay at the forefront of the sector while helping global innovators test their solutions in real-world conditions and expand into the U.S. market.