NUMBER 01, 2021
SAMOTICS WINNER WISAWARD 2020
CONSTANTIJN VAN ORANJE: SPECIAL ENVOY AT TECHLEAP
JOHANNES BOONSTRA (WETSUS): ‘TRY TO THINK IN SMART ALLIANCES’
CONTENT
COLOFON WaterProof is the magazine of the Water Alliance, a partnership between government, research institutions and industry in
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OXGREENFIELD
INTERVIEW CONSTANTIJN VAN ORANJE
ACQUIRES INTEREST IN HOLLAND WATER
SPECIAL ENVOY AT TECHLEAP.NL
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From its base, the WaterCampus in Leeuwarden, the Water Alliance builds on the ‘water technology innovation chain’; a process whereby new ideas from universities, laboratories and test sites are converted into worldwide marketable products. WaterProof provides regional, national and global information on developments, results and background in the field of water technology.
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POSITIVE VIBES
INTERVIEW JOHANNES BOONSTRA
@WATERLINK 2021
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER AT WATERCAMPUS
10
the field of innovative and sustainable water technology.
AND: INTRO BY HEIN MOLENKAMP NEWS IN BRIEF THE WATER TECH INNOVATION CHAIN CE-LINE: CUSTOMIZED IRRIGATION WATER FIVE QUESTIONS FOR: PIETER HOEKSTRA WATER ALLIANCE MEMBERS
03 04 16 18 20 26
Cover Photo ShutterStock Editor in Chief Menno Bakker Journal Management Menno Bakker, Narvic Media | narvic.nl Text Contributors Casper Ferwerda, Menno Bakker, Ingrid van Damme Translation Context Talen Graphic Design Jan Robert Mink | minkgraphics.nl Photography Nico Pakvis, Lucas Kemper
SAMOTICS
and many others
WINNER OF THE 2020 WIS AWARD
Printer Drukkerij Van der Eems
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‘A HELPING HAND’ by Hein Molenkamp
There was a nice message circulating in my network on LinkedIn. The gist of the message is an appeal: “If you have lost your job, your company is shut down or things simply aren’t going so well right now and we have worked or studied together or our paths have crossed in any way, contact me and let me know how I can help you.” The sender goes on to concretize their message: • “Can I put you in touch with a person or company? • Do you feel the need for a conversation for a positive mindset? • Would you like a sounding board, a brainstorm session, a second pair of eyes, or a second heart?” I loved reading this message. It is a sign that there are entrepreneurs who —especially now, during coronavirus— understand that networking is all about reaching out to lend each other a helping hand. There was another reason I found it remarkable. Without patting myself on the back, I thought: “Those few sentences actually outline exactly what we do on a daily basis at the Water Alliance.” And we have the results. For example, thanks to a few phone calls from our International Business Development Manager Harro Brons, Samotics (formerly Semiotic Labs, more on them in this issue) entered into a partnership with Anglian Water.
‘We were able to help other companies find good matches during our many virtual trade missions and country exchanges in recent months’
We were able to help other companies find good matches during our many virtual trade missions and country exchanges in recent months. These are only a few examples, and we are excited about the developments. In short: if you have a problem, dream, or ambition, but no idea where to start, let us know. We look forward to supporting you.
Hein Molenkamp Managing Director, Water Alliance
| 03
Vechtstromen Water Board: nearly €260,000 for innovation projects Vechtstromen Water Board [active in the northeast of the Netherlands] is distinguishing itself with
‘WHERE TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES LOOK AT THE OUTSIDE, WE LOOK INTO THE HEART OF THE MOTOR’
SEMIOTIC LABS /SAMOTICS WINS WIS AWARD 2020
a great initiative: the investment of close to €260,000 in various regional innovation projects. The projects include a pilot study focusing on drug residue removal from wastewater at the Emmen purification plant, as well as funds for a regional education project, drought relief and climateproof construction.
Online wastewater monitoring
Industriewater Eerbeek
On 11 January, Nijhuis Saur Industries and Qsenz installed an i-QUALITY measuring system at Industriewater Eerbeek, about 30 kilometres
‘Le Moment Supreme’. Samotics’ Simon Jagers ‘receives’ the 2020 WIS Award.
north of Arnhem. Industriewater Eerbeek provides wastewater treatment for three paper factories in
Water technology company and Water
down, especially when they use electric motors.
Eerbeek: Coldenhove, DS Smith Paper De Hoop
Alliance member Semiotic Labs won the
“Where traditional techniques look at the outside,
and Mayr-Melnhof. As such, the plant processes
2020 WIS Award with its innovative SAM4
we look into the heart of the motor”, says founder
around four million cubic meters of water
monitoring unit in December. The company
Simon Jagers. Jury chairman Cees Buisman (Wetsus)
annually. “Industrie Water Eerbeek now has real
underwent a name change in March 2021
announced the winner during an online final, which
time insight into the quality of all water flows, so
and is now operating under the name
was broadcast from Studio Z in Leeuwarden on
they know what is coming in and how to treat it at
Samotics.
Friday, 18 December. The entire broadcast can still be
any moment”, said Ewout Riteco, sales manager at Qsenz. Source: WaterForum
04 |
viewed on WaterProof TV. SAM4 can predict when and why machines such as wind turbines, production equipment in factories
There is an article on Samotics elsewhere in
and the conveyor belts at Schiphol Airport break
this issue.
ENVAQUA TECHTALK ‘TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS IN POTABLEWATER-FED COOLING SYSTEMS’ WEBINAR
TRENDS IN COOLING WATER SYSTEMS
LG Sonic: working for Aguas Andinas in Chile
LG Sonic, one of the Water Alliance’s most proactive, internationally oriented members, is working on an extraordinary project in Chile. An LG Sonic MPC-Buoy system has been installed in six ‘Pirque Mega Ponds’—the new water reservoirs built by Aguas Andinas [Chile’s largest water company] in Santiago—to prevent algal blooms and guarantee water quality. Because of climate change, most of the rain in Chile falls in the hot summer months. The heavy rainfall causes mudslides that end up in drinking water reservoirs, leading to longer water treatment processes and putting the A Holland Water cooling unit.
continuity of supply at risk. This impact of climate change became apparent in early 2013. Due to the high turbidity of the Maipo River, the
On 21 January, 59 participants from the
CEW has established a platform to develop new
water supply from the river had to be cut off,
water tech world attended the ENVAQUA
detection, control and prevention methods.
leaving 25 municipalities without access to
TechTalk ‘Trends & Developments in Potable-
Numerous other topics were also discussed. Peter
clean water. Aguas Andinas began building new
water-fed Cooling Systems’ webinar. The
van der Linde of Holland Water discussed the use of
infrastructure—including the aforementioned six
consequences of climate change were an
copper-silver ionization to prevent biofilm formation
reservoirs—in response to these events. The new
important item on the agenda.
in cooling water. Kees Roest of KWR explained their
system guarantees 34 hours of water autonomy
research into metal recovery from wastewater, which
without needing the Maipo River as a source. In
Mark Schaap of Waterbedrijf Groningen briefly
can sometimes recover milligrams or even grams
2011, it was only 4 hours before the river’s supply
outlined the future of many water companies
per litre. Marcel Oonk of Nijhuis Saur Industries
was needed again.
around the world: increasing demand for drinking
explained the role that locally produced ozone can
water combined with increasing drought. This calls
play in the pretreatment of cooling water. Lastly,
To give an idea of the size: Aguas Andinas’s six
for a reduction of ‘low-grade use’ of drinking water
Sandor Peper of RWB talked about the large and
new reservoirs have a total surface area of 50
(e.g. for cooling in industrial processes).
small scale applications of their electrolysis reactors
football fields, with a storage capacity of around
Bego Osuna of the Centre of Expertise Water
in cooling tower bypass flows. Water Alliance
1,500 million litres.
Technology (CEW), located at the WaterCampus
member RWB joined the Japanese Metawater
However, heavy rainfall and warm temperatures
Leeuwarden, also discussed the consequences of
Group in November 2020. They have an ingenious
are the perfect conditions for algae blooms. To
climate change. She highlighted the importance
system which periodically scrapes calcium carbonate
maintain water quality in the Pirque Mega Ponds,
of an early-warning system for biofilm, as it forms
off the electrodes.
Aguas Andinas installed one MPC buoy in each
the basis for bacterial growth. The presence of
of the six ponds. The technology will control the
biofilm will become an increasing problem due to
algae bloom and prevent new blooms.
climate change, and it is developing resistance to conventional purification methods.
The webinar can still be viewed on WaterProof TV.
Source: LG Sonic
| 05
OxGreenfield acquires interest in Holland Water
O X
H
W
OxGreenfield acquires interest in Holland Water 06 |
OxGreenfield acquires interest in Holland Water
Holland Water, a Water Alliance member known for high-quality technical solutions for Legionella management, received support from investment company OxGreenfield at the end of 2020. With the capital, Holland Water wants to expand its markets in the Netherlands, Europe and the Middle East. Leo de Zeeuw, founder of Holland
that safe and clean water is
Water, explains: “I founded
becoming an increasingly scarce
Holland Water to solve Legionella
commodity, at a time when we
infections in buildings more than
are more aware than ever that the
17 years ago. Strict regulation, high
public health is vulnerable, we are
certification requirements and the
confidently investing in a company
stigma attached to Legionella have
that provides clean, healthy and
not stopped us from developing
safe water in an environmentally
smart water tech solutions. We
conscious manner with superior
have already served over 700
technological solutions. There is still
customers in the Netherlands,
a lot to be done before smart and
Belgium, France, Italy, Poland and
sustainable water management
the UAE. Nevertheless, we want
becomes an obvious choice, but
and can do more, so I started
we are confident that Leo, Rogier
looking for reinforcement.”
and their team will succeed. We will
Leo de Zeeuw, Founder
‘we want and can do more, so I started looking for reinforcement’
support them where necessary.” “Building owners prefer not to talk about Legionella”, adds CEO
Holland Water develops and
Rogier van den Brink. “That is
supplies sustainable technological
why Holland Water is relatively
systems and related services
unknown, but it deserves more.
for keeping water systems
We offer the only full-fledged
clean and safe. The company’s
Legionella prevention agent.
flagship system, Bifipro®, is
OxGreenfield has seen through
effective in biofilm and Legionella
the Legionella stigma and also
management through copper
sees the huge potential of smarter
and silver ionization. The system’s
water management. We are
patented, data-driven dosing
grateful for their trust, support and
technology is unique, and
commitment.”
guarantees successful Legionella control in any drinking or cooling
Pim de Joode, partner at
water system.
OxGreenfield agrees. “Holland Water contributes to safer drinking
OxGreenfield focuses on investing
water while also helping us
in technologically competent SMEs
deal with the ‘liquid gold’ more
in which it can be closely involved
sustainably. With the knowledge
as a shareholder.
Rogier van den Brink, CEO
‘OxGreenfield sees the huge potential of smarter water management’ oxgreenfield.nl hollandwater.com | 07
positive vibes at Water Link 2021
project in England, the company is already considering the USA for further expansion, he announced to the online audience. More about this company elsewhere in this issue. Marissa de Boer of SusPhos (phosphate extraction from waste materials) also had a sunny outlook. Her company is based in the BioBizz Hub in Balk (affiliated with the Water Campus) and is undergoing rapid development. “The most important thing here is that, from the beginning, we have mirrored our ideas with our potential customers”, said De Boer, sharing one of the foundations of her success. “We have been sharing our progress straight out of “There has been a huge increase in the
the lab. This helps avoid surprises, and your
number of participants in trade missions”,
customers join you on your journey at an
said Bianca Nijhof of the Netherlands
early stage. We have now scaled up to a large
Water Partnership [NWP; the organization
demo site at Wetterskip Fryslân [the water
with which the Water Alliance collaborates
board in the Friesland region] and will be
extensively on an international level]
working on building an entire plant next.”
regarding the impact of the pandemic on Dutch water technology companies. “More
After the plenary session, smaller online
participants, and contact is established
groups shared knowledge on topics such as
much more quickly and easily within those
water technology in a climate-adaptive city,
missions. This may be a continuing positive
internationalization and the opportunities
aspect in the future. In that sense, you could
for Dutch companies in Southern Europe,
call the coronavirus crisis a blessing in
and on improving performance in factories
disguise.”
through digitalization.
The attending entrepreneurs also presented
For those who missed Water Link or want
many positive plans. Tim van Leeuwen,
to revisit one of the sub-sessions, the entire
Head of Sales at Semiotic Labs, obviously
event will soon be available for viewing at
had every reason to be happy. His company
wateralliance.nl.
recently won the Water Alliance’s WIS Award with the
08 |
SAM4 monitoring unit. He received the
Editor’s note: around the time this edition
prize from Water Alliance director Hein
went to press, Semiotic Labs changed its
Molenkamp during Water Link. After a great
name to Samotics..
positive vibes at Water Link 2021
| 09
interview Harro Brons/Tim van Leeuwen
With the SAM4 monitoring unit, water companies can detect failures or prospective damage at an early stage. Developer Samotics, based in Leiden, a city south of Amsterdam, won the prestigious WIS Award 2020 with this product. The predictive maintenance system is being rolled out at companies in the Netherlands and far beyond. One such company is Anglian Water, in the UK. Water Alliance linked the Dutch scale-up and the British water company.
Samotics arrives in the UK through Water Alliance Samotics’ Tim van Leeuwen demonstrating the SAM4
10 |
Advanced algorithms
patterns and advanced algorithms, the
have a large and growing library of
A water pump that is no longer
monitoring unit can detect upcoming
those fingerprints. This allows us to
functioning properly or is in danger
faults. Tim van Leeuwen, Head of
not only indicate that an anomaly is
of failing shows a different pattern
Sales at Samotics: “SAM4 is constantly
occurring, but we know exactly what
than a healthy pump. SAM4 collects
looking for anomalies in the data. Each
is going on.” SAM4 is installed in the
current and voltage data and uses it to
specific form of failure leaves its own
switch box, making it particularly
map numerous patterns. Using these
‘fingerprint’ in the patterns. We now
suitable for monitoring pumps installed
interview Harro Brons/Tim van Leeuwen
‘We know what is going on in the water technology sector in the Netherlands and beyond’
attention to a Request for Proposal (RFP) from Las Vegas, USA. The RFP was put out by WaterStart, a networking organization with which both Anglian Water and Water Alliance work. Harro Brons: “The RFP requested specific innovative solutions for preventive maintenance. That’s exactly what Samotics is all about.” SAM4 is now operational at Anglian Water. Harro Brons on Water Alliance’s role: “We know what is going on in the water technology sector in the Netherlands and beyond. We also have a large international network of clusters, water technology hubs and representative networks in many countries in and outside Europe. Using that position, we connect Dutch water technology companies with international parties that have water issues. We focus on issues where Dutch companies can offer innovative added value.”
Opportunities abound Van Leeuwen is confident about the future. “We are now monitor machines in Europe, the US, and Asia. Our ambition is to be the supplier of choice for critical assets in the water, steel, paper and petrochemical sectors by 2021. Because we offer our monitoring service through an online platform, we can service the entire world from Leiden.” Harro Brons sees plenty of international opportunities for even more connections for Samotics. “We are seeing a growing need to move from visual inspection and reactive maintenance to predictive maintenance. The demand for smart and efficient solutions like Samotics offers is only increasing.”
Harro Brons
Editor’s note: Samotics previously operated under the name Semiotic Labs. The company changed its name in March 2021.
underwater or in other difficult-to-reach
Water Alliance
places, such as wells. The system is also
Harro Brons is international business
suitable for monitoring other types of
developer for Water Alliance. He
machines, such as conveyors, fans, and
brought Samotics into contact with
compressors.
Anglian Water, a British water and wastewater company in the east of the United Kingdom. He drew Samotics’
samotics.com | 11
interview Constantijn van Oranje
Ronald Wielinga is Manager of Entrepreneurship at WaterCampus Leeuwarden. He recently interviewed Constantijn van Oranje, Special Envoy at Techleap. They spoke about his role in the Dutch startup ecosystem, the developments of the Dutch startup climate, the challenges he sees and his take on the entrepreneurial opportunities in the international water sector.
CONSTANTIJN VAN ORANJE images Inge van Mill
Techleap plays a crucial role
scaleup ecosystem. I make
We are making progress on all
in the Dutch start-up and
connections and help
fronts, to be honest. The least
scaleup ecosystem. Can you
determine the organization’s
progress was made in terms
tell us a little more about
strategy. In short, I keep the
of diversity. The proportion of
the organization?
project on track. I am also
highly educated, white men is
Techleap is 100%
involved internally on an
still very high. Apart from that,
government-funded.
operational level.
there is more capital, and we
We work to connect and
The great part of my job is
are more attractive to talent.
professionalize the tech-
working in an optimistic,
There is also much more
ecosystem and reduce
positive world. We work with
attention to entrepreneurship
barriers in capital, market,
start-ups and scaleups with
in places like universities,
talent and technology. Our
a focus on opportunities and
for example. In short, tech
goal is to produce more rapid
possibilities. It is tremendously
is really breaking through.
growers who can contribute
stimulating, and I get to flex
This is reflected in the AEX
to the development of the
my creative muscles.
index [stock exchange with
Dutch economy and society.
with recent additions such
You have been appointed
a key role in the Dutch
as Adyen and Takeaway and
Special Envoy at Techleap.
startup ecosystem, and
more mature companies like
It sounds nice, but can you
that you have been part
ASML. The more traditional
explain what your role
of it for a long time. What
companies are struggling
entails, exactly, and what
developments have you
to transform in a rapidly
makes your work fun?
seen in this area in recent
changing world, while the
As Envoy, I tell the story
years?
scaleups are far more flexible.
of the Dutch start-up and 12 |
the largest Dutch shares], It is clear that you play
interview Constantijn van Oranje
T
There is always room for improvement; what are the biggest barriers currently delaying the achievement of your objectives?
The biggest threshold is us. The subdued, moderate Dutch culture does not produce the greatest dreamers. The encouragement to follow your dreams is critical to entrepreneurship. We also often denigrate ourselves: “The Netherlands is only a
‘I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE NETHERLANDS FOR TOP TALENT FROM ABROAD’
small country.” However, we must remember that we are four times as big as Greater Los Angeles and twice the size of Silicon Valley. I think we often disparage and fragment ourselves too much, and there’s no need for that. It would also be good to have more and more easily accessible capital available. Sweden, for example, only has half as many startups as the Netherlands, but twice the capital. The capital there is available through large, relatively easily accessible funds. The result is that, despite the lower number of startups, Sweden is producing more successful growers. Lastly, I am concerned about the accessibility of the Netherlands for top talent from abroad. The debate in society is changing, while it is crucial for a successful techecosystem that we attract and retain the greatest talents in the Netherlands. > | 13
interview Constantijn van Oranje
Do you recognize this?
A university often forms the
the Netherlands support
What do you think is the
base of a thriving hub, as
start-ups. Some are
right approach to tackle
there is already some level
regional, while others, such
these challenges?
of infrastructure available—
as the WaterCampus, are
Designing a successful
for talent, for example. The
sector-specific. How do we
hub does not happen on
WaterCampus is different.
avoid competing with each
its own, so yes, I definitely
I find it incredible how
other? More importantly,
recognize that. It is essential
you have connected at a
how can we ensure the
to have a culture that rewards
European level and are
right collaboration between
entrepreneurship. It should
receiving international
Techleap and the startup
be about more than the
recognition for it. That worked
hubs and between the hubs
number of publications or the
out really well. It’s good that
themselves to have an even
citation index. Don’t get me
you are focused on water
bigger impact?
wrong, that is very important
technology, but make sure
There’s nothing wrong with
in science, but it is also
you stay broad enough.
competition. Competition
very important to stimulate
Unlike other hubs, you have
the accelerator for the
creates the best and
entrepreneurship among
no university, so that must be
tech ecosystem in the
strongest hubs and support
researchers. Fortunately, we
organized through events,
facilities. In my opinion, it
are seeing that more and
for example. Make sure the
only becomes a problem if
more.
right people meet each other.
a region tries to prevent a
An alternative could be to
CONSTANTIJN VAN ORANJE leads Techleap.nl,
Netherlands. As Special Envoy, he is on a mission to make the Netherlands the home of tomorrow’s tech leaders. He and
start-up from leaving, while
The ecosystem around
establish certain departments
that organization could
Wageningen is a good
from the university on the
flourish better elsewhere. An
example. Wageningen
campus in Leeuwarden. An
example of this is regional
University has been the
inspiring example of this
promising Dutch tech
development companies
authority in the field of
is the Cybersecurity hub in
companies achieve rapid
financing an organization
nutrition for decades—really
Beer Sheva (Israel), where
international growth by
under the condition that the
world-class. Nevertheless, it
a hugely successful hub
improving their access
organization remains in a
does not automatically result
has been established in the
to capital, markets and
specific region—that could
in a huge startup community
middle of nowhere. In any
talent.
limit growth. I also think we
around that knowledge.
case, it is essential to admit
sometimes focus excessively
It requires more than just
talent from other places into
on national borders, whereas
excellent knowledge. It’s
the ecosystem, because the
I see a lot of opportunity in
about not shutting yourself
key to success always lies in
connecting with hubs abroad,
off; there has to be a mix
multidisciplinarity.
such as Stockholm.
of companies, investors
his team connect the Dutch tech ecosystem to help ambitious and
Van Oranje co-founded StartupFest Europe, which is still the biggest startup event ever organized in The Netherlands. As Chief of Staff for VP Neelie Kroes at the European
and related knowledge. In
Over the past year, many
I am surrounded by
the case of Wageningen
of our water technology
be in charge of the Digital
brilliant colleagues at and
University, it requires more
start-ups and scaleups
Agenda. He also led the
around the WaterCampus;
than excellent knowledge
have won important
Brussels office of the
brilliant researchers who
in the field of nutrition.
innovation and business
RAND Corporation.
are making truly ground-
The ecosystem needs to
awards—companies such
Today, he is also Director
breaking discoveries. Their
be opened up, and non-
as Acquaint, CE-Line and
of Digital Technology
discoveries often have
researchers must also be
SusPhos. The highlight
the potential to form the
given space. By this, I mean
was, of course, Hydraloop
basis of a successful new
talent in commerce and sales,
at the CES in Las Vegas,
company. The missing link
for example. Wageningen
which you also attended.
is often entrepreneurs—
has been focusing on this for
Nevertheless, innovation
entrepreneurs willing to
some time now, with initiatives
and the successful launch
launch a startup together
such as StartLife, and there
of a water tech company
with researchers—which
is definitely a community
is highly complex. It often
is passionate about art,
inhibits knowledge
forming.
requires large investments,
music, photography and
margins are relatively low,
nature.
valorisation from research. 14 |
C
Several hubs throughout
Commission, he used to
& Macro Strategy at Macro Advisory Partners in London and New York and Edge Fellow at Deloitte Centre for the Edge. In addition to innovation and technology, Van Oranje
interview Constantijn van Oranje
and many investors are
the application. Make sure
risk-averse. It seems much
you are flexible and can
harder to launch a company
change strategy quickly and
in the water sector than in
have the capacity to test the
IT, for example. As a relative
new strategy quickly. 3D
outsider, how do you view
Carbon is a good example.
this?
Their highly flexible business
The water industry is not
model involves more than
unique. It can be hard to
just selling 3D printers. They
launch a successful startup in
lease their printers, allowing
many sectors with a relatively
you to assemble your own
long time-to-market and high
polymers with an app, they
technical complexity, but
earn money on prototypes,
certainly not impossible. The
they make their own products,
entrepreneur’s creativity is key
etc. In short, they are fully
to their success. The money
focused on the application,
is not in the technology but
and they monetize everything. As a result, the company has grown massively in just a few years.
‘IN TERMS OF KNOWLEDGE, WE ARE WORLD LEADERS, BUT WE GIVE A LOT OF IT AWAY FOR FREE’
When we organized Startup Fest in the Netherlands in 2016, we initially focused on the country’s strengths. Agriculture, food, health, energy and water. What struck me then is the limited number of fast-growing companies in many of these areas, including water. A lot of valuable knowledge is held by public bodies and is often passed on through international projects. There is little focus on economic growth and maximizing profit. In terms of knowledge, we are world leaders, but we give a lot of it away for free. We have taken steps in the right direction in recent years, but there are still many challenges and opportunities. It’s great to see that you are also working on this at the WaterCampus!
techleap.nl
| 15
The Water Technology Innovation Chain
The Water Technology Innovation Chain The WaterCampus brings together a complete chain of innovation for water technology, from first idea, research, specialized laboratories, various demo sites, launching customers to commercial international applications by commercial companies. Indeed from knowledge to business. It is driven by the idea that technological development and innovation is needed to develop new markets and create new business opportunities.
The pilot installation used to test a unique series of existing physicochemical technologies for municipal wastewater treatment.
14 | 16
The Water Technology Innovation Chain Case Study
Accelerate the steps from knowledge to business with the WaterCampus innovation ecosystem
image: Suzanne van de Kerk
Simon Jagers from Samotics in Leiden loves collecting data. His idea: if you collect all kinds of data about the energy signals that electrical machines emit, you can measure the condition of those machines and figure out when they need maintenance, consequently saving hundreds of thousands in downtime costs in many industries.
Years of research and development followed, resulting in the SAM4 monitoring unit. With the knowledge that electric pump operation can also be measured, the water technology sector became an important target group for Samotics. This is why the company became a member of the Water Alliance through Wetsus. Together, they accelerate research and development.
With Water Alliance’s mediation, British Anglian Water and Samotics came together. The result: The SAM4 was installed on 85 pumps in England, with the potential for further expansion.
Samotics won the Water Alliance WIS Award, generating international attention and increasing market demand. The cooperation with Anglian Water may be expanded, and other markets in other countries are also showing an interest.
| 17 15
focus CE-Line
image Heather Barnes | Unsplash
18 |
focus CE-Line
What happens to greenhouse crops when they receive exactly the right nutrients at exactly the right doses at exactly the right time? At the Wageningen University & Research (WUR) test site in Bleiswijk [around 14 kilometres north of Rotterdam], the answers to this question are currently being collected.
Customized irrigation water
Wilco Dijkstra, Founder
‘Our technology can process a high number of parameters in real time’
These are the first practical trials with
fortnight. They have to develop an
Global food crisis
the CE-line technology: a measuring
effective nutritional strategy based on
Dijkstra is already looking beyond the
system that measures the quality and
those results— it’s an impossible task. Our
borders: “Dutch greenhouse horticulture
composition of the irrigation water in
system provides online measurement
is world-leading—we have higher yields
real time and can immediately adjust
of individual nutrients with associated
than anywhere else. China, Canada, the
it to the desired composition. Start-up
individual nutrient dosages. The result is
Middle East, Spain and France operate
CE-Line, a Water Alliance member,
controllable and immediately adjustable
at higher capacity, but their yield per
recently received the prestigious
irrigation water, which is a huge leap
square meter is much lower. CE-Line
GreenTech Innovation Concept Award
forward.”
could serve as a flywheel in the process
for its innovative concept.
by drastically increasing yield. That’s Circular system
no luxury in a world where the food
Horticulture
Five per cent more yield, improved
problem is growing and demands a
“We had been developing water
crop and fruit quality, reduced water
focus on high quality.”
measuring systems for some time.
and fertilizer use, and remote water
Our technology is unique in that our
and nutrient management. These
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
system can process a high number of
are the benefits of a system that is
According to Dijkstra, artificial
parameters in real time”, says Wilco
also completely circular, according to
intelligence will become an important
Dijkstra, founder of CE-Line. The start-up
Dijkstra: “We can reuse almost one
driver in greenhouse horticulture in the
is based in Heerenveen, a municipality
hundred per cent of the water. The
coming decade: “We are getting more
just under thirty kilometres from the
extremely precise composition and
and more access to big data. Using that
WaterCampus Leeuwarden. CE-Line
dosage avoids the creation of unusable
data, computers can make qualitatively
was established in 2018 to make the
wastewater.”
better predictions than growers. I see a
ingenious measuring system suitable for
The practical trials at the Bleiswijk test
future in which greenhouse production
greenhouse horticulture.
site are very promising. CE-Line is
lines are fully based on AI, with a grower
There is a great need for a measuring
currently working with growers to gain
turning the dials in the cockpit. CE-Line
system like CE-Line, particularly in
the necessary practical experience: “We
can be a link within that system.”
greenhouse horticulture, explains
want to develop the optimal watering
Dijkstra. “Growers currently send
strategy together.”
a sample to the laboratory once a
celine.frl | 19
five questions for CIV Water’s Pieter Hoekstra
why isfive innovation inquestions waterfor technology education sopieter important? hoekstra 20 |
five questions for CIV Water’s Pieter Hoekstra
THE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS CREATED EVERY DAY AT WATERCAMPUS LEEUWARDEN REQUIRE PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION. MBO [SECONDARY VOCATIONAL EDUCATION] GRADUATES PLAY A KEY ROLE HERE. IN RECENT YEARS, THE CENTRE FOR INNOVATIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP WATER (CIV WATER) HAS EMERGED AS A DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM FOR INNOVATIVE SECONDARY VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN THE WATER SECTOR. WHAT DOES CIV WATER MEAN FOR EDUCATION AND THE WATER SECTOR? WE ASKED CIV WATER PROGRAMME MANAGER PIETER HOEKSTRA FIVE QUESTIONS.
The thinking hands of the water sector What does CIV Water do?
innovative forms of education that unite
change in 2021. One of our goals is to
We focus on the development of
theory and practice outside the water
offer MBO students the opportunity to
students and working MBO graduates
technology sector.
gain experience abroad. I sometimes
as versatile professionals. Together with
refer to MBO students as the ‘thinking hands’ in the water sector. It is important
We organize learning events where
You are located at the WaterCampus; what is the added value of that?
education and business meet. Because
We work closely with partners affiliated
An internship abroad, where you can
water technology is not a self-evident
with the WaterCampus. Wafilin, for
acquire not only new knowledge but
part of technical MBO programmes in
example, a specialist in innovative
also life experience, is part of that.
the Netherlands, we are developing
membrane systems, is our partner in
water technology teaching modules
developing hybrid education. Students
which these programmes can use.
can use the test facilities at the Water
We provide practical courses on
Application Centre (WAC) of the Van
water technology for employees of
Hall Larenstein University of Applied
companies such as technical installation
Sciences. The WaterCampus is a place
companies, pump builders or
where a lot of knowledge comes
production companies.
together and cross-pollinates. This is
the education sector and the industry, we create various development paths.
that they, like university and college students, are able to develop optimally.
civwater.nl
the best place for us.
Why is innovation in water technology education so important?
What are you doing on a European level?
The practical demands of the
With financial support from Brussels,
business community should be
CIV Water is developing a knowledge
central to technical MBO education.
exchange platform with five regions:
Unfortunately, this is not always the
Malta, Scotland, Latvia, Czech Republic
case within traditional education. The
and Belgium. We want to exchange
gap between theory and practice
students and teachers and share
within the programme and between
knowledge. We have extensive
business and education is too great.
knowledge on educational innovation
We are working with partners from
and water management. A country like
the business community and the
Malta is specialized in drinking water
educational sector to develop hybrid
desalination. Our groundwater salinity
education. Within the concept, students
is rising, and a company like Vitens can
work on case studies that require the
benefit a lot from this knowledge.
direct practical application of their theoretical knowledge. Once fully
What are the plans for 2021?
developed, the hybrid model can serve
Our European platform’s activities are
as an educational model for other
on the back burner right now, due
disciplines— there is also a need for
to coronavirus. We hope that this will | 21
interview Johannes Boonstra
22 |
‘Stimulate entrepreneurship and spin-off even more’
interview Johannes Boonstra
Johannes Boonstra in ‘his’ WaterCampus
Wetsus, the academic knowledge institute on WaterCampus Leeuwarden, wants to support the growth of new and existing water technology companies even more in the coming years. “If there is entrepreneurship in a water technologist, we want to foster it”, says executive board member Johannes Boonstra. Boonstra: “Not every good technologist is also a great entrepreneur —and vice versa— and there’s nothing wrong with that. So, try to think in smart alliances. Collaborating with a commercial expert may seem more expensive than working alone as a technologist, but joining forces can also reap more reward.” Innovating and working together
“Wetsus accounted for no less than 36
According to Boonstra, a variety of
to let that number grow even faster.
WaterCampus entrepreneurship
Of course without losing focus on our
education, business development,
core business of research, innovation
marketing and matchmaking incentive
and education.” WaterCampus also
programmes have supported
stimulates cooperation between water
enterprising scientists. They have
technology companies and suppliers.
experienced that WaterCampus
“There are already numerous examples
Leeuwarden is the place to be to
of that. Some installation companies or
start and grow a water tech company.
tank builders, for example, have started
Thanks to the WaterCampus partners—
to employ academically educated
Wetsus, the Centre of Expertise Water
technologists, turning manufacturing
Technology (CEW) and the Water
companies into knowledge companies.
Alliance—they can benefit from a large
This strengthens both the water
network and get support in many
industry and the economy as a whole.”
spin-offs in recent years and we aim
areas, from idea to application. “ strides in entrepreneurship in recent
Groundbreaking innovations
years, partly due to the appointment
Wetsus is the knowledge engine at the
of Ronald Wielinga as Manager of
basis of the WaterCampus innovation
Entrepreneurship”, says Boonstra.
chain. >
WaterCampus has made tremendous
| 23
interview Johannes Boonstra
The institute organizes cooperation
is unique”, says Boonstra. “So unique,
between industry and science to
that there are unfortunately no standard
convert ideas into new concepts, aimed
budgets available in the Netherlands
at breakthrough innovations in water
for structural government funding for
technology. Its members include more
our institute. We want to move towards
than a hundred companies worldwide
long-term funding security from the
and over twenty European universities
Dutch government and are working hard
and knowledge institutes. “With our
with the relevant authorities and with the
help, company needs are translated into
Netherlands Organisation for Scientific
scientific projects and ground-breaking
Research (NWO) to achieve clarity in
innovations”, says Boonstra. “Our science
2021.”
is application orientated. Water tech is a broad, multidisciplinary field, with
Visits
applications in sectors ranging from
To increase and maintain the
water purification, to energy, health,
network and support for Wetsus
food and chemistry.” Boonstra is proud
and WaterCampus it is important
of the scientific results that have been
to continuously receive companies,
scaled up to practice by its member
scientists, politicians and policy
companies. “Decentralized sanitation
makers. These site visits increase the
got off the ground partly thanks to
understanding of the relevance of our
Wetsus, for example. Blue Energy is
innovation model for their organisation,
another well-known example.” The
the economy and society. “In the
new Wetsus innovation book is just
current coronavirus crisis, most visits are
published, containing inspiring cases
digital. We look forward to welcoming
of Wetsus know how applied in the
guests back on site as soon as the
field. Boonstra: “The book clearly shows
measures allow.” Boonstra and Wetsus
that our developments in the lab are
are not daunted by the crisis however.
being translated into practice faster and
“Unfortunately, the European Water
more often. A few prime examples are
Technology Week was cancelled last
electrochemical phosphate recovery,
year, brainstorming sessions are less
water batteries and innovative ways to
‘spontaneous’ and researchers have
recover nitrogen compounds. Rapid,
had limited access to labs. Nevertheless,
large-scale application of our scientific
science has made very good progress
knowledge by our company participants
and for many meetings, such as internal
remains one of our highest ambitions.
conferences and consultations with
We are looking forward to launching a
companies and universities, we have
lot of new pilots in 2021.”
found a good digital alternative. We are moving forward and unexpected ideas
Structural funding
still emerge. Do not hesitate to contact
Wetsus, which now has almost two
us with a breakthrough idea that science
hundred employees, has gained an
can help to become a reality!”
important place in science since its establishment in 2003. It is considered by many to be the leading water technology institute of the world. Wetsus is also well respected and considered an added value in the Dutch scientific community. Half of the 15 million/year Wetsus budget is paid by the participating companies and universities, the other half by governments. The latter is a challenge: “Our innovation and cooperation model 24 |
wetsus.nl
Johannes Boonstra: ‘it is important to continuously receive companies, scientists, politicians and policy makers’
interview Johannes Boonstra
WaterCampus: probably one of the most eye catching buildings in Leeuwarden.
| 25
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