GertJan Euverink deputydirector research Wetsus Unique topinstitute First

Gert-Jan Euverink, deputy-director research

Wetsus, Unique topinstitute First initiative in The Netherlands bridging the gap between: • Bio- and separation technology • Drinking water and waste water • Public and private (water)problems

Wetsus started in 2003 • • A post-graduate research institute – Ph. D students and Post-Docs Research Themes – driven by industrial partners – carried out by key universities Funding – by industrial partners (in money / facilities) – by universities (in kind: professors, Ph. Ds, facilities) – by government (local and regional) All at a single physical location – Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

Sparkling start of Wetsus ! September 16/17, 2004

Fresh water availability

Mission, Ambition, Scope Contribute to the solution of global water problems through technological innovation and collaboration 1. 1 billion people no safe drinking water 2. 5 billion people no safe sanitation Increasing shortage Irrigation water Wetsus aims to become the European Centre of Excellence in the field of sustainable water technology.

Strategy • Develop new Water Technology • Establish a network function for water industry • National incubator for water technology start-ups • To become an international acknowledged ‘Hot Spot’ for water technology

unique bundling of know-how disciplines • 15 scientific chairs 1. 2. 3. • Wageningen University Twente Technical University Delft >32 companies 1. 2. 3. 4. Drinking water Water boards Water Technology suppliers Industry

The basic IPR arrangement • Claim to results and intellectual property: – All results and (claims to) intellectual property rights…etc. . . will be the complete property of Wetsus. – Participant companies have the possibility of receiving priority in the acquisition of a license to the above…. etc…. – Participant research institutes may use the results for education, publications and research….

Multidisciplinary Research Themes biocon ve rsion s adsorption crystallization biocon ve rsion s genetics adsorption crystallization genetics

Laboratory Blue Energy Decentral sanitation Sludge reduction

Conclusions Research Institute • Wetsus employs about 50 people (still growing) – Import of highly educated people to the region – Attracting force for companies to established offices in the region Interesting environment for startups • Venture capital • Business development assistance • Knowledge network • Facility sharing • Offices