Implementation & Adoption Support
Implementation & Adoption Support
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This function supports deployment and adoption of innovation in the water sector. Organisations here contribute in different ways, including sharing evidence on what exists and works, buyer supplier brokerage, pilot set-up, and procurement support.
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Spring
Spring exists to enable effective delivery of innovation and collaboration by creating centralised intelligence for both water companies and suppliers. They can help you showcase your work and successes to the whole sector, connect your solution with the right people, and understand sector priorities to better target your efforts.
How to get involved
Share innovations, join showcases, use knowledge library
Type/Sector
Innovation Hub / Water Sector
What they do
Central platform for water sector innovation, connecting problem-owners with solution-providers
Xylem Innovation Labs
Xylem provides access to pilot and testbed programs that allow innovators to validate technologies in operational environments. These pilots: Demonstrate performance under real-world conditions. Surface integration challenges early & build credibility with utilities and regulators.
How to get involved
Engage through Xylem’s UK partnerships team, join collaborative trials with utilities, or propose integration pilots for smart infrastructure platforms.
Type/Sector
Technology Provider / Water Infrastructure & Analytics
What they do
Xylem UK supports the deployment and scaling of advanced water technologies across the utility sector. Their platforms - including smart pumping systems, leak detection, and network optimisation tools -are designed for seamless integration into existing infrastructure.
Isle Utilities — Technology Approval Group (TAG)
Technology Approval Group (TAG) has been running since 2005 with the mission of bringing companies together with innovators to try to progress the adoption of technologies which will change the water industry for the better.
How to get involved
Submit technologies for TAG review, attend regional pitch events, or engage with utilities post-event for trials and procurement. Utilities and corporates can join TAG to shape innovation priorities and fast-track adoption.
Type/Sector
Innovation Platform / Water & Environmental Technologies
What they do
TAG accelerates the implementation of high-TRL innovations by connecting technology developers with utilities and industrial end-users. It provides a structured pathway from pitch to pilot to procurement, backed by peer review and market validation. TAG helps utilities de-risk adoption, align innovation with operational needs, and streamline decision-making.
Ofwat Implementation Programme
Ofwat's Implementation Fund is being designed to increase the speed and scale at which innovative solutions are adopted. Whilst the programme specifics are still to be confirmed it is likely to include some direct funding support to help derisk early implementation activities as well as support to address systemic barriers impacting the implementation journey of innovation. More detail on the programme and how to get involved will be shared in December 2025.
How to get involved
Isle Utilities are Ofwat's lead delivery partner for the design and delivery of the Implementation Programme and are inviting sector input during the final phases of design. Look out for notices or sign up to the Innovation Fund newsletter here.
Type/Sector
Regulator / Innovation Funding
What they do
Provide funding and wider support to enable innovation across the water sector.
RSE (Ross Engineering)
RSE operate an Innovation Hub to identify and develop new technologies with partners, focusing on carbon reduction, operational efficiency, and environmental benefits.
They also offer modular and off-site fabrication platforms that enable innovators to test and scale technologies in real treatment environments, reducing deployment risk
How to get involved
Collaborate on infrastructure projects, engage with graduate/apprenticeship programmes, or partner in pilot/demo projects for modular and net-zero water treatment innovation and emerging technologies, including nature-based solutions.
Type/Sector
Engineering / Clean-water technology & modular infrastructure
What they do
RSE is a Scottish engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture and delivery of modular water and wastewater treatment solutions. It provides end-to-end capability from design and off-site fabrication to commissioning and maintenance.
Future Water Association
Future Water Association helps SMEs overcome barriers to visibility, funding, and influence. It showcases innovation, supports skills development, and connects suppliers with utilities and regulators.
How to get involved
Join as a member; pitch at Water Dragons; attend working groups
Type/Sector
Trade Association / Supply Chain
What they do
Represents supply chain; fosters innovation, skills, and engagement across water sector
UK Innovation Districts Group
UK Innovation Districts Group (UK IDG) focuses on connecting peer networks of innovation districts and knowledge quarters across the UK, facilitating shared best practice and collective problem-solving.
It also conducts research and produces practical tools to ensure place-based innovation drives inclusive urban growth.
How to get involved
Join the peer network as a member district or knowledge quarter; participate in national discussions, share case studies, and contribute to collective tools and action papers. Contact: hello@ukinnovationsdistricts.co.uk
Type/Sector
Peer Network / Urban Innovation & Placemaking
What they do
UK IDG is a national peer network of innovation districts and knowledge quarters across the UK. It connects practitioners, researchers, policymakers, investors, and businesses to drive inclusive urban growth through place-based innovation
Isle Utilities
Isle Utilities de-risks technology trials by offering repayable grants and structured support. It helps innovators overcome barriers to market entry and accelerates adoption of climate-positive solutions.
How to get involved
Apply for Trial Reservoir funding; join TAG forums
Type/Sector
Innovation / Deployment Support
What they do
Provides repayable grants for tech trials; connects innovators with utilities for real-world validation
CENSIS
CENSIS is Scotland’s innovation centre for sensing, imaging and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, helping industry and research collaborate to develop new products and services.
It guides organisations to overcome technical barriers and accelerate innovation through sensing/imaging systems, enabling business growth and market competitiveness.
How to get involved
Collaborate through funded R&D programmes, doctoral training partnerships, or university-led innovation projects. Academics and students can also engage via internships, joint publications, and CENSIS-hosted events
Type/Sector
Innovation Centre / Academic
What they do
CENSIS strengthens Scotland’s research infrastructure by connecting universities with industry to co-develop sensing, imaging, and IoT solutions. It supports doctoral training, applied research, and technology translation across sectors including water, health, and environment.
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