IDIWATER Acceleration Programme
ACCELERATION PROGRAMME FOR IDEAS AND TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS IN THE WATER SECTOR
The IDIWATER Acceleration Programme is an open-access initiative designed to support entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies developing disruptive ideas or solutions in the water sector. The programme connects participants with research institutions, industry, and public stakeholders to accelerate the development, testing, and validation of smart technologies and market-oriented products.
Selected projects receive indirect aid valued up to €22,000 per project, enabling teams to advance and validate innovative solutions. The programme is open to startups, small companies, and researchers from anywhere in the world.
The initiative is promoted within the IDIWATER project and supported by the DESAL+ Living Lab platform, promoted by ITC, together with its synergies with the High-Tech Incubator (IAT) Gran Canaria, promoted by SPEGC – Cabildo de Gran Canaria, creating a unique environment for experimentation and technology transfer.
The IDIWATER Acceleration Programme is co-financed at 85% by ERDF funds through the Interreg MAC 2021–2027 Programme.
5 TYPES OF AID:
Technical and regulatory training
Participants can request key technical and regulatory knowledge through training sessions provided by DESAL+ Living Lab experts and external specialists. The programme offers practical courses and, when needed, custom training sessions focused on specific technologies, standards, or sector challenges.
Strategic Consultancy
Support to improve the business model, intellectual property strategy, and market approach. This includes guidance on regulatory requirements, pilot projects, and opportunities for international markets.
Testing, trial, and validation services
Access to DESAL+ Living Lab facilities and technical support to test and validate technologies in real and controlled environments. These services help review how the technology works, reduce development risks, and bring solutions closer to the market.
Access to test benches and shared specialised equipment
Access to experimental pilot areas to develop and test technologies in real conditions. The facilities allow real-operation testing with technical experts, laboratory resources, and field equipment. The location is the Pozo Izquierdo experimental area in Gran Canaria, within DESAL+ Living Lab and the High-Tech Incubator.
Mentoring and networking
Mentors support teams at different stages, from defining technology goals to testing, scaling, and preparing for investment. The programme also offers networking opportunities with companies, researchers, investors, and public institutions, as well as access to sector events and international forums.
4 THEMATIC AREAS
JOIN THE IDIWATER ACCELERATION PROGRAMME
OPEN CALL UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027
2 CATEGORIES
CATEGORY A – IDEAS (TRL 2-3)
- Disruptive ideas with the potential to advance at least two TRL levels during the Program.
CATEGORY B – PROJECTS OR CONCEPTS (TRL 5-6)
- Prototypes to be validated in a real environment, with a clear demonstration and scaling plan.
CANDIDATE PROFILES
- Small and medium-sized enterprises, micro-enterprises, start-ups, and scale-ups with legal personality, having ideas, concepts, or technological co-creation projects in the water sector. (Categories A and B)
- Individuals, researchers, or research groups (entrepreneurs and pre-start-ups) who can provide evidence of their ability to achieve technological progress (Category A only).
MINIMUM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL
Ability to advance in TRL within a maximum of 12 months
BUSINESS PLAN
Submission of a business plan or proposal detailing target markets, competition, and commercialisation channels
CONTRIBUTION OF OWN RESOURCES
- The contribution of own resources (financial, personnel, equipment) will be positively valued, although it is not mandatory
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