Lighthouse for water technology 2.0

In the Region of Central Jutland, the Lighthouse for Water Technology brought together the Danish water sector and created strong, innovative partnerships between utilities, companies, knowledge institutions, public actors and innovative small and medium-sized Danish companies. The Lighthouse encompassed the entire Danish water sector and aimed to contribute to a CO2 and climate-neutral water sector by 2030 through a wide range of development projects.

Ambition and goals

• Create an international hub for innovative, sustainable and efficient water technology solutions
• Develop the world’s most sustainable, climate-resilient and digital water supply
• Double the export of water technology from 20 to 40 billion DKK in 2030 and create new Danish jobs
• Contribute to a CO2 and climate-neutral water sector in 2030
• Increase the number of start-ups and SMEs within water technology in Denmark
• Create a world-leading, highly professional research and knowledge environment within water technology
• Build a world-leading knowledge base for lifelong learning within water technology

Seven focus areas, two projects and six key activities

The Lighthouse for Water Technology was a programme consisting of seven focus areas, two projects and six key activities that, up to and including February 2026, supported research and innovation, contributed to the development of a stronger ecosystem and ensured access to a skilled workforce.

The aim was to establish a strong national lighthouse that brought together companies, water utilities, knowledge institutions and municipalities across Denmark to promote the green transition, address climate risks and unlock the potential in Danish water technologies and solutions.

Water Valley Innovation

Your path to innovation and development. Join one or more labs and create value for your business.

The vision was to strengthen Denmark’s position as a global leader in innovative, sustainable and efficient water technologies. As a water technology SME, companies were able to participate in a tailored innovation programme designed to match their specific needs. Whether aiming to further develop their company, product portfolio or business model, a relevant innovation lab was available.

The overall programme

Water Valley Innovation – specialised innovation programme for SMEs

• Ongoing onboarding
• Access to partner ecosystems and activities
• One-on-one sparring and continuous follow-up on needs, results and impact

Coordination with other initiatives within the Lighthouse for Water Technology, as well as innovation and business development services at Clean, Business Hub Central Denmark, Klimatorium and Water Valley Denmark.

Activities in Water Valley Innovation

Future Solutions Lab

• The Future Solutions Lab focused on boosting innovation and business development through collaboration with strong stakeholders across the water sector.

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Water Living Lab

• Start-ups and SMEs were given the opportunity to develop, test and demonstrate new solutions in close collaboration with peer companies and with guidance from utilities and other key actors in the water sector.

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Water Data Space Lab

• The Water Data Space Lab focused on accelerating innovation and business development through improved access to and sharing of data.

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Klimatorium Living Lab

• Participants received support to develop and test innovative and sustainable technologies and gained access to advanced test facilities, technical expertise and business sparring within water technology.

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Knowledge and Innovation Lab

• Participants joined an innovation programme in collaboration with DTU and AU, integrating research-based knowledge into product development through close cooperation with leading experts in the Danish water sector.

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Plastic Recycling in the Water Sector

• Participants contributed to the development of new circular products for the Danish water sector.

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Water Cycle 2 – GIS

• Participants contributed to the development of an integrated GIS platform publishing data on pipe networks and other relevant utility information.

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Problem Water – From Challenge to Resource

• Participants became first movers in developing future green water supply solutions for industrial processes such as Power-to-X (PtX).

Do you want to help solve some of the world’s water challenges in the future?

The Lighthouse launched several projects as part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening workforce capacity within the water sector.