Your European Partner in Water-Energy Innovation
WIN is actively building cross-border partnerships through Eureka, Horizon Europe, and bilateral collaboration frameworks. Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with unique dual access to both UK and EU funding mechanisms, we are positioned as an anchor partner for international water-energy R&D.
Funding Frameworks We Work With
What this Unlocks for WIN Members
SMART Eureka
Cross-border collaborative R&D for market-oriented innovation. WIN’s capabilities map directly to Call 9 themes including sustainable manufacturing, intelligent systems, and new business models.
Horizon Europe
The EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. Northern Ireland’s access through the Windsor Framework positions WIN as a bridge between UK and EU partners.
British Water
As a British Water Super Member, WIN accesses the UK Forum, International Forum, and Technical Forum — connecting into trade shows, MoU partnerships, knowledge transfer briefings, and the broader UK water supply chain.
Invest NI
Northern Ireland’s economic development agency, providing co-funding, mentoring, and international trade mission support for cluster members.
Innovate UK
UK-wide innovation funding including SMART Grants, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and sector-specific calls relevant to water and energy.
Eureka SMART Call 9 — Active Opportunity
WIN’s capabilities are directly mapped to SMART Eureka Call 9 themes.
We are actively seeking international partners for collaborative proposals in the following areas:
Eureka Theme
WIN Capability
Sustainable Manufacturing & Circular Economy
Closed-loop hydrogen systems, nature-based carbon capture at industrial scale
Intelligent & Adaptive Manufacturing Systems
AI-driven water analytics, predictive maintenance, real-time sensor networks for water treatment
Digital, Virtual & Efficient Companies
Digital twin development, IoT-enabled infrastructure monitoring, data-driven net-zero pathway modelling
New Business Models
Commercial-first cluster model, tiered membership, pilot-to-scale innovation pipeline, cross-border frameworks
Northern Ireland’s Unique Position
Northern Ireland occupies a unique position in the innovation landscape. Through the Windsor Framework, organisations based here can access both UK and EU funding programmes.
Combined with a strong university sector, competitive operating costs, a supportive economic development agency in Invest NI, and proximity to both GB and European markets, Northern Ireland is an increasingly attractive base for international R&D partnerships.