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Discover. Connect. Celebrate.
You spoke, we listened! Following the success of the 2023 edition of BlueTech Forum, we are excited to announce that we will be returning to the enchanting city of Edinburgh for BlueTech Forum 2024. As we turn our focus to the theme of Innovation in Action, we begin to catalyze the incredible impact and inspirational pledges that were collectively made when we last met in 2023.
Why attend BlueTech Forum 2024?
Delegates attend the BlueTech Forum to meet with industry influencers, key decision-makers, and the who’s who of the water sector to conduct business, network, evaluate technologies, and stay on top of market trends and opportunities. The BlueTech Forum unites executives from leading water technology companies, venture capital groups, researchers, early adopter utilities, and corporations.
Meet our speakers
Alvin Rogers
Alvin Rogers is a highly accomplished and sought-after speaker, renowned for their expertise and captivating stage presence. With a diverse background in [relevant field or industry], they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every speaking engagement. Their dynamic and engaging style seamlessly combines powerful storytelling with actionable insights, leaving audiences inspired and equipped with practical strategies for success. Alvin has delivered impactful keynote addresses at prestigious conferences and corporate events worldwide, consistently receiving rave reviews for their ability to connect with and energize audiences. Whether addressing topics such as [specific areas of expertise], leadership, or innovation, Alvin is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.
Lisa Smith
Lisa Smith is a highly accomplished and sought-after speaker, renowned for their expertise and captivating stage presence. With a diverse background in [relevant field or industry], they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every speaking engagement. Their dynamic and engaging style seamlessly combines powerful storytelling with actionable insights, leaving audiences inspired and equipped with practical strategies for success. Lisa has delivered impactful keynote addresses at prestigious conferences and corporate events worldwide, consistently receiving rave reviews for their ability to connect with and energize audiences. Whether addressing topics such as [specific areas of expertise], leadership, or innovation, Lisa is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.
James McGiven
James McGiven is a highly accomplished and sought-after speaker, renowned for their expertise and captivating stage presence. With a diverse background in [relevant field or industry], they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every speaking engagement. Their dynamic and engaging style seamlessly combines powerful storytelling with actionable insights, leaving audiences inspired and equipped with practical strategies for success. James has delivered impactful keynote addresses at prestigious conferences and corporate events worldwide, consistently receiving rave reviews for their ability to connect with and energize audiences. Whether addressing topics such as [specific areas of expertise], leadership, or innovation, James is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.
Tickets
BlueTech Forum 2024 will feature inspiring speakers from across the globe at the forefront of innovation, a hand-picked innovation showcase of cutting-edge companies and technologies, the latest market intelligence delivered by BlueTech Research analysts, and plenty of dedicated networking time.
Programme
Monday, June 3rd
Highlights
Keynote address by Gerald H. Pollack, Founder of The Institute for Venture Science
Gerald Pollack is a renowned scientist who challenges conventional thinking. He has received numerous awards and is widely recognized as an accomplished speaker and author. The Institute for Venture Science (IVS), which he founded, is dedicated to funding scientific research that poses high-risk/high-reward challenges. By doing so, the IVS aims to achieve fundamental breakthroughs in understanding. The IVS identifies the most promising ideas that challenge prevailing paradigms and simultaneously funds multiple research teams worldwide, increasing the likelihood of success.
Keynote address by Kongjian Yu, Sponge City Pioneer
Professor Kongjian Yu's innovative "sponge city" designs are transforming urban landscapes. By creating cities that soak up downpours, his designs are replacing flooded streets with lush green spaces, and allowing rainwater to nourish cities. Yu's firm, Turenscape, is already turning heads with a project in Bangkok that transformed a wasteland into a network of lakes and wetlands. Over 70 cities in China have implemented his designs, with the government aiming for 80% of cities to become absorbent by 2030. The Sponge City system is inspired by nature's ability to absorb and release water, transforming streets into green havens with mango trees growing where once concrete reigned.
Innovation Showcases
Witness the future of water-tech innovation as 16 exceptional start-ups take center stage in our auditorium. These carefully selected companies were handpicked by our BlueTech Research Analysts over a 12-month cycle and will deliver 2-minute elevator pitches that will leave you inspired and amazed. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience firsthand the cutting-edge solutions that are revolutionizing the water industry. Join us today and be a part of this exciting journey towards a sustainable future!
Partner Addresses: "My Ikigai, My Water Story"
Get ready! Our partners are taking the stage to share their personal 'origin stories’ about why they got into the water sector and how they developed their innovation mindset. In just 5 minutes, you'll hear their heartfelt tales of passion for water and their hands-on approach to driving change. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means your 'reason for being’.
5x5s Round 1
Get ready for an exciting and informative session! In just 5 minutes, you'll hear from 5 top watertech innovation partnerships who have achieved great success. These industry leaders will take you on a fast-paced journey, revealing the secret ingredients that made their partnerships work like a charm. You'll come away with invaluable insights, inspiration and practical advice that you can apply to elevate your own partnerships and achieve your goals. Don't miss this chance to learn from the best and take your partnerships to new heights!
River Walk and Water Stories with Li An Phoa
Tuesday, June 4th
Highlights
Keynote address by Gary White, CEO & Co-founder, Water.org + WaterEquity
Gary is the CEO and Co-founder of Water.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people in the developing world to gain access to safe water and sanitation. (Water.org is the resulting organization of the July 2009 merger between WaterPartners, co-founded by Gary in 1990, and H2O Africa, co-founded by actor Matt Damon). He developed Water.org’s WaterCredit Initiative, creating new financing options for poor populations to meet their water supply and sanitation needs. Gary also developed and now leads WaterEquity, an innovation of Water.org focused on raising and deploying social impact investment capital.
Over the past 25 years, Gary’s entrepreneurial vision has driven innovations in the way water and sanitation projects are delivered and financed, innovations that now serve as a model in the sector.
Innovation In Action x 6 Thinking Hats Workshop
Embark on a dynamic journey of innovation with our '6 Thinking Hats' workshop centred on our 2024 theme, 'Innovation in Action.' Explore practical creativity through Edward de Bono's renowned problem-solving method, examining ideas and models from six different perspectives. Engage in interactive exercises, fostering collaborative thinking through distinct lenses to tackle real-world challenges.
Refreshments available throughout.
Action arenas:
Megatrends
We'll be exploring three pivotal themes shaping our collective future. Dive into the dynamic relationship between water and energy, strategies for resilience in the face of burnout, and the evolving role of individuals in the economy.
- Water + The Energy Transition: Hu Fleming, TAG Team
- Burnout + Business Resilience: Michael Matania, Founder, Mycelium
- Prosumer Model + The Participation Economy
Screening of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey
Separate registration!
The new film celebrates our human connection to water, exploring its cultural and mythological significance. Witness transformational journeys that rediscover ancient wisdom and blend it with innovative solutions to address climate change and restore balance to our Blue Planet.
The goal? To ignite love and appreciation for water. After all, valuing this precious resource is the foundation for a healthier planet.
Speakers
Garry White
Li An Phoa
Prof Kong Jian Yu
Gerald H. Pollack
Paul O'Callaghan
Dr. Steve Gluck
Corina Shika Kwami
Hu Fleming
Tom Ferguson
Peter Barden
Prof Matthijs Schouten
Sean Benton
Corina Carpentier
Gigi Karmous Edwards
Grégoire De Hemptinne
Colm Lynch
John Bertrand
Eugene Liu
Andrew Walker
Nick Pople
Thank you to our partners
At BlueTech Research, we collaborate with our partners to create multi-dimensional and value-driven partnerships that leverage combinations of expertise, finance, capacity, and outreach to achieve commonly shared goals.
IIf you are interested in joining this inspiring group of generous and insightful partners, get in touch to learn more.
The BlueTech Forum is a boutique industry event, powered by BlueTech Research, which brings together the world’s leading water technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and executives from leading research centers to network and hear innovative presentations on market trends and insights.
Since 2010, BlueTech Forum has brought together the brightest minds in the global water sector to find solutions to the water crisis. Uniquely, this event attracts senior leaders of industrial water users, utilities, municipalities, technology providers, investment companies, and academic institutions. All are focused on accelerating the drive towards best practices in water management and net-zero carbon emissions. BlueTech Forum allows you to engage closely with influential peers working towards environmental regeneration and sharing their valuable knowledge. The event is all about fostering innovation with impact.
Event venue
The Assembly Rooms
54 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH2 2LR
Set in a convenient city center location, the Assembly Rooms historic building is impressive and with good rail and air links, excellent public transport, and both on-street and long-stay parking nearby. The Assembly Rooms are located within walking distance of all BlueTech Forum contracted hotels.