Water technologies
Critical water challenges are on the rise globally. Access to secure and clean water is essential; however, roughly half of the world's population regularly faces severe water scarcity, as per the UN's latest Water Development Report. This is due to a general lack of sufficient water resources, increasingly weather patterns including flooding as well as low levels of wastewater treatment and runoff from agriculture. Even where there is water, it is not always safe – 2.2 billion people do not have access to safely-managed drinking water.
Both the lack of access to clean water and dangers from ever more frequent flood events need to be addressed urgently. Innovation in water-related technologies must be a priority when fighting the effects of climate change and global warming.
Dive in
Innovation in water-related technologies – study
The report examines patenting trends in water-related technologies, covering both technologies for the provision of and protection from water, as well as addressing pollution topics.
Technology platform on water technologies
Find thousands of patent applications on water technologies classified by field. This curated platform makes it easy for researchers and inventors to find the latest inventions by area.
Innovation in water in figures
4 times
rise in water technology innovation since the early 1990s.
60%
of water technology innovation centres on treatment solutions.
EUR 300 bn
is the estimate for the global market for water and wastewater treatment technologies in 2025, projected to grow to EUR 500 bn by 2030, according to Boston Consulting Group.
Q&A - Insights from the EPO
- How has patenting in water-related technologies evolved since the 1990s?
Innovation in water-related technologies increased almost fourfold in thirty years, from 300 annual IPFs in the early 1990s to over 1 200 in the 2020s, often driven by new regulations or changes to existing regulations. This growth aligns with the overall rate of patenting activity over that period, yet it lags behind the pace of many other clean technology sectors.
- What is Europe’s role in the global landscape of water technology innovation?
European countries contributed 40% of all IPFs in this sector between 1992 and 2021 and hold leading positions in all water technology fields. Europe is the only global innovation centre exhibiting a comparatively high level of specialisation in water-related technologies.
- What types of companies are leading in water treatment innovation?
Europe has six companies among the top 15 applicants. The primary focus of these top companies is water treatment technologies. The majority of the leaders in water-related technologies are large conglomerates that are active in many different industries.
- What is the role of academia and research institutions in water technologies?
Universities and public research organisations (PROs) are increasingly contributing to water-related technology innovations. Potable water harvesting is the field with the highest share of IPFs from universities and PROs.
Publications
Dive into a collection of economic studies and insightful reports focused on water-related technologies.
The study examines patenting trends in water-related technologies, covering both technologies for the provision of and protection from water, as well as addressing topics related to pollution.
Innovation case studies
Explore a series of innovation case studies showcasing how companies have successfully leveraged intellectual property in the field of water technologies. These real-world examples highlight the role of IP in driving growth, securing funding and fostering innovation.
Voltea has developed solutions for softening and deionising water. The company’s membrane capacitive deionisation (CapDI) system is its core technology and is used in a range of applications requiring soft water.
Since 2012, Orbital Systems has developed solutions to reduce water and energy consumption, including the world’s first closed-loop shower. Published as part of the study Innovation in water-related technologies.
Scientists at Delft University of Technology developed a method that is now used globally in wastewater treatment, where bacteria are trained to form fast-settling granules for quicker, more efficient water separation. Published as part of the study Innovation in water-related technologies.
Tools
Find startups and investors in this field
The Deep Tech Finder is your gateway to exploring Europe's innovation landscape. Designed for investors, researchers, startups and universities, this free tool connects you with key players in cutting-edge technology fields.
Technology platform on water technologies
Find thousands of patent applications on water technologies classified by field. This curated platform makes it easy for researchers and inventors to find the latest inventions by area.
Inventors in water-related technologies
Mehrdad Mahdjoubi
The closed-loop shower developed by this Swedish industrial designer uses 80% less energy and 90% less water by filtering and recycling the same 5 litres of water.
Antonio Corredor Molguero and Carlos Fermín Menéndez Díaz
The inventors’ unique method of producing specially shaped concrete blocks to protect harbours can reduce breakwater construction costs by between 15% and 45%, as well as offering coastal areas better protection.
Günter Hufschmid
This synthetic wax can adsorb close to seven times its own weight in hydrophobic liquids without taking on any water itself, making it an ideal tool for cleaning up spills and leaks wherever they occur.