A new water cluster developing the next generation of Canadian water technologies & solutions.
Vancouver, BC., Calgary, AB., CANADA – October 6, 2020 — Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre (Foresight) and WaterSMART Solutions Ltd. (WaterSMART) announced today the asset acquisition of waterNEXT Innovations Inc. (waterNEXT) - Canada’s Water Accelerator. Working in partnership with WaterSMART, Foresight will expand the waterNEXT distributed water cluster across Canada to identify funding opportunities and accelerate the growth and adoption of Canadian cleantech water companies both domestically and abroad.
The waterNEXT cluster brings together water technology innovators from across Canada, providing meaningful representation of the unique sector-specific dynamics facing today’s water sector. waterNEXT will offer members direct access to globally recognized water experts in business and technology, leveraging Foresight’s industry-leading accelerator programming and market-driven innovation initiatives.
50+ Companies in waterNEXT Cluster Focus on Strategic Sector Growth
In August, the expanded pan-Canada waterNEXT cluster launched a new water accelerator program, in partnership with Foresight, Bluetech Research and WaterSmart Solutions. The program focuses on market readiness, fast-track commercialization, export market development, and efficient technological scale-up, with more than 54 qualified Canadian water companies actively participating.
“Canada is a hub for cleantech innovation. By working together with WaterSMART, we can actively support our growing ecosystem of innovators, building capacity for water technologies across Canada," said Jeanette Jackson, CEO Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre. "With the global water market valuation expected to reach $914.9 billion in the next two years, the waterNEXT cluster will play a critical role in positioning Canadian water technologies as global leaders in building a water-secure future.”
“The world is facing a global water shortage, and Canada is not immune to this crisis. Through collaboration, engagement, and programming, driven by Foresight and WaterSMART Solutions, the waterNEXT Cluster will accelerate the development of cost-effective water technologies that support water supply security across Canada,” said Kim Sturgess, CEO WaterSMART. “We are excited to be part of this project to drive innovation in the water management sector.”
Accelerating Industry Adoption with Market-Driven Approach to Innovation
In addition to directly advancing innovation enterprises' go-to-market strategies, industry innovation partnerships will be central to the waterNEXT pan-Canada strategy. This holistic approach offers a select number of opportunities to integrate global water companies looking to play a role in developing a forward-looking Canadian water innovation agenda.
For more information on the waterNEXT program, including upcoming events, visit: https://foresightcac.com/sme-programs/water/
Astrid Nunez
Foresight, Marketing & Events Manager
604-358-5079
anunez@foresightcac.com
About Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre
Foresight is Western Canada’s Cleantech Innovation Centre which supports the identification and validation of cleantech opportunities and the successful commercialization of solutions. We bring together industry, government, academia and technologists to innovate and enable a responsible, more sustainable tomorrow. Find out more at www.foresightcac.com and follow on Twitter @ForesightCAC.
About WaterSMART
WaterSMART Solutions Ltd, is a water management and environmental solutions firm in Calgary, AB. WaterSMART improves water management practices by designing, recommending, and implementing industry-leading strategies, technologies, and solutions. Water for a sustainable economy is the foundation of their business, and the solutions they recommend always create economic and social gains that also balance the needs of the watershed and the environment. Find out more at www.watersmartsolutions.ca.
About BlueTech Research
BlueTech Research is a leading consultancy specializing in providing water technology market intelligence. BlueTech Research works with innovative start-up companies, venture capital investors and leading water technology companies to support technology commercialization, market analysis and technology assessment. BlueTech Research is focused on analyzing where the water technology market is going and where the opportunities are likely to be in the future. Find out more at www.bluetechresearch.com.
