Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) brought together researchers and investors to showcase new water technologies on 20 March 2012 at Emperors Palace Kempton Park. 

While water underpins the prosperity of our community and health of our environment, it has long been recognised as a scarce resource in South Africa. Together as a community our challenge is how we can use our water smarter.

This unique event aimed at fostering collaborations between the proponents of WRC-funded research into water technologies, and the South African commercialisation community around the theme of sustainable water use, treatment and management. The WRC / DST Technologies Showcase provided attendees with valuable and trade opportunities with like-minded innovative companies and research & development organisations. The country’s universities key research groups availed themselves for one-on-one meetings with businesses wishing to explore collaboration opportunities.

Drinking water and commercial activities have a high cost and assurance attached to them, as well as growing competitive demands.  The Water Research Commission has opened opportunities to new technological inventions using what it calls ‘WaterSmart Fund’. The WaterSmart fund supports research, demonstration and development of any innovative, idea, technology or process which supports the efficient use, reuse and conservation of our precious water and related energy efficiency in the domestic, industrial and mining sectors.

Jay Bhagwan WRC Director managing the smartfund said “The main objective of the fund is to bring about a paradigm shift in the use and management of water, as well as the use of energy in water, from a supply side towards a demand-side approach. The fund acts as a catalyst for bringing about awareness and behaviour change in the way the country uses its water. It also aims to bring industry, entrepreneurs and innovators into the re-search environment to support the cause of efficient water use”.

The WRC CEO, Dhesigen Naidoo commented that there is a need to support the commercialisation of technology in South Africa. The WRC aims to ensure that water technologies get to the market venture capitalists and this platform ensures that this marriage occurs.

“Water security in South Africa is a big challenge; DST has considered opening a new venture of funding water technologies through its Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). Through this, DST could step in and fund the demonstrations for projects in rural areas ’’ says Henry Roman from DST.

Contact: Jo Burgess job@wrc.org.za