WaterCampus Leeuwarden is the central hub for water technology innovation in Europe, dedicated to advancing sustainable water solutions through research, education, and entrepreneurship. Its mission is to accelerate the development, commercialisation, and application of cutting-edge water-related technologies to address global water challenges. With a vision to position Friesland as a world leader in water technology, WaterCampus fosters collaboration between businesses, knowledge institutes, and governments at local, national, and international levels. Friesland is a region connected to its land and water, with water at the centre of the workings of the region. 

History and beginning

WaterCampus began by analysing the types of companies already active in Friesland. Given the region’s strong connection to water—particularly through its agricultural and dairy sectors—there was already a notable presence of water-focused businesses, initially geared towards supply and later expanding into water treatment. By building on existing expertise and businesses, WaterCampus helped establish a strong infrastructure for water research and innovation—laying the foundation for Friesland’s position as a leader in water technology. The regions’ ambition in terms of the circular economy is lined to ambitions in water technology and water treatment, and lays out long term goals and long term ambitions - this patience in the approach can be seen through the inception of WaterCampus which has gradually shifted and changed to become leaders in the field shifting from dairy farming in the 70s, to water treatment in the 80s, to more innovative technologies now. Part and parcel of long term goals this approach is trust in partners, in governmental institutions, a trust that flows through interactions surrounding the circular economy in the region and is an integral part of the Frisian Approach. 

The Frisian Approach is evident in WaterCampus’s way of working. Home to an international research center, it supports innovative water companies worldwide, yet maintains a distinctly Frisian way of collaboration. For example, the Europeacellence Centre of Excellence, based in Friesland, works with universities across Europe and engages 120 companies from Friesland, the Netherlands, and around the world, with 35 nationalities involved. Central to this approach is trust and collaboration throughout the research process, recognizing that innovation synergies and the resolution of common challenges can only be achieved through genuine cooperation at every level.

Aims and vision

WaterCampus’s overarching vision is to establish Friesland as a world leader in water technology, fostering collaboration between businesses, knowledge institutes, and governments, in what is in the Frisian Approach known as the ‘Triple Helix’ of collaboration. The purpose is to accelerate innovation, the growth of businesses, and the application of water-related technologies to address global water challenges. This ambition rests on the ability not only to develop top academic know-how, but to be able to apply this knowledge in useful, practical, and beneficial ways in terms of the circular economy, so in the market place and in society (societal benefit is key). 

WaterCampus demonstrates this ambition with 33 newly developed water technology innovations currently being applied in practice following their development at WaterCampus.

The Ecosystem of WaterCampus

WaterCampus provides a structured innovation ecosystem through its core programs, which include institutions focused on both fundamental and applied research, as well as direct business support.

Wetsus, the European Centre of Excellence for sustainable water technology, fosters pre-competitive technology development through scientific research. It was the foundation of WaterCampus, focused on academic research. Through Wetsus, it became clear that businesses faced challenges in working with academic research, prompting the development of additional branches within WaterCampus to support scaling up and working with businesses.

The Centre of Expertise Water Technology (CEW) focuses on applied research and accelerating innovation. It collaborates with businesses, universities, applied universities of science, and SMEs on shorter projects that specifically target the development and scaling of water technology solutions.

The Water Alliance supports entrepreneurship and business growth by providing funding, incubation, and networking opportunities for water-tech startups, helping them expand internationally.

A Unique Model for Innovation

WaterCampus has created a unique model to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical business applications. By connecting research institutions, startups, and established companies, WaterCampus fosters the development of market-ready water technologies that address global water challenges. This collaborative environment was designed to ensure that crucial insights from research are translated into practical, scalable solutions.

Historically, Friesland’s water technology sector, while prominent, has been underdeveloped in terms of jobs for highly skilled workers, with many skilled professionals leaving the region. WaterCampus is working to reverse this trend by investing in education and job creation, ensuring that research translates into real-world impact.

A key focus of WaterCampus is advancing circular water technologies, such as water recovery, nutrient recovery, and energy recovery, all critical for a functioning circular economy. By linking research with business applications, WaterCampus ensures these innovations can scale effectively and contribute to sustainable resource management.

With increasing pressures on global water supplies due to climate change, economic growth, and rising demand, developing sustainable water technologies is more urgent than ever. WaterCampus plays a pivotal role in shaping these advancements, maximising resource efficiency, and reinforcing Friesland’s leadership in circular water innovation.

Showcasing Circular Innovation: Spoordok and Beyond

One of the most notable examples of WaterCampus’s impact is the Spoordok project in Sneek. This project applies circular water management principles by treating black water separately, thereby maximising nutrient recovery, and reusing treated water efficiently. Vacuum toilet technology is used to isolate pollutants from wastewater, allowing essential nutrients to be recovered and returned to agricultural use. This is a groundbreaking approach, as it marks the first time that human-derived nutrients will be reintegrated into farming systems after safe treatment. The technology behind Spoordok was developed with the collaboration of Wetsus, CEW, and Water Alliance, showcasing the strength of WaterCampus’s innovation ecosystem. Read more about this project here.

In Leeuwarden, a new construction project is underway with the ambition to create housing developments that are off the water grid. This project will apply the technologies developed through the WaterCampus network to treat blackwater separately, facilitating water reuse and nutrient recovery. The goal is to return nutrients from human excreta to regional agriculture, representing a significant scaling up of previous smaller-scale projects.

Another success story is Hydraloop, a company within WaterCampus that developed a household water treatment system for in-house water reuse. While its focus is on reducing water consumption rather than nutrient recovery, Hydraloop has expanded internationally, reaching markets in Latin America, Australia, and the Middle East. Read more about Hydraloop here.

Scaling Impact and Economic Growth

WaterCampus is not only a research hub but a driving force for regional economic development. By nurturing startups and scaling them into stable businesses, it ensures that cutting-edge water technologies are integrated into society. With over 350 long-term partners, the campus fosters cross-sectoral applications of water technology, expanding its reach into industries where water quality and efficiency are critical.

The newly planned Spoordok construction project in Leeuwarden exemplifies WaterCampus’s commitment to scaling innovation. This iconic development aims to ensure that no drop of water leaves the area untreated while simultaneously recovering valuable nutrients for regional agriculture. This project marks a crucial step toward implementing large-scale circular water solutions beyond pilot initiatives.

Measuring Success and Long-Term Goals

WaterCampus actively tracks its impact through defined performance indicators, with goals extending to 2032. Key metrics include:

350+ companies engaged with long-term financial commitments

100 patents filed

1,000 scientific publications

Growing number of European projects, governmental contributions, and large-scale technology applications

By continuously developing innovative water technologies, WaterCampus ensures that Friesland remains at the forefront of global water technology innovation. Leeuwarden, already known as the European Capital of Water Technology, benefits from a dynamic environment where talent, research, and business intersect to create sustainable solutions for water management worldwide.

Conclusion

WaterCampus exemplifies the power of collaboration and trust in driving water technology advancements. By integrating research, entrepreneurship, and education, it provides a unique innovation ecosystem that transforms scientific discoveries into practical solutions. With Friesland's rich history in water management and its long-term vision for sustainability, WaterCampus stands as a beacon of excellence in circular water technology, shaping the future of global water solutions.