We are proud to share that BlueVantage, a major national research and innovation programme focused on securing a clean and future-proof water supply, has been awarded NWO Perspective funding and will launch in 2026. The programme brings together a broad consortium of knowledge institutes, public organizations, and private partners to jointly develop next-generation water treatment technologies and sustainable reuse strategies.

About BlueVantage

Our water system is under increasing pressure due to climate change, pollution, and rising demand. BlueVantage addresses these challenges by developing integrated biological, physicochemical, and nature-based water treatment technologies capable of removing persistent pollutants such as PFAS from drinking water and wastewater streams. The programme also explores how valuable materials can be recovered from industrial and municipal wastewater.

To ensure real-world impact, the consortium will test its innovations in practice and work toward a shared vision for how regulation and policy can better enable safe, effective water reuse. The goal: a cleaner, more reliable, and affordable water system that supports both people and nature.

Programme lead: dr. N.B. (Nora) Sutton – Wageningen University and Research

Co-applicants: dr. M.L. de Baat, dr. ir. R.P. Bartholomeus, dr. ir. P.F.H. van den Brink, dr. ir. H.J. Cappon, dr. ir. J.E. Dykstra, dr. M. van Eekert, mr. dr. H.K. Gilissen, prof. dr. D. Huitema, prof. dr. S.R.A. Kersten, prof. dr. ir. M.K. de Kreuk, prof. dr. ir. R.G.H. Lammertink, dr. ing. S.P.J. van Leeuwen, dr. ing. K.M. Lompe, prof. dr. ir. A.R. Mels, M.D.M. Palmeros Parada MSc, prof. dr. ir. L.C. Rietveld, dr. M van Schaik, dr. ir. M.G.M. van de Schans, dr. S. Shariat Torbaghan, dr. G. Sigmund, dr. D. Sudmalis, dr. E. te Brinke, prof. dr. ir. W.M. de Vos, dr. T.V. Wagner, prof. dr. A.P. van Wezel, prof. dr. H.A.B. Wöste

Knowlegde institutes: Universiteit van Amsterdam, Wageningen University & Research, HZ University of Applied Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht, Universiteit Twente, Technische Universiteit Delft, Stichting Wageningen Research 

Consortium: AMS Institute, Dunea, Equinix, Evides Industriewater, Evides Waterbedrijf, FLO Legal, Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland, KWR Water B.V., LeAF B.V., LTO, Nijhuis Saur Industries, Norit, North Sea Port, NvWA BuRO, Omgevingsdienst Noordzeekanaalgebied, Paques Global B.V., Pentair X-Flow, Port of Amsterdam, N.V. PWN Waterleidingbedrijf Noord-Holland, REDstack B.V., Rijkswaterstaat, The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), RIWA-Rijn, RNMW Advocaten B.V., Haskoning, Shell, STOWA, Waterlab Flevoland, Waternet, Waterschap Aa en Maas, Waterschap Rijn en IJssel, Waterschap Vallei en Veluwe, Witteveen+Bos, Zeolyst

i4CS Contributions

The institute 4 a Circular Society played several meaningful roles in the development of the BlueVantage proposal and will continue to explore how we can contribute during implementation:

• Connecting communities: We supported strategic connections with UU, WUR, DCC, and the RIVM, partners also active in recent EWUU seed calls strengthening community building across the circular water domain.
• Scientific and strategic review: The i4CS team reviewed the proposal and the rebuttal multiple times, and provided critical feedback during two trial sessions ahead of the successful NWO oral defense.
• Co-creation and stakeholder engagement: We offered to support stakeholder-driven sessions during the project. While no formal agreement has yet been established, we will continue to explore opportunities to contribute.
• Alignment with the broader project family: BlueVantage is part of a larger ecosystem of water-related research and innovation projects—Water Nexus, AquaConnect, STURDI, EWUU-i4CS seed projects on Pharmaceuticals and Circular Water Policy, and others—together involving 50–100 stakeholders across the water sector.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, the BlueVantage kick-off will take place. These moments offer opportunities for i4CS to play an active role in strengthening community engagement across this growing project family and supporting cross-sector collaboration on circular water solutions.

BlueVantage marks an exciting step forward in building a resilient, circular water system for the Netherlands and beyond and we are proud to contribute to its foundation!