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ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The 4th Edition of the H2O & Sustainability Summit (2026) will take place on October 15th and 16th, 2026, at the University of Algarve, in Faro.
The H2O & Sustainability Summit 2026 will bring together leaders and experts from Municipalities, Technology Companies, Critical Infrastructures, Universities, Startups, and public institutions to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in Water Management, Waste Management/Circular Economy, Blue Economy, Sustainable Mobility and Sustainable Tourism and ESG.
With a strong focus on technology, digital innovation, and data-driven solutions, the Summit provides a collaborative platform to discuss strategies that improve water efficiency, resource management, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.
The event promotes collaboration between industry, government, academia, and the innovation ecosystem, accelerating the development and adoption of sustainable and resilient solutions for the water sector and beyond.
FAIR EVENT
Alongside the conference, the H2O & Sustainability Summit 2026 will feature a Fair Event, providing a dedicated space where technology companies, startups, research centres can showcase innovative solutions addressing challenges in water management, sustainability, circular economy, and ESG.
The exhibition area will allow participants to discover emerging technologies, explore practical applications, and interact directly with innovators and industry experts. By bringing together Municipalities, Technology providers, Researchers, and Entrepreneurs, the Fair Event promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and new partnership opportunities within the water, sustainability and technology ecosystem.
PROGRAMME
(Programme subject to change. Further details will be announced in due course).
October 15th, 2026
09:00
Opening Session
09:30
Keynote Speaker - European Water Resilience Strategy: Implications for Coastal Regions, Utilities and Investment
10:00
Keynote Speaker - Financing Water, Waste Management and Resilience
10:20
Water Resilience in Coastal Cities, Tourism Destinations and the Blue Economy
11:00
COFFEE BREAK
11:30
Operational Efficiency in Bulk and Retail Water Supply Systems: How to Prioritize Investment Under Financial Pressure
12:15
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - STARTUPS
12:45
LUNCH BREAK
14:45
AFTERNOON OPENING SESSION
15:55
Territory of Innovation: Challenges and Solutions for More Sustainable Management
16:45
H2O Innovation Showcase: Solutions for More Efficient and Resilient Territories
October 16th, 2026
09:15
Opening Session
Regulation, Service Quality and Financial Sustainability in Water and Waste Utilities
09:35
Challenges in Urban and Non-Urban Waste Management in Mediterranean Coastal Cities
10:45
COFFEE BREAK
11:15
National and International Benchmarking in Waste Management
Best Practices, Operating Models and Replicable Solutions for Coastal, Tourism and Metropolitan Areas
12:00
Utility Management and Financing Models: Water, Sanitation, Waste and Energy
12:45
LUNCH BREAK
14:30
Sustainable Hospitality as a Platform for Territorial Innovation
15:15
Cybersecurity as a Systemic Risk: Operational Continuity and Infrastructure Protection
15:35
Decarbonization, Carbon Markets and Carbon Offsetting: Risks, Opportunities and Territorial Impact
15:55
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - STUDENTS
16:20
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - RESEARCHERS
16:40
COFFEE BREAK
17:10
Award Ceremony - CALL FOR PROJECTS 4th EDITION
17:50
CLOSING SESSION
LOCATION
University of Algarve, Penha Campus - Faro
Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro
PARTNERS
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