%20(1).png)
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 - Campus da Penha, 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
October 15th, 2026
University of Algarve - Campus da Penha
Auditorium 1.5
08:30
Welcome reception
09:00
Opening Session
10:00
Financing Resilient Critical Infrastructures in Europe: Water & Waste Management
10:20
COFFEE BREAK
10:40
Water Resilience in Coastal Cities, Tourism Destinations and the Blue Economy
11:30
Operational Efficiency in Water Supply Systems: How to Prioritize Investment Under Financial Pressure
12:15
LUNCH BREAK
Afternoon Programme | 15 October 2026 | 15:00h – 19:00h
Reserved Access, By Invitation Only
14:45
Infraquinta: 30 Years of Management, Innovation and Sustainability
15:00
Opening of the Afternoon Session
15:25
Sustainability at Infraquinta: Commitments, Results and Future Vision
15:55
Territory of Innovation: Challenges and Solutions for More Sustainable Management
16:45
H2O Innovation Showcase: Solutions for More Efficient and Resilient Territories
18:15
H2O–Infraquinta 30 Years Innovation Award Ceremony
18:30
CLOSING SESSION
19:00
Executive Cocktail
PROGRAMA
15 de outubro, 2026
Universidade do Algarve - Campus da Penha
Auditório 1.5
08:30
Receção dos Participantes
09:00
Sessão de Abertura
10:00
Financiamento de Infraestruturas Críticas Resilientes na Europa: Gestão da Água e dos Resíduos
10:20
COFFEE BREAK
10:40
Resiliência Hídrica em Cidades Costeiras, Territórios Turísticos e Economia Azul
11:30
Eficiência Operacional nos Sistemas de Abastecimento: Como Priorizar Investimento sob Pressão Financeira
12:15
ALMOÇO
Programa da Tarde | 15 de outubro, 2026 | 15:00h - 19:00h
Acesso reservado, mediante convite
14:45
Infraquinta: 30 Anos de Gestão, Inovação e Sustentabilidade
15:00
Abertura da Sessão da Tarde
15:25
Sustentabilidade na Infraquinta: Compromissos, Resultados e Visão de Futuro
15:55
Território de Inovação: Desafios e Soluções para uma Gestão mais Sustentável
16:45
H2O Innovation Showcase: Soluções para Territórios mais Eficientes, Sustentáveis e Resilientes
18:15
Entrega do Prémio H2O–Infraquinta de Inovação 30 Anos
18:30
Sessão de Encerramento
19:00
Cocktail Executivo
October 16th, 2026
University of Algarve - Campus da Penha
Auditorium 1.4
08:50
Welcome reception
09:15
Opening Session
09:35
From Awareness to Action: Environmental Education and Community Engagement
10:00
Waste Management in Coastal Cities: Challenges, Capacity and Territorial Resilience
10:45
COFFEE BREAK
11:15
National and International Benchmarking in Waste Management: Models, Best Practices and Replicable Solutions
12:00
Management and Financing Models for Utilities: Water, Sanitation, Waste and Energy
12:45
LUNCH BREAK
14:15
Sustainable Hospitality as a Platform for Innovation and Territorial Transformation
15:00
Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Resilience: Systemic Risk and Operational Continuity
15:45
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - STARTUPS
16:35
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - STUDENTS
17:05
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - RESEARCHERS
17:15
COFFEE BREAK
17:35
Award Ceremony - CALL FOR PROJECTS 4th EDITION
18:00
CLOSING SESSION
16 de outubro, 2026
Universidade do Algarve - Campus da Penha
Auditório 1.4
08:50
Receção dos Participantes
09:15
Sessão de Abertura
09:35
Da Sensibilização à Ação: Educação Ambiental e Participação das Comunidades
10:00
Gestão de Resíduos em Municípios Costeiros: Desafios, Capacidade e Resiliência Territorial
10:45
COFFEE BREAK
11:15
Benchmarking Nacional e Internacional na Gestão de Resíduos: Modelos, Boas Práticas e Soluções Replicáveis
12:00
Modelos de Gestão e Financiamento de Utilities: Água, Saneamento, Resíduos e Energia
12:45
Almoço
14:15
Hotelaria Sustentável como Plataforma de Inovação e Transformação Territorial
15:00
Cibersegurança e Resiliência de Infraestruturas Críticas: Risco Sistémico e Continuidade Operacional
15:45
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - STARTUPS
16:35
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - STUDENTS
17:05
PITCH CEREMONY – 4th EDITION - RESEARCHERS
17:15
COFFEE BREAK
17:35
Award Ceremony - CALL FOR PROJECTS 4th EDITION
18:00
Sessão de Encerramento
LOCATION
University of Algarve, Penha Campus - Faro
Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro
PARTNERS
_edited.png)