Hundreds of participants, including researchers, industrialists, entrepreneurs, students and government officials, took part in a day filled with lectures, panels, presentations of technological solutions and fertile discussions. This year, the Conference focused upon the combination of technological innovation and existing engineering systems, and upon presenting practical solutions for the challenges of the water sector – Investment in Israeli water technologies, sustainability and regulation, engineering innovation, using artificial intelligence and computational models, water purification solutions, remote monitoring, proactive maintenance and more.
In parallel, a professional exhibit took place there in which dozens of leading companies from the technological and engineering sector in the field of water took part. Some of them had even provided their sponsorship for the Conference – Among them: Aquestia, Raphael Valves, Huliot, Gaon Group, DHV MED, Veolia, Modotec and more. In addition, an innovation compound sponsored by Xylem and the Kinneret Innovation Center (KIC) was held for the first time, in which Israeli startups presented their latest developments and innovations in the field of water.
The unique location of the Conference in the north, along the shores of the Kinneret, expresses the vision of the Kinneret Academic College to strengthen the region as a center of knowledge and national innovation in the field of water.
Dr. Doron Markel, the Chief Scientist of KKL-JNF: "KKL-JNF views the field of water as a strategic component in the national resiliency of the State of Israel, particularly in the context of the reconstruction of the Galilee and Western Negev after the war. Cooperation with the leading entities such as the Kinneret Academic College, the Water Authority and the Innovation Community WaterEdge.IL enable us to promote research, development and innovation that ensure rational and sustainable management of the water resources. We are proud to be partners in the Conference that strengthens the north as a global center of knowledge in this field".
Prof. Ran Suckeveriene, the Dean of the Water Industry Engineering Department at the Kinneret Academic College: "The Conference emphasizes the place of technological innovation as a key factor in handling the future's water challenges. In the Kinneret Academic College, we view the education of the future generation of engineers for the local and global water industry as being of the greatest importance. We also believe and push towards the forging of ties between academics and industry, startups and decision makers, for the purpose of developing effective and sustainable solutions for the water crisis. We are proud of and happy for the involvement of our partners, Mekorot, the Water Authority, the Water Community WaterEdge.IL, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) and more".
Photograph: Yariv Chrystal