WATDEV was showcased at the Innovation Fair in Brussels

On 23 October, the CIHEAM Bari took part in the Innovation Fair – “Enabling that step forward”, held in Brussels. Organized by the European Commission, in the framework of the EU’s Research and Innovation (R&I) cooperation with Africa and the Mediterranean region, the event aimed to showcase the vitality of the cooperation among European, African and Mediterranean innovation ecosystems, promoting innovative solutions with potential for market and societal uptake, vis-à-vis potential public and private funders and fostering networking, matchmaking and collaborations.

CIHEAM Bari was invited by the European Commission to participate in the Innovation Fair with a booth showcasing some of the Innovation & Research projects currently managed by the Organization, and was also selected to pitch an innovation during the Conference.

The project WATDEV - Climate Smart WATer Management and Sustainable DEVelopment for Food and Agriculture in East Africa was showcased at the CIHEAM Bari’ booth in the Fair through the videos streamed on a screen and featuring the project’s main characteristics and activities, people and challenges involved, methodologies adopted, and expected outcomes. Leaflets and other printed material on the project were also available in the booth for the attendees of the event.

The event brought together innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to highlight transformative solutions with real potential for market and societal impact, foster collaboration, leverage funding opportunities, and contribute to socio-economic growth. Against this backdrop, the Innovation Fair provided a dynamic platform to celebrate innovation, promote market-ready solutions, and connect innovators with investors, policymakers, business support actors, and peers. Through pitching sessions, exhibitions, and matchmaking opportunities, the Fair sought to empower innovators to take the next leap in scaling their ideas and bring their solutions one step forward, closer to the marketplace and society.

Have a look at the photo gallery of the event!

More information on the Fair and its programme is on the official website of the Innovation Fair:

https://innovationfair2025.service-facility.eu