ASOCIACION CATALANA PARA LA INNOVACION Y LA INTERNACIONALIZACION DEL SECTOR DEL AGUA, CATALAN WATER PARTNERSHIP (CWP)

Their core work

Catalan Water Partnership is a Catalan industry association that brings together water sector companies, research centres, and public bodies to drive innovation and international market access. Their H2020 work centres on closing water loops in Mediterranean regions, recovering valuable minerals from desalination brines, and supporting SME growth in the blue economy. They act as a cluster organization — connecting SMEs with larger innovation ecosystems rather than performing lab research themselves. Their practical value lies in mobilizing the Catalan water technology sector for EU-scale demonstration and acceleration projects.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

CWP's earliest H2020 involvement (2018) focused on circular water management and regenerative business models in the Mediterranean through HYDROUSA. By 2020, their scope broadened considerably — into raw materials recovery from desalination brines (SEA4VALUE) and blue economy acceleration including smart ports and maritime SME support (GALATEA). The trajectory shows a clear expansion from pure water technology toward resource recovery and broader maritime-industrial innovation.

CWP is expanding from water-cycle expertise into raw materials recovery and maritime economy coordination — positioning itself as a bridge between the water sector and wider blue growth industries.

How they like to work

CWP exclusively participates as a partner, never as coordinator, which is typical for cluster organizations that contribute network access and sector mobilization rather than leading technical work packages. Their 54 unique partners across 16 countries indicate they operate as a connector — plugging into large, diverse consortia rather than building small focused teams. This makes them a useful partner for coordinators who need access to the Spanish/Catalan water technology ecosystem and its SME base.

CWP has collaborated with 54 unique partners across 16 countries through just 3 projects, reflecting participation in large demonstration and acceleration consortia. Their network spans Southern and Western Europe, consistent with Mediterranean water challenges and blue economy priorities.

What sets them apart

CWP is one of few cluster organizations that sit at the intersection of water technology and the broader blue economy, making them a rare bridge between these sectors. Based in Girona — a region with strong water tech industry and Mediterranean coastal relevance — they can mobilize local SMEs for EU-scale projects. For consortium builders, their value is access to the organized Catalan water sector rather than in-house R&D capacity.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GALATEA
  Largest budget (EUR 431,500) and a strategic shift into blue economy SME acceleration across smart ports, shipyards, and maritime surveillance.
• SEA4VALUE
  Addresses EU raw materials dependency by recovering minerals from desalination brines — a topic with strong industrial and policy relevance.