header-bg
Innovation Connect

Transforming Water Challenges into Solutions

Innovation Connect is a dynamic program that aims to bridge the gap between water sector stakeholders by fostering collaboration, sharing cutting-edge knowledge, and generating impactful solutions to real-world challenges.

Slide

Overview

Innovation Connect brings together problem-holders and solution-providers in a collaborative virtual environment. These events revolve around a central theme focused on water-related challenges, leveraging the expertise across the Ontario Water Consortium’s members and broader network. Problem-holders gain access to state-of-the-art knowledge, novel ideas, advanced technologies, and valuable insights from leaders in water innovation.

Key Objectives

Problem Exploration

Problem-holders will have the opportunity to present their challenges and questions to a diverse group experts. These experts will offer fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

Collaboration Cultivation

Innovation Connect facilitates meaningful collaborations between problem-holders and solution-providers, fostering long-term partnerships that drive real-world impact and advancement.

Knowledge Exchange

Participants will gain access to cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and industry trends related to water-related challenges. Innovation Connect serves as a platform for sharing and disseminating knowledge, promoting learning and growth for all stakeholders.

Event Structure

Problem Identification

Problem-holders define and submit their challenges or questions related to water-related issues, emphasizing the specific areas where they seek insights or solutions.

Expertise Matching

Solution-providers from OWC’s network register for a problem-statement that matches their relevant knowledge and expertise. Registrations are carefully assessed by OWC to ensure compatibility with addressing the specific challenges.

Collaborative Sessions

A virtual roundtable discussion is conducted, allowing problem-holders to engage directly with experts. These sessions encourage open dialogue, brainstorming, and the exploration of potential solutions

Solution Generation

Through facilitated discussions and interdisciplinary collaboration, experts and problem-holders work together to generate actionable solutions. This process harnesses the collective intelligence and diverse perspectives of participants.

Solution Presentation and Feedback

Experts present their findings, insights, and potential solutions to the problem-holders. Feedback and suggestions are provided to encourage the iterative refinement of proposed solutions.

Collaboration and Implementation

Successful collaborations and partnerships established, with a focus on translating the generated solutions into real-world applications and serving as a launching pad for ongoing collaborative projects.

invest-bg
Benefits
of Innovation Connect

Access to cutting-edge research, technology, and expertise.

Enhanced problem-solving through diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Cultivation of long-term collaborations and partnerships.

Accelerated innovation and real-world impact in the water sector.

Networking opportunities and knowledge exchange among professionals and experts.

Slide
How to Participate
Current Challenges

1-Hour Virtual Roundtable

Challenge

Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Cost in Groundwater Extraction

Background

The City of Guelph is facing the challenge of optimizing energy usage in groundwater collection while ensuring a consistent water supply to its residents. The primary source of water for the City, 60-80% of daily water supply, is obtained from a groundwater collection system which contributes water to an aqueduct that flows by gravity approx. 5 km to a central treatment plant. Pumps are used to extract water at the source, and the City believes there may be an opportunity to recover energy from the passive (aqueduct) portion of the system, thus reducing overall net energy consumption. The city has yet to conduct modeling or assess return on investment (ROI) to confirm feasibility and costs for this application. A previous study completed by the City looked at recovering energy from a pressurized reservoir fill line using an in-pipe energy recovery system at the Paisley Pumping station, however this smaller application yielded unfavorable ROI results.

Apply

Deadline to apply: April 26, 2024 (11:59pm EST)