3 Days of Engagement, Collaboration, and Insights: IDWS Concludes with 169 Speakers and 27 Agreements

The Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2025) concluded its events in Jeddah after three days that featured the launch of a series of strategic initiatives and innovative projects, along with a wide range of agreements aimed at advancing technological and research development within the water sector and supporting high-impact innovation capable of addressing global water security challenges.

On the final day, the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) signed five agreements, including cooperation with Wadi Taibah Company (Taibah University) in the fields of technology and digital transformation; an agreement with Yokogawa to develop AI-based innovative methods for leak detection; and an agreement with Meidensha Corporation to advance ceramic membrane technologies for primary water treatment. SWA also signed a research cooperation agreement with Najran University to develop photocatalysts for emerging contaminants, as well as a training agreement with GI AQUA to deliver specialized programs that enhance national workforce capabilities.

The final day also featured the announcement of 13 winning teams in the “Miyahthon” challenge, selected from 60 finalists. These teams will advance to incubation and acceleration programs managed by the Saudi Water Innovation Center (SIWC), with the aim of developing prototypes, transforming them into scalable commercial projects, and strengthening the presence of national technologies in the water market.

Throughout its three-day program, IDWS hosted several sessions, scientific papers, and roundtable meetings, along with agreements covering education and training, service regulation, advanced technologies, innovation and entrepreneurship, and operational sustainability. Participation spanned government institutions, private-sector entities, and international companies, reflecting the breadth and diversity of collaboration across the sector.

A total of 27 agreements were signed over the course of the conference, distributed across five key tracks: advanced technology development, capacity building, innovation and entrepreneurship support, service efficiency enhancement, and research and development collaboration, collectively driving the sector toward higher levels of readiness and long-term sustainability.

IDWS also featured several major launches, such as the inauguration of the SWA Rabigh Water Oasis, which was registered in the Guinness World Records as the largest water innovation oasis globally; the launch of the national Water Innovation Strip by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) in collaboration with SWA; as well as the announcement of the GPIW 2025 winners, and hosting of the Deal Day, which showcased several investment-ready projects and partnerships.

This fourth edition of IDWS launched and ended with exceptional momentum, after bringing together 169 speakers from 139 countries, over 100 exhibitors, and more than 20 specialized training programs, firmly establishing the conference as a leading global platform shaping the future of this vital sector.