Cofunded by the European Union

The 2026 Atlas of Water-Oriented Living Labs is available & the Year Award is coming in October!

1. The 2026 Atlas

The updated document is officially released! As part of the Water4All Partnership’s activities, this Atlas represents a pivotal step toward fostering global collaboration and driving innovation within the water sector. 

The Atlas provides a comprehensive overview of the expanding Water4All WOLLs Network, acting as both a catalogue of Living Labs and a roadmap for the transition toward a Water-Smart Society and Economy. 

Download the new version:  Link here

What you will find in the Atlas 2026 

► A comprehensive overview of the WOLLs both within Europe and beyond, highlighting their role in tackling pressing water-related challenges. 
► Insights into the "Harmonization Cube" and the three-step process designed to unite stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. 
► Evidence of how our Network of WOLLs is catalysing collaborative efforts that transcend geographical boundaries to secure water for all. 
► Detailed profiles of leading living labs that are transforming the way we manage, conserve, and regenerate our water resources. 

2. Water-Oriented Living Labs Annual Event 2026 with the Year Award

Open to the wider European water community, the event will officially present the 2026 Atlas, showcase the achievements of the Water4All WOLLs Network. It also provides an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen collaboration and engage with the wider European water community. 

Dates and registration

  • October 13-14, Dublin, Ireland
    Apply to the WOLL of the Year Award until September 24
    More information: Link here
    Webinar, to learn more on September 2: Link here

The Award will be presented during the Water Innovation Europe Gala Dinner on 13 October 2026. Apply for the WOLL of the Year Award and showcase your achievements in advancing the transition towards a Water-Smart Society and Economy.

The WOLL of the Year Award recognises Water-Oriented Living Labs that demonstrate excellence in: 

► Bringing together diverse stakeholders to co-create innovative and sustainable water solutions. 
► Facilitating the demonstration, validation and deployment of innovative solutions in real-life environments. 
► Mobilising investment and creating favourable conditions for innovation uptake and scaling. 
► Delivering measurable contributions to the transition towards a Water-Smart Society and Economy. 

Consider that only officially recognised WOLLs within the Water4All WOLLs Network are eligible to apply for this Award. 

How to become a WOLL

Are you working on water innovation in your territory? Discover whether your initiative could become a Water-Oriented Living Lab and join the Water4All WOLLs Network. 

► Learn more: link here / application document available here

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The Water4All Partnership - Water Security for the Planet - is a funding programme for scientific research in freshwater. It aims to tackle water challenges to face climate change, help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

It is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme (a key funding programme for research and innovation). The Partnership duration is for seven years from 2022.

The Water4All objective is to enable water security at a large scale and in the long term. Its goal is also to tackle water issues in a holistic frame. 

All forms of life on earth need water. All human activities operate with this resource. Water is part of our everyday life. It is also integrated within urban and countryside landscapes. It is one of the most valuable elements we share with plants and animals.

These simple facts must be kept in mind to understand the Water4All ambition.

This resource is weakened in many places due to climate changes, and human habits. We know that we can improve the way we use water. Everyone has a role to play and especially the scientific research community.

Scientific research is the heart of the Partnership as It is a powerful tool to improve knowledge on preserving, restoring, and managing this essential resource. 

International cooperation is also needed as water has no borders on Earth and runs from one country to another.

Water4All brings together a broad and cohesive group of 90 partners from 33 countries in the European Union and beyond. This consortium gathers partners from the whole water Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) chain.