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One Water, a European consortium comprising leading industry players, innovative SMEs, research institutions, and academic organizations, has submitted an ambitious proposal to the (EIT) to establish the next (KIC) dedicated to the water, marine and maritime (WMM) sectors and ecosystems.

Driven by the motto “Life runs on water”, the consortium envisions the water economy and the full water cycle as an interconnected whole—seeking growth through interdisciplinarity, defragmentation and innovation across all related economic sectors and European geographies, including RIS countries and outermost regions.

The proposal builds on an extensive participatory process that brought together diverse expertise from across the consortium. Through collaborative workgroups and inclusive plenary assemblies, members co-developed the proposal by sharing regional insights, identifying pressing challenges, and building upon their collective experience. The final version of the proposal was formally approved during a plenary meeting held in Marseille in May 2025.

The EIT’s initiative to launch a WMM KIC is a timely response to urgent and interlinked challenges—including the accelerating impacts of climate change, increasing water scarcity, deteriorating ecosystems, and the demand for sustainable, circular economic practices. 

The One Water proposal responds to EIT’s call, directly addressing the EIT three core challenges:

1. Water scarcity, drought, and floods
2. Marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation
3. The circular and sustainable blue economy

These issues are increasingly affecting economic growth and quality of life across Europe. The EU’s investment in this area reflects the recognized need to build resilience into water systems while enhancing Europe’s ability to capitalize on innovation and maintain global competitiveness.

“A�� One Water, we believe that addressing the growing water crisis—and unlocking the full economic potential of water-related sectors—requires a truly interdisciplinary approach. We must explore synergies and transversal solutions to foster development, resilience, and prosperity,” said Cecília Rodrigues, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the , Coordinating entity of the One Water proposal.

The submitted proposal aims to integrate the knowledge triangle—linking innovation, education, and business creation—to deliver cutting-edge solutions, accelerate commercialization, and cultivate a skilled, future-ready workforce within the WMM sectors. This effort seeks to fully leverage Europe’s existing potential and contribute to its long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic autonomy.

The WMM KIC selected proposal will be funded by the EIT and be the 10th KIC, with existing KICs focusing on areas such as food, energy, digitalisation and more.