Wetsus Rabobank Water Business Challenge 2012

powered by Deloitte and O2 Environmental

The third edition of the successful international Wetsus Rabobank Business Challenge, powered by Deloitte and O2 Environmental, will take place from 13 to 16 March 2012. Feedback from participants as well as non-participants and our experience from previous water challenges has made us design a shorter and better than ever program over 3 days.

Short movie Wetsus Rabobank Water Business Challenge 2011

The program starts on Tuesday night with a welcome dinner, where in an informal setting all candidates will get to know each other. The program is open for everyone who has an exciting business proposition for the water industry and wants to learn more about how to be successful in this space.

On Wednesday the actual program begins where the candidates will learn about Strategy, Business Planning and Business Models. In the evening there will be an exciting social event together with the participants of Wetsus Water Technology Challenge. We hope that the interaction between both groups will create some sparkling unexpected encounters and eventually maybe seeds for succesful companies!?

The second day of the program will have a financial focus. Answers to questions like how to get what type of finance when, how and from whom. In the afternoon there will be a presentation coaching session. In the evening there will be the 'CEO Dinner', executives from the water sector will join the group in a fancy restaurant. An ideal opportunity to pitch your plan and to network.

The third and final day is the day where all participants present their own plans for a Water-Business to an Expert Jury, as well as an audience of fellow participants and the participants of Wetsus Water Technology Challenge. The winner will be honored by the organizers and sponsors and will receive a stimulating price.

The program is designed so that there is a good balance between theory, workshops, individual coaching, and time to relax!

• The Wetsus Rabobank Water Business Challenge was extremely well run and provided an unparalleled opportunity to develop a business plan and learn.
  Dr. Eimear Ruane, O2 Environmental
• The Wetsus Rabobank Water Business Challenge is an excellent training for starting entrepreneurs to learn how to build good innovative technology into a successful international business. Together with different experts and experienced entrepreneurs that have done it before, an inspiring broad high quality program is offered, in which I have enjoyed participation and which I strongly support.
  Menno Holterman former CEO Norit Clean Process Technologies – Chairman Advisory Committee Water Technology
• The Wetsus Rabobank Water Business Challenge offers a great mix of entrepreneurial skills and
  high tech! Worthwhile joining!
  Evert van der Werfhorst, CEO Capilix

The Wetsus Rabobank Water Business Challenge is especially created for individuals or organizations with a clear product or service idea to launch in the water related business sector. The product or service must contribute to the development of sustainable solutions to face the current, increasing water shortage and water quality problems in the world. Participants may have business or social goals and different backgrounds; they may be experienced or new to the water (related) business, entrepreneurs with a common ambition: to set up a sound business. Selection of candidates is based on creativity and quality of the business idea, commitment, and attractiveness of the business plan.

• Water Technology CEO's wishing to develop their pitch and business plan
• Water Technology Entrepreneurs interested in starting a new business venture
• Water Researchers interested in developing a commercialisation plan for their technologies
• Water Industry Professionals interested in learning about the process of water technology commercialisation

• Develop a business plan for your water technology in a structured workshop with the support of a
• Receive advice on how to identify and secure funding from water investment professionals and
  seasoned water technology entrepreneurs
• Learn about the process of water technology commercialisation including piloting, scale up
  engineering, demonstration scale plants, selling to clients and identifying attractive market niches
  for your technology

During the Wetsus Rabobank Water Business Challenge confidential information may be exchanged between participants, speakers and coaches. Therefore all participants as well as coaches and members of the jury will sign a confidentiality agreement.

Be inspired to excel! The Wetsus Rabobank Business Challenge will take place in the city of Leeuwarden, Friesland, from March 13-16, 2012. Wetsus and Rabobank will jointly work to ensure high quality of the program, superior services and facilities, and the attendance of many organizations and business experts in the fields of water technology, business development, sustainability and strategic planning. Registration by 1 March, 2012 at the latest.
For more information please contact us at