Access to the water sector in Germany
The Ruhr region offers excellent conditions for entering or expanding in the water sector. A strong regional ecosystem covers key areas of water management—from water and wastewater treatment to industrial applications, sensor technology, and analytical methods.
During the two-day on-site program, you will gain insights into market conditions in the German water sector and get to know relevant companies, research institutions, and public stakeholders. The program is complemented by practical information on the framework conditions and entry opportunities for the German market.
At a glance
- Wednesday, September 9 – Thursday, September 10, 2026
- Full-day bus tour
- In the Ruhr region
- Language: English
- Cost: 749 Euro plus VAT
Financing opportunity for Dutch SMEs: Dutch small and medium-sized enterprises can apply for the SIB Market Entry subsidy via the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), which supports international market entry by funding the engagement of a local expert.
Further information and application details
Wednesday, 9th September
8:45 am
Meeting at Emschergenossenschaft/ Lippeverband (EGLV)
Content and company information
- Greeting from the BMR and introduction to the water sector in the Ruhr region (EGLV)
Company information
- The EGLV is actually two organisations which have functionally merged, the Emschergenossenschaft and Lippeverband, which together form one of Germany's largest organisations responsible for wastewater treatment and river management.
11:00 am
Visit to WILO
Content and company information
- Guided tour of the facility
- Company presentation
- Presentation on the BRYCK Water Hub
- Presentation “Doing business in Germany – culture & practices”
Company information
- WILO is a global, Dortmund-based manufacturing group that designs and produces high-tech pumps and premium water technology solutions.
- BRYCK is an innovation hub and startup factory that supports startups and connects them with universities, industry partners, and investors to drive economic transformation.
1:00 pm
Lunch with matchmaking session
3:30 pm
Visit to Business Metropole Ruhr with the law firm Luther Rechtsanwaltschaftsgesellschaft mbH
Content
- Workshop and discussion – setting up a GmbH and bureaucratic hurdles
5:00 pm
Hotel Check-in
Suggestion: Moxy Essen City | Marriott Bonvoy
6:00 pm
Evening event & get-together
Thursday, 10th September
9:00 am
Visit to Rheinisch-Westfälische Wasserwerksgesellschaft
Content and company information
- Guided tour of the facility
- Company presentation
- Presentation & discussion on the needs of public water utilities
Company information
- The Rheinisch-Westfälische Wasserwerksgesellschaft (RWW) is one of Germany’s largest water supply utilities, delivering drinking and industrial water to around one million people.
11:00 am
Presentation of current research projects at the Institut für Wasserforschung (IWW)
Company information
- The IWW Institute for Water Research is a research institute and consultancy focused on water quality, resource protection, and water technology.
2:30 pm
Guided tour of Bottrop wastewater treatment plant, EGLV
5:00 pm
Farewell and closing in Essen
Information
Participation in the bus tour costs €749 plus VAT. Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are not included and must be covered by the participants.
Hotel recommendation: Moxy Essen City | Marriott Bonvoy
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