NWC, SWIC Launch Wabel Incubator to Support Innovation in Water Sector

The National Water Company (NWC) and the Saudi Water Innovation Center (SWIC) announced the launch of the Wabel Incubator, which aims to support and develop innovations in the water sector. This came during a ceremony of the 2024 incubated projects held in Riyadh on February 13, attended by a number of officials, experts, and entrepreneurs in the field of water technology.

 Wabel Incubator aims to accelerate and develop innovative solutions in pure water supply and wastewater treatment, focusing on enhancing local content and localizing advanced technologies. The incubator will provide a supportive environment that includes mentorship and specialized training, in addition to enabling startups to reach investors and build strategic partnerships that enhance the sector's sustainability.

 NWC said that this initiative is part of its commitment to support research and innovation and promote entrepreneurship in the water sector, which aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to develop sustainable solutions to address water challenges.

 SWIC confirmed that the technologies of the Wabel Incubator will contribute to activating the innovation system through specialized programs that include verifying the feasibility of ideas, developing products, expanding startups, and enabling them to attract investments to ensure the sustainability of innovative solutions in the sector.

 The incubator's programs include 55 hours of mentorship and 12-14 training sessions covering innovation, design, business strategies, and investment events to connect entrepreneurs with investor networks. The incubator also offers two levels: to incubate early-stage projects (TRL 1-3) and accelerate the more mature projects (TRL 4-7).