Podcast: in conversation with Marc Hannis, Principal, Innovation Fund, Ofwat

Marc talks about why Ofwat introduced the Innovation Fund and its aims to accelerate innovation in the water sector, which has historically been more risk-averse and slower to innovate than others. 

He explains how a central pillar of its efforts to drive innovation are Ofwat’s competitions and challenges, which have seen the regulator invest £60m into 40 projects so far. He talks about some of the individual projects and how he is keen to address the gap for more early stage innovation.

One of his aims is to promote greater collaboration outside of the sector to remove the insularity of only looking internally for solutions. He talks about his hopes for the £4m Water Discovery Challenge, which aims to attract innovators working in cities and transport to help tackle challenges at a critical time for his sector.

Ofwat are one of the many organisations speaking during the Cities Climate Action Summit, 18-20 April. To find out more, head to: www.smartcitiesworld.net/cities-climate-action-summit-2023

About

Marc has worked for Ofwat for more than eight years. Prior to his work on innovation, he lead on strategic business planning, portfolio reporting and corporate risk management for the regulator.

Information accurate at time of recording, 6/3/23