Veolia – Corporate Challenge

Want to work with Veolia on the systemic urban transformation of Barcelona? These are the next steps:

• Complete the form & submit your pitch deck by Friday, 12 June via this link.
• Veolia will review your submission by 26 June and select companies to invite for an initial meeting by 17 July.

Note that only companies selected for meetings by Veolia will be contacted after their submission.

Veolia proposes three urban water-infrastructure challenges in collaboration with Cetaqua:

CHALLENGE 1: The Limit of the Static Network in the Face of Heatwaves

Development of easy-to-install, sustainable climate refuge solutions designed for outdoor deployment across municipalities in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. These modular units will provide access to drinking water fountains for public hydration, shaded spaces offering thermal comfort and protection from heat and sustainable design principles that minimize environmental impact and promote climate resilience.

Can you address one or more of these themes?

• Technology & Infrastructure: Modular, deployable urban furniture or micro-architecture with thermal comfort capabilities; passive cooling technologies (materials, shading systems, evaporative solutions); innovators in rapid deployment systems for temporary or semi-permanent urban installations.
• Data & Digital: Real-time IoT monitoring platforms for environmental conditions; companies developing open data APIs and citizen-facing applications for public service availability; AI-based predictive systems for climate emergency response and resource deployment.
• Health & Social Impact: Expertise in vulnerable population mapping and targeted service delivery; citizen engagement platforms for participatory monitoring and feedback.

Profile: TRL 5-8 (ready for pilot testing), experience in working with public administrations, co-development with open-data standards, interest in Mediterranean/South European markets.

CHALLENGE 2: The Cost of Chaos in a Hyper-Complex Subsurface

The underground network in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area is one of the most complex in Europe—a layered accumulation of metro lines, 19th-century water and sewage networks, energy corridors, and telecommunications infrastructure, managed by multiple operators with fragmented and often incomplete data. This results in an average of 3-4 accidental utility strikes per day in the metropolitan area, causing service disruptions, safety risks, project delays, and significant economic costs. Veolia need a smart, integrated approach to underground detection, mapping, and data sharing.

Can you address one or more of these themes?

• Detection & Sensing: Advanced multi-sensor detection systems (GPR, electromagnetic, acoustic, LiDAR); miniaturized or drone-based sensing platforms; AI-powered signal processing to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
• Data & Digital Twin: Urban underground digital twin platforms with federated data architecture; data standardization and interoperability solutions for multi-operator environments; real-time underground asset management systems integrable with existing city platforms.
• Integration & Visualization: Expertise in GIS and 3D subsurface mapping; augmented reality tools for field operators; innovators in blockchain or secure data-sharing models.

Profile: TRL 4 -7 (demonstrated PoC), experience in infrastructure, utilities, or construction tech; operate effectively in federated multi stakeholder data environments; understand EU infrastructure data regulations (INSPIRE Directive); aim to scale across European cities with aging infrastructure; and be willing to collaborate closely with utility operators and public administrations.

CHALLENGE 3: Urban Friction and Commercial Impact

This challenge is focused on optimizing small-scale utility works, such as canalizations, where Aigues de Barcelona is operating alone, to minimize disruption and avoid confusion with large-scale projects like metro or tunnel boring.

Can you address one or more of these themes?

• Planning & Coordination: AI-powered urban works coordination platforms; digital permitting and works management systems with conflict detection capabilities; predictive planning tools that model disruption impact before works begin.
• Execution & Construction Technology: Less invasive construction methods (trenchless technology, micro-tunneling, robotic systems); faster-setting or sustainable construction materials; autonomous or semi-autonomous construction equipment.
• Monitoring & Citizen Communication: Real-time IoT monitoring systems for noise, dust, vibration, and air quality during works; citizen-facing information platforms with works impact forecasting; automatic impact assessment tools for commerce and accessibility.

Profile: TRL 5–8 solutions ready for urban pilots, experience in construction tech, smart cities, or urban mobility, engage multiple stakeholders, measure social and economic impact, pursue systemic urban transformation beyond point solutions, and embrace citizen co design and participatory approaches.