On June 22-23, the University of Windsor and the Centre for Energy and Water Advancement hosted the 2016 Energy and Water Symposium (EAW2016) at the Centre for Engineering Innovation. EAW2016 brought together scientists, engineers, policy makers, captains of industry and entrepreneurs to quantify, question, and propose solutions for sustainable use of water and energy by humans.

EAW2016 examined the interrelationships between societal energy and water use and how both can be made more sustainable. It is predicted that by 2035, global energy consumption will increase 50%, and the energy sector’s water consumption will increase by 85%. At the same time, 2.8 billion people live in areas of high water scarcity.

There were approximately 70 people in attendance for the symposium including industry experts, scientists, engineers, policy makers, captains of industry and entrepreneurs as well as professors who have been conducting research about technologies that focus on the conservation of energy and increasing efficiency.

EPICentre’s Executive Director, Dr. Francine Schlosser, and RBC EPIC Founder Nathan Veres were also in attendance to explain how EPICentre is helping to turn technologies into innovative businesses. Nathan Veres, an engineering student at the University of Windsor, is currently working on his own startup company, nasTech, which focuses on a resource efficient aquaponics system that uses minimal water. He also discussed how the RBC EPIC Founders Program has assisted him in turning his aquaponics technology into a viable business.