The University Innovation Hub at the Cycl’eau trade show

The University Innovation Hub (PUI) in Montpellier will participate in the Cycl’Eau Fair on March 19 and 20, 2025, at the Montpellier Exhibition Center. A must-attend event dedicated to water management and innovation in this field.

Researchers and experts from the PUI will share their scientific and technological advancements aimed at addressing water-related challenges. The program includes: an overview of innovative projects, discussions with specialists, and opportunities for collaboration between researchers and businesses.

A workshop will highlight two innovative initiatives involving partnerships with the private sector or entrepreneurial approaches. In addition, several presentations at the PUI booth will provide an opportunity to learn about projects and initiatives focused on sustainable water management.

Check out the full program below!

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

• 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., PUI booth: Julie MENDRET (IEM) – AQUIREUSE Project
  This project investigates the monitoring of micropollutants during wastewater treatment using nanofiltration and photocatalysis, and subsequently during their infiltration into sediments for the purpose of applying REUT for aquifer recharge.  
• 2:00–2:45 p.m., workshop:
  • Claude GRISON (ChimEco) – RI² Program “Eco-Palladium ”
    Water safety is threatened by various factors, including invasive alien species, which disrupt aquatic ecosystems: this program transforms these plants into innovative plant-based filters capable of trapping metals from industrial effluents and recycling palladium for the manufacture of anticancer agents.
  • Mona SEMSARILAR (IEM) – CLEANEAU Project
    This project is developing an innovative, 3D-printable adsorbent capable of effectively removing a wide range of PFAS while being stable, durable, regenerable, and inexpensive to produce.
• 3:30–5:00 PM, PUI booth: Sandra BARDIN (ICIREWARD) – Presentation of the UNESCO ICIREWARD Center
  This center is the only UNESCO-accredited Research training center in France specializing in water sciences. The presentation will cover several aspects: the Center’s organization, its activities in Research, and Research, its connection to the socio-economic sphere, and a presentation of the flagship “Water4Future Hackathon” program for students in France and internationally. 

Thursday, March 20, 2025

• 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, PUI Booth: Philippe MIELE (IEM) – Presentation of the SIMEV Chair
  The UNESCO Chair in “Applied Membrane Science for the Environment” (SIMEV), established in 2004, is part of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Program. Its missions focus on education, Research development. SIMEV is led by ENSCM and supported by the European Membrane Institute, as well as partners from a network of approximately 15 universities and research centers. 
• 2:00–3:30 p.m., PUI booth: François COLIN (G-EAU) – Salin and Salt’Eaux Projects
  Coastal areas face major challenges related to water and soil resources, requiring a balance between environmental conservation and economic activities, particularly in the context of global change. The SALIN 2 (2024–2027) and SALT’EAUX (2024–2028) projects explore these challenges by proposing water management strategies and agricultural adaptation measures in response to the increasing salinization of soils and water. 

Visit the PUI at booth B13, and meet the speakers at the booth and in the workshop area!