The University Innovation Hub Attends the Cycl’eau Trade Show

The University Innovation Hub (PUI) in Montpellier will participate in the Cycl’Eau Trade Show 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 advances 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, one involving a partnership with the private sector and the other an entrepreneurial approach. In addition, several presentations at the PUI booth will provide an opportunity to learn about projects and initiatives dedicated to 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 the treatment of wastewater using nanofiltration and photocatalysis, and subsequently during its infiltration into sediments for use in reclaimed water 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 production of anticancer drugs.
  • 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 p.m., 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 topics: the Center’s organization, its activities in Research, and Research, its ties to the socio-economic sphere, and an overview of the flagship “Water4Future Hackathon” program for students in France and internationally. 

Thursday, March 20, 2025

• 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., PUI booth: Philippe MIELE (IEM) – Presentation of the SIMEV Chair
  The UNESCO Chair in “Membrane Science Applied to 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 Institute of Membranes, as well as by partners in 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 strategies for water management and agricultural adaptation in the face of increasing soil and water salinization. 

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