From Plate to Pixel – Faster Decisions for Safe and Sustainable Water Use
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sweden Water Research AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 13 499 754 |
| Project duration | November 2025 - November 2028 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Water Wave Societies - Programme-specific interventions |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Transition labs within Water Wise Societies 2025 for Sustainable Water for All |
Purpose and goal
We aim to pave the way for a transformative change in how microbial water quality is assessed – moving from slow, analog cultivation methods that deliver results days later to fast, digital technologies that provide answers here and now. New methods enable real-time analysis and create the conditions for safe drinking water and circular water management, where water is recycled and used smarter than today.
Expected effects and result
Workflows, treatment processes, and organization within the water sector are currently designed around the fact that it takes several days to obtain water quality results. With fast digital methods, not only will our drinking water supply become safer and more secure, but we will also gain opportunities to recycle water of varying qualities for different uses. New analytical methods challenge our approach to water and how we manage it—organizationally, legally, economically, and technically.
Planned approach and implementation
Building on established digital technologies in the water and food industries, we aim to expand their application to more sectors. We leverage ongoing work and continuously collected data to understand how it can be translated into decisions about whether water can be used or not. Over time, we complement this with new technologies developed globally. The focus is on creating robust decision-making frameworks, understanding organizational implications, and influencing policy and legislation.