bNovate Technologies has announced its participation in the SMART-Distribution project, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at addressing critical challenges in Qatar’s water distribution systems. The project seeks to improve the resilience of the country’s water infrastructure against climate-related risks through real-time water quality monitoring and advanced risk assessment tools.
Qatar’s water security faces growing threats due to climate change, with scarce freshwater resources and reliance on vulnerable sources like seawater desalination. Led by the Sustainability Division at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Science and Engineering, in partnership with bNovate and the utility provider Kahramaa, the project aims to enhance robustness and adaptability in the drinking water systems via a risk-based monitoring approach.
Peter Desmond, Assistant Professor at HBKU, highlighted the project’s importance: “SMART-Distribution is a crucial advancement in securing Qatar’s water infrastructure. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and collaboration, we are confronting present challenges and enabling sustainable water security amid climate change.”
The project will evaluate Qatar’s water distribution networks’ climate resilience through a comprehensive framework and deploy a real-time monitoring network accessible via a mobile platform. It will also study water quality variations in controlled and real-world settings at Qatar Foundation’s Education City, which will serve as a Living Lab.
Luigino Grasso, Chief Technology Officer at bNovate, emphasized their role: “Our expertise in microbial water quality monitoring, particularly through advanced flow cytometry, is vital for understanding microbial regrowth and biofilm formation. This enables smarter, data-driven decisions to protect Qatar’s water supply. Our collaboration reflects a strong commitment to practical, market-led innovations.”
The SMART-Distribution project aligns with Qatar’s National Water Management Plan 2030, aiming to ensure reliable water security amid emerging climate challenges. By fostering innovation cycles between HBKU, bNovate, and Kahramaa, the initiative focuses on delivering user-centric, effective solutions.
