Wetskills-Spain (Barcelona) 2026
September 12 - September 24
Wetskills goes to Barcelona for the very first time!
A dedicated Wetskills event with the main theme: Water Footprint and Act4Water into Practice
Wetskills Foundation is proud to announce the first-ever Wetskills Water Challenge in Spain, taking place in the amazing and beautiful City of Barcelona from 12–24 September 2026. This exciting new edition will bring together young professionals, students, water experts, companies, and public stakeholders to work on one shared and urgent theme: Water!
During this two-week international programme, participants will collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, supported by local academia and sector partners, developing innovative, practical and out-of-the-box solutions for real-life water challenges related to water footprint reduction, water stewardship, ESG reporting, compensation mechanisms, circular water use, and sustainable business practices. A special focus is on the Act4Water Standard (read more). Participants will collaborate closely with case owners and experts while expanding their international network in one of Europe’s most dynamic and inspiring cities.
The programme will conclude with the Finals & Awarding on 23 September 2026, where teams will pitch their concepts to a professional jury and audience from the international water sector.
Barcelona combines innovation, sustainability, and Mediterranean energy, making it the perfect location for this first edition focused on turning Water Footprint ambitions into real action.
Call for participants now open!
Young professionals and students from Barcelona, Spain, Europe and beyond with a passion for water and sustainability are invited to join this unique international experience. Ready to make an impact for Water? Register online now! Application deadline: 1 July 2026.
Watch event videos of some other Wetskills events in Europe!
Practical information
Programme Wetskills-Spain 2026 (draft)
Deadline for registrations: 1 July 2026
After this deadline, every week a selection of the new applications is made until the program is full.
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Joining this Wetskills Event – What do you get?
A unique learning experience where you will tackle real-life water challenges with your own team!
- You will develop expertise in international cooperation, problem-solving, cross-cultural understanding, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
- You will learn about Water Footprint concept, Act4Water standard (various tools and examples) and the implementation of these concept.
- You will learn and deepen your understanding of the Spanish water sector, gaining insights into key stakeholders, organizations, water issues, and existing business opportunities.
- You will increase your networking and presentation abilities through pitch and poster
- You will get the opportunity to connect with other international water students/young professionals
- You will immerse yourself in the great city Barcelona and outside during the team building activituies (exact locations TBC) exploring water-related sites and engaging with local water professionals
- You will join a tailored seminar on Water Footprint, incl. Wetskills Finals & Awarding Ceremony
- Upon program completion, receive a certificate of participation, officially joining the ranks of over 1500 Wetskills Alumni.
More information
For additional information regarding participation and other details, please contact Johan Oost, johan.oost@wetskills.com.
Registration
Registration deadline: 1 July 2026
After this deadline, every week a selection of the new applications is made until the program is full.
Who can apply?
Any Young Water Professionals (up to 5 years of working experience) and Bachelor (last year), Master or PhD students and recent graduates with a passion for water and intercultural teamwork from Spain, Europe and beyond with a passion for water & sustainability and intercultural teamwork.
How can I apply?
Prepare a motivation letter and resume, click the button on the right, fill out the online application form and submit it.
Selection criteria
The Wetskills Team will make a final selection among applications received, based on quality of motivation & resume. We also consider a good diversity of the whole group (incl. backgrounds, local/international, gender balance, etc.).
Costs
The participation fee for the Wetskills program is € 575* (excl. VAT, applicable only in Europe). This fee covers accommodation (in a hostel, with shared rooms), team-building activities, some of the lunches and dinners, field trips, workshops, and working facilities. Participants are also responsible for their travel expenses (such as plane tickets and local transportation), meals on working days, and other personal costs.
Local participants, who already have accommodation in Barcelona, will pay € 50 (excl. VAT, applicable only in Europe) for the Wetskills participation.
Note: Wetskills Foundation and partners strive to lower costs for local participants, contact us for options. In previous Wetskills editions, participants have successfully secured financial support for their Wetskills participation from their universities or employers, utilizing resources like mobility funds, travel allowances, training budgets, etc.
Event Cases
Wetskills Foundation and partners invite businesses, governments, knowledge institutes and NGOs to formulate one of the Challenges – for this event or another event – and support the Wetskills programme. Join us in this great next experience! For more information contact Johan Oost (Wetskills Foundation).
Case 1:
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More information will be provided in a later stage.
Case 2:
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More information will be provided in a later stage.
Case 3:
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Case 4:
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More information will be provided in a later stage.
Case 5:
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More information will be provided in a later stage.
Reserve case:
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More information will be provided in a later stage.
Event Partners
