Innovation Lab Water & Nature

3DMZ has several innovation labs for specific sectors. This particular lab is focused on smart technology for the water utility companies in The Netherlands. Initiated in 2016, Innovation Lab Water & Nature is the venue in 3DMZ where various companies and partners join forces and are led by 3DMZ to jumpstart projects for exciting new solutions or possibilities. The Lab both functions as a one-stop-innovation-shop for water industry companies as well as a hub for inspiring individual employees.

Co-creation & working together.

In recent times companies in the water industry notice that they have a lot in common when it comes to the current needs and threats. They discovered the need to work together and learn from each other. It is one thing to establish the need to innovate, but a lot of people get lost along the way. As time progresses, “Hey, I have a great idea!” so easily turns into “why didn’t I think of that!”

So, where DO you begin?

Working together in an open innovation environment is probably the best way to start. You do not have to go it alone. 3DMZ, making innovation happen is here for you. In the Innovation Lab Water & Nature at 3DMZ a lot of solutions have originated through co-creation by several companies coupled with students from various educational institutes.

Innovation with new tech

Innovation Lab Water & Nature is not merely about working towards innovative solutions with new technologies such as 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, Blockchain and Internet of Things and smart sensors. It is also about inspring employees of the partnering companies and showing them all the possibilities. Innovation must be carried by the entire organization or at least through more than one department.

Upgrading & re-using old infra.

How 3D Printing & 3D Scanning saves costs for utility sectors

Through reverse engineering and 3D Printing we are able to reproduce parts that had no longer been available. This way only specific broken elements can be replaced instead entire infrastructures. This saves a tremendous amount of costs and waste of materials. We now store parts digitally and only produce them when needed, resulting in smaller warehouses and reduced inventory, capital and resources.

Check out more innovations on trello

Asset Management in the Blockchain.

Putting blockchain into practice

Together with Tymlez, Accenture and PWN, 3DMZ developed a Proof Of Concept for PWN for using blockchain technology to trace certain assets in the supply chain from production to placement.

Check out more innovations on trello