7 July 2026 - Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has been selected for support through the new Water Efficiency Cambridgeshire Fund (weCB Fund), helping to accelerate the development and testing of practical solutions to one of the region's most pressing challenges: water scarcity
Cambridgeshire is one of the most water-stressed regions in the UK. At the same time, it is home to a world-leading innovation ecosystem and ambitious plans for future growth. Addressing water scarcity is increasingly recognised as critical to enabling sustainable economic development across the region.
Through its Living Lab, CISL will bring together businesses, innovators, researchers and local stakeholders to test and validate new approaches to water efficiency in real-world settings. The initiative will create opportunities to demonstrate what works in practice, supporting the development of scalable solutions that can help reduce water demand while supporting economic resilience.
The project reflects CISL's long-standing approach of connecting business, investment, policy and research communities to help turn innovation into practical action. By convening partners across sectors, the Living Lab aims to accelerate the adoption of solutions that can strengthen water stewardship in Cambridgeshire and beyond.
CISL's Built Environment Lead Lucy Bruzzone said:
"As one of the most water-stressed areas of the UK, Cambridgeshire needs practical solutions that reduce water demand while supporting a growing economy, resilient communities and healthy ecosystems.
Enabled by this grant, CISL's Living Lab will bring together businesses, innovators, researchers and local stakeholders to test and validate new approaches to water efficiency in real-world settings.
By harnessing Cambridge's innovation strengths to tackle this local challenge, we hope to develop solutions that can be scaled and replicated far beyond the region."
The weCB Fund is a UK Government-backed water-efficiency fund focused on reducing water consumption in non-household settings across Cambridgeshire. The fund supports innovative and practical projects that can help address water scarcity while enabling sustainable growth.
By combining Cambridge's strengths in research, innovation and collaboration, the CISL Living Lab will contribute to the development of solutions that not only address local water challenges but also provide insights and models that can be adopted elsewhere.
As pressure on water resources grows across the UK and internationally, initiatives such as the Living Lab demonstrate the importance of bringing together businesses, policymakers, investors and innovators to test solutions at scale and accelerate progress towards a more resilient future.
For more information, visit weCB Fund.
Apply to pilot your solutions
Find out more about CISL's Living Lab