Water Pilot

Water Inflow Prediction

Validate your technology, collaborate with leading experts and demonstrate real-world impact.

Apply now

The BRYCK Pilot is a 6-month venture client program enabling startups to test and scale solutions in industrial settings.

Water systems worldwide are becoming more volatile and risk-sensitive, increasing the need for predictive solutions beyond reactive monitoring. Together with RAG Aktiengesellschaft (RAG), we are addressing this challenge in post-mining management by developing reliable, data-driven models to forecast mine water inflow in former shafts.

Programme Overview

Target group:

Startups and early-stage companies developing innovative technologies in geology, hydrology, artificial intelligence, or related fields for water inflow prediction, monitoring, and intelligent water management.

Cost & budget:

No participation fees. No equity is taken. Selected startups receive financial support with covered project costs of up to €30,000.

Milestones:

  • March 20 | Application deadline
  • Mid April | Kick-off (on-site)
  • April to September | Execution phase (on-site & remote)
  • Mid September | Closing session (on-site)

Apply now

Your Challenge

Embedded in the BRYCK Water Cluster — Europe’s first real-world laboratory for water innovation — you will develop and validate your solutions within one of Europe’s most complex industrial water infrastructures.

The goal is to develop a reliable prediction model for water inflow in former mine shafts, using three years of high-resolution historical water level data. Ideally, the model should be capable of generating forecasts several weeks ahead while demonstrating accuracy and robustness under real-world conditions.

Startups are expected to develop a scalable, continuously improving system that can be seamlessly integrated into existing industrial operations. The integration of additional data sources — such as weather, geological or infrastructure data — is encouraged to enhance predictive quality.

Learn more about the BRYCK Water Cluster

Your benefits at a glance

Real-world validation

Test your solution in an operational environment with real data, real constraints and clear performance expectations.

Direct industry collaboration

Work closely with RAG experts and BRYCK mentors and iterate your solution through structured feedback loops.

Market Traction

Generate validated results and build a credible industrial use case strengthening your market position.

Independent of the programme, one applying startup will receive a fully funded exhibition booth at IFAT, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for water and environmental technologies.

Programme Outcome

Validated technology

Proven performance under real operational conditions

Industrial use case

A documented pilot with measurable results

Market positioning

Stronger credibility with customers, partners and investors

Follow-on collaboration

Potential for continued collaboration with RAG

Application requirements

Programme fit

You are a startup developing technologies in geology, hydrology, AI, or related fields for water inflow prediction, monitoring, and intelligent water management.

Technical readiness

You have a working prototype or advanced technical concept ready for validation in an operational setting.

Customised application deck

Submit a tailored application slide deck specifically addressing the Pilot Challenge, clearly outlining your solution and expected impact.

Venture mindset

You are willing to work in a structured venture client setup, define measurable success criteria and iterate collaboratively.

Commitment

You can actively engage throughout the 6-month pilot and participate in the on-site kickoff in Essen, Germany.

The BRYCK Water Team

Felix Schröder

Cluster Lead Water

Felix Schröder

Torben Stallmann

Startup Programmes

Torben Stallmann

Philippa Köhnk

Member of the Executive Board

Philippa Köhnk