Startup Webinar: The Path to Piloting

​Path to Piloting: What Water Utilities Look for in Startups | July 14
The Water Council and ClimateHaven are partnering to host a conversation on what it really takes to pilot with a water utility. Hear directly from utility leaders who are actively evaluating and deploying emerging technologies as they share what they look for in startup partners, common pitfalls to avoid, and where they see the greatest opportunities for innovation. Whether you are preparing for your first pilot or looking to better understand the utility market, this session will provide practical insights into building successful utility partnerships and navigating the path from innovation to deployment.

​Featured Speakers
Jay Bernas
General Manager & CEO, Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD)
Jay leads one of the country's most innovative wastewater utilities. HRSD has built a strong reputation for advancing new technologies through initiatives such as its nationally recognized SWIFT program and by partnering with startups to validate and deploy breakthrough solutions, including Yale spinout CREW Carbon. Jay will share how HRSD evaluates emerging technologies, what makes a successful utility partnership, and lessons learned from bringing innovation into utility operations.

​Jim Hill
General Manager & Director of Operations, Regional Water Authority (RWA)
Jim leads the Regional Water Authority's operations with a strong focus on innovation, helping integrate emerging technologies and startup partnerships into the utility's approach to solving operational challenges. As the founding utility partner of ClimateHaven's Water Innovation Hub, RWA actively works with startups through pilot projects and technology evaluations, providing founders with valuable operational feedback and real-world validation. Jim will discuss what utilities are looking for in startup partners and how companies can successfully navigate the path from pilot to long-term deployment.