Watergate in America: Why our week in Milwaukee could shape the future of water-tech

Two weeks ago, I returned from Milwaukee – jetlagged, birthday-spent-in-transit tired, and more energised than I’ve been in a while. I was there for the culmination of BREW 2.0, arguably the most respected accelerator in the world focused exclusively on water technology. And what I found in the heart of the American Midwest surprised me in the best possible way.

The accelerator that’s actually worth it

BREW 2.0, run by The Water Council, isn’t just another accelerator – it’s the gold standard for companies working on serious water innovation. Over the course of several months, we participated in deep-dive remote sessions covering everything from B2B sales and manufacturing strategy to IP law and distribution models.

Then came the in-person finale: a week in Milwaukee with fellow founders, partners, corporates, and potential investors.

What makes BREW different? It’s not theory. It’s commercially driven. Strategic. Grounded in execution. And it’s laser-focused on helping companies like Watergate scale in the US.

Milwaukee: America’s underrated water-tech capital

Before the trip, I’d never been to Milwaukee. But within hours of walking around the city – past streets called Water St., North Water and Freshwater Way – it clicked. This is a city built around water. It’s quiet, authentic, and absolutely brimming with industry connections and commercial opportunity.

From a reception hosted by Xylem to investor showcases at The Water Council HQ, Milwaukee isn’t just a stage – it’s an active partner in scaling water innovation.

The outcomes that matter

Over the week, I had multiple conversations with potential investors, distributors, and channel partners. The feedback on our Sonic leak detection device and Watergate AI platform was strong: US stakeholders clearly see the value in prevention-first, smart water management – especially in a country where leak-related insurance claims and water infrastructure costs are spiralling.

We’re already moving forward with early commercial discussions in the US market. It’s clear that there’s a demand for exactly what we’re building.

The people behind the tech

One of the best parts of the experience? The people. Fellow entrepreneurs from all over the world – from Brazil to Spain to Canada – each building their own piece of the future of water. Within days, we weren’t just swapping founder tips – we were forming friendships.

(And yes, I even bumped into Thomas, another participant, on the plane from London to Boston – small world.)

What this means for you

If you’re a customer: expect a broader footprint, faster innovation, and a stronger ecosystem supporting the tech you use.

If you’re a partner: we’re opening up distribution and integration conversations, especially for North America.

If you’re an investor: this is the next chapter of our growth story – and Milwaukee was the spark.

We’ve always believed that prevention-first water technology is the future. Now we’ve seen first-hand how much appetite there is for it – across oceans and industries.

Stay tuned. The US opportunity isn’t theoretical anymore – it’s here, and we’re building towards it every day.