Phase 0 : Curiosity-Driven Research
Phase 0 of the PCP WISE process, entitled Curiosity Driven Research, represents the preparatory stage of the procurement. Its objective is to explore the state of the art, engage with the market, and structure the conditions for an effective and competitive innovation process.
A key milestone of this phase was the Call for Tenders, officially launched on 5 September 2025 by the PCP WISE group of 12 public buyers. This call initiated the competitive process by inviting suppliers to co-develop next-generation water intelligence products and services based on Earth Observation (EO). It marked a crucial step in identifying and selecting economic operators capable of addressing unmet public sector needs through research and development.
To facilitate participation, the project consortium organised matchmaking activities, providing structured networking opportunities for interested organisations. The purpose of matchmaking is to connect complementary partners, such as SMEs, research institutes, and larger companies, so they can form consortia and combine expertise. This is particularly important in PCP, where multidisciplinary capabilities are often required to address complex challenges.
In parallel, an Open Market Consultation (OMC) was conducted from 2 April to 15 July 2025, following the publication of a Prior Information Notice (PIN) in Tenders Electronic Daily (TED). Led by the Public Buyers Group with Het Waterschapshuis as Lead Procurer, the OMC aimed to inform the market and gather feedback from stakeholders. This exchange helped refine the scope and feasibility of the procurement, which focuses on developing innovative EO-based solutions for monitoring the local water balance in both urban and rural environments. The targeted applications include improving resilience to climate-related risks such as floods, droughts, heat stress, and infrastructure impacts.
