Water was the common theme flowing through a diverse collection of talks at the latest meeting of the Exeter Initiative for Science & Technology.
Mike Davies, head of procurement at South West Water, explained how the Exeter-based utility company adopts innovative technology through its supply chain to enable the region's drinking water, sewerage systems and bathing waters to comply with stringent UK and European standards.
George Arnison, from the Environment Agency, provided an overview of the Exeter flood defence scheme and described how technology is being used to overcome key challenges in the current project.
Professor Dragan Savic, of the University of Exeter, offered an insight into how advances in data collection and analysis are being applied to water systems to deliver benefits including faster warnings of flooding and pollution incidents.
The Flybe training academy was the venue for ExIST's first networking event of 2014, which also featured an introduction to the EU's Horizon 2020 funding programme.
Sarah Hill, the university's European research manager, outlined how companies can apply for a share of 70 billion euros of funding for research and innovation projects.
