DropTalk 2026, Water Sustainability Summit, Bringing Together Leaders in Water, Climate and Sustainability

Bengaluru, May 18: DropTalk 2026, a two-day summit dedicated to conversations, collaboration and action on water and climate sustainability, was held at Indian Institute of Science (IISC) in Bengaluru. Hosted by FluxGen Sustainable Technologies, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Department of Instrumentation & Applied Physics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST) and OpenWater. The summit is sponsored by Murugappa Water Technology and Solutions (MWTS).

The summit has brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, environmentalists and students to deliberate on innovative and sustainable approaches to water management, climate resilience and environmental stewardship.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Rajeev Gowda highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers to address critical sustainability challenges. He emphasised that Bengaluru possesses the talent, institutions and innovation ecosystem required to emerge as a global hub for research-driven solutions in water and climate sustainability.

The event also featured thought-provoking discussions on the growing challenges of water scarcity, climate change and sustainable resource management. Experts stressed the importance of adopting integrated “One Water” approaches that combine rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, watershed protection, lake rejuvenation and efficient urban water management practices.

Addressing the gathering, Jaytheerth Nadgir underscored the importance of collective responsibility in securing a sustainable future for the next generation. He also highlighted India’s growing leadership in cleantech innovation and the need to recognise and support indigenous solutions emerging from startups, research institutions and industry.

DropTalk 2026 featured a wide range of engaging sessions and immersive experiences, including HydroMingle, Jal Samvaada, Flow Forward, Women in Water, lake walks, technology showcases and discussions on industrial water management and sustainability. One of the key highlights of the summit is the Painting Competition for school students, aimed at inspiring young minds to think creatively about sustainability, water conservation and environmental responsibility.

Dr. Krishna Raj, Professor and Head RBI Chair Professor Centre for Economic Studies and Policy Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) said “every drop of water has value, regardless of whether it comes from rivers, groundwater, rainwater or even wastewater. India urgently needs to redefine and reimagine water management, as climate change and rising demand are creating severe risks to future water availability. We know the price of water, but we often fail to understand its true value. Water is no longer a free resource — it is an economic, social and environmental asset that must be conserved and managed responsibly for future generations,” he observed.

Ganesh Shankar, Founder, FluxGen Sustainable Technologies said, “the real value of water is felt only when it runs dry. Urban India must move from a unidirectional water supply approach to an integrated ‘One Water’ management system that includes rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, lake restoration, watershed protection and efficient consumption practices. Source protection and watershed management are critical for ensuring sustainable water supply to cities like Bengaluru. Governments, industries and citizens must work together to improve water accounting, reduce pollution and promote equitable access to safe drinking water,”

Prof. Rajeev Gowda, former MP and Chair, Bengaluru Research and Innovation Network “Bengaluru has the talent, institutions and industry ecosystem needed to become a global hub for research and innovation. Through the Bengaluru Research and Innovation Network, we want to break silos, build collaborations and create platforms where interdisciplinary ideas can emerge and solve real-world challenges like water sustainability. We cannot allow Bengaluru to face a future of water scarcity. Two years ago, headlines warned that Bengaluru could become the next major city to run dry, but with integrated solutions such as wastewater reuse, rainwater harvesting, lake rejuvenation and groundwater recharge, we can build a sustainable water future for the city.”

“Water management requires both innovation and policy alignment. From projects like the KC Valley initiative to apartment-level wastewater treatment and reuse, Karnataka is already moving towards a ‘One Water’ approach, but we need more research-backed ideas and stronger collaboration between academia, policymakers and industry,” he added. According to him, “Water sustainability is not just a policy issue, it is a responsibility we owe to the next generation. I personally believe that we must act today so that we never have to apologise to our children for the environmental challenges they inherit tomorrow,”

Jaytheerth Nadgir, CEO Murugappa Water Technology & Solutions said “India is witnessing a golden phase of innovation in clean technologies. Startups, research institutions and industries are doing remarkable work in areas such as water management, sustainability and cleantech, and it is important that we recognise and celebrate our own achievements. The future of agriculture, sustainability and water conservation are deeply interconnected. If we truly want to improve farmers’ incomes and build a sustainable future, we must focus on the ‘soil to soul’ approach, where responsible management of natural resources becomes central to development,”