4 July 2025 – DigiShape partner session (online)
On Thursday 4 July, several DigiShape partners presented their seedmoney idea during an energetic online pitch session.
Program manager David van den Burg was enthusiastic about the content and atmosphere: “In terms of content, the pitches were strong, and the sharp questions from the group only made the plans better. It was nice to see that new collaborations immediately arose. I already think it’s a shame that we won’t be able to award seed money to every project at the end of October, but we can look together to see if there are other ways to take these good ideas further. Think of TKI, INTERREG, the AI coalition or other connections we have within DigiShape.”
Below you will find a brief explanation for each pitch and a contact person to ask questions or join in.
1. Greater understanding of coastal systems through digital innovation
DigiCoast proposes to deliver a digital representation of the coastal zone, harnessing harmonized Earth Observation data, both physical and socio-economic, to generate an integrated, system-level understanding of our coasts. Ultimately, DigiCoast aims to translate high-quality coastal data into decision-ready knowledge, supporting consultancy firms, contractors, and public authorities in delivering effective and adaptive coastal management. First for the Dutch coast but then upscale to any place on earth!
Call to the network: We are looking for partners, budget (can be in-kind) & ideas. We would like to co-design this platform and want a consortium of interested parties that is as complete as possible.
Initiator: Deltares
Contact Person: Etienne.Kras@deltares.nl
2. Digital Twin and AI in asset management in water systems
Testing the added value of a digital twin of artworks within a water system for DigiShape partners, among others. To this end, we want to draw up a PoA and create a Digital twin of a case area. When conducting a digital twin of a case area, we want to involve the end user in the project as early as possible, so that there can be a smooth transition to implementation.
Call to the network: If you have ideas or would like to contribute to this project, please contact us.
Pitch slides 4 July Digital twin of the water system
Initiators: BZIM and Nelen & Schuurmans
Contacts:
- karel.hagemans@bzim.nl, 06 82065177
- wouter.zomer@bzim.nl, 06 22404260
- jacoline.van.Loon@bzim.nl, 06 44368911
3. Waterchat: A knowledge base and chatbot for deltas
A joint open source AI powered reference chatbot for the water sector that can help improve our internal or commercial chatbots. In addition, a joint knowledge library for the water sector that can serve as truth for these chatbots.
Calling the network: Let’s create a DigiShape community of internal experts working on chatbots that are specific to the water sector.
Initiators: Van Oord and HKV
Pitch slides 4 July: WaterChat+ WaterCrawl
Contact Person: gerben.deboer@vanoord.com
4. Offshore racing for a sustainable maritime future
Under the motto A Safe, Smart and Emission Free Maritime Industry, this project proposal for TKI Maritime sets course for an innovative and emission-free maritime sector. Under the leadership of Deltares and in collaboration with TU Delft, DutchSail, the offshore sector, MSG and other partners, we are working towards an integrated data platform with detailed hydrodynamic current and wave information.
This is crucial for, among other things, creating safe and efficient shipping routes and carrying out operations safely. In the project, we want to work with sailors and the offshore industry in pilots, creating a self-reinforcing feedback mechanism with which various goals can be achieved.
Call to the network: In the current phase of the project proposal, we are looking for project partners (and/or funders) to join the consortium. This also means that the scope is not set in stone and can therefore be adjusted based on the needs of the partners.
Initiator: Deltares
Contacts: Bas.Stengs@deltares.nl and Madelief.Doeleman@deltares.nl
5. Standardization of Geospatial data wind farms
As the North Sea grows more crowded, the need for clear, shared geospatial standards among stakeholders has never been greater. Current spatial data definitions vary widely, and existing European standards seem to fall short. To ensure the successful rollout of offshore wind infrastructure, we need one data language.
Call to the network: if you feel the need for geospatial standardization for assets offshore, and want to contribute to define the standard, please contact us!
Initiator: Periplus
Contact Person: b.v.mierlo@periplus.nl
6. Digital dike
Creating the added value of soil research and putting the data in order by means of a digital twin of a dike in the management area of the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board. Providing insight into geotechnical parameters and being able to implement them directly in dike strength calculations. Being able to order the large amounts of data properly and unlock the dike in one integral 3D model.
Call to the network: If you have ideas or would like to contribute to this project, please contact us.
Pitch slides 4 July Digital dike
Initiators: BZIM and HHNK
Contacts:
- karel.hagemans@bzim.nl, 06 82065177
- wouter.zomer@bzim.nl, 06 22404260
- jacoline.van.Loon@bzim.nl, 06 44368911
7. AI-driven prediction of meteorotsunamis in the North Sea
Meteotsunamis—meteorologically driven sea level oscillations in the tsunami frequency band—pose a hazard for the North Sea, as demonstrated by the 29 May 2017 Dutch coast event, where wave heights reached approximately 2 meters. Despite increasing awareness, predictive tools for such events remain underdeveloped, limited by the complexity of resonant interactions between atmospheric disturbances and coastal bathymetry.
This project aims to build a next-generation AI-powered prediction framework for meteotsunamis in the North Sea.
Contacts:
Initiator: TU Delft
8. Real-time analysis tool for validating anomaly detection techniques and assessing pipeline system performance
We aim to develop a tool for real-time monitoring, simulation and analysis of pipeline systems via a web server or cloud, applicable to both laboratory and real-world settings. We will use the tool to validate anomaly detection techniques in a controlled (lab) setting, ultimately reducing water losses and improving system performance. In addition to lab validation, we plan to extend it into a real-time performance assessment tool for operational (pipeline) systems.
Call to the network: If you are interested in testing/validating/optimizing real-time analysis techniques in a controlled environment, please contact us!
Pitch slides 4 July: Real-time analysis tool
Update: dit project is niet meer in de race voor seedmoney, maar de initiatiefnemers staan nog steeds open voor samenwerking en uitwisseling van ideeën. Interesse? Neem gerust contact op!
Initiator: Deltares
Contact Person: Kelbij.Star@deltares.nl
The sequel
In the summer period , the above pitches will be further developed into complete project proposals. Any cooperation partners can still join in consultation with the contact persons.
New proposals can be submitted until 16 September to david@digishape.nl using this template: Procedure and template seed money project DigiShape 2025 (pdf). These are the terms and conditions:
- fits within at least one of the DigiShape domains;
- has upscaling potential and a clear innovation component
- is carried out by at least two DigiShape partners (see below under ‘Participating’ if you do not work for a DigiShape partner);
- results in an over-the-counter product or result;
- there will be follow-up within and outside the network;
- is presented at a DigiShape day or webinar.
Do you not work for a DigiShape partner, but do you have a good idea that fits within our objectives? Please contact a DigiShape partner to submit a proposal together. We encourage collaboration with non-partners, but only DigiShape partners can receive seedmoney.
Submit your detailed project proposal no later than 16 September . After 16 September, a pre-selection by the core team will follow based on the frameworks and preconditions.
On 15 October , there will be live pitches of selected proposals.
Autumn 2025: Allocation of the seed money and start of implementation (duration max. 3 months).
