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• 816846 type NewsArticle news.
• 816846 isDefinedBy 816846 news.
• 816846 description "BOSAQ, the circular water company, has evolved from an ambitious start-up to a well-established water technology scale up. " news.
• 816846 identifier "816846" news.
• 816846 image 2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg news.
• 816846 inLanguage "en" news.
• 816846 isPartOf 615 news.
• 816846 isPartOf 629 news.
• 816846 keywords "success story" news.
• 816846 url bosaq-paying-it-forward-supplying-world-pure-drinking-water news.
• 816846 dateModified "2023-02-14T12:52:07+00:00" news.
• 816846 datePublished "2022-09-08T06:59:58+00:00" news.
• 816846 headline "BOSAQ: paying it forward by supplying the world with pure drinking water" news.
• 816846 articleBody " <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full"> <p><span><span><span>Their goal? To become <strong>thé reference</strong> when it comes to <strong>circular process water</strong> in the <strong>Benelux</strong> industry and <strong>decentralised drinking water worldwide</strong>. Because <strong>2.2 billion people</strong> don't have access to pure drinking water. They want to tackle this impending global water crisis and provide the world with sustainable drinking water. That is why they’ve developed a <strong>purification system</strong> that <strong>converts salt, brackish and fresh water into drinking water</strong>. They also provide advice on integrated water management and wastewater treatment. On top of that, they donate 10% of their profits to <strong>Water Heroes</strong>, their non-profit organisation with a first mission to <strong>Ukraine</strong>. Plenty to do, in other words!</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>All of this coincides with our vision for<a href="https://stad.gent/en/invest-ghent/future-tech/clean-tech"> the Cleantech-cluster</a> in Ghent. That's why we spoke with founder <strong>Jacob Bossaer</strong>, who wants to provide <strong>a million people</strong> with pure drinking water <strong>within 5 year</strong>. Ambitious? Absolutely, but he is firmly convinced that <strong>you have to do good for the world if you’re privileged to do so</strong>. Talk about paying it forward!</span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--table-of-contents paragraph--view-mode--full"> <nav class="table-of-contents" aria-labelledby="table-of-contents-header"> <div class="content-container"> <h4 id="table-of-contents-header">On this page</h4> <ul class="three-column"> <li><a href="/en/lod/news#international-growth">International growth</a></li> <li><a href="/en/lod/news#cleantech">Cleantech</a></li> <li><a href="/en/lod/news#financial-means">Financial means</a></li> <li><a href="/en/lod/news#making-your-mark">Making your mark</a></li> <li><a href="/en/lod/news#ukraine">Ukraine</a></li> <li><a href="/en/lod/news#international-projects">International projects</a></li> <li><a href="/en/lod/news#advice">Advice</a></li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--container paragraph--view-mode--full w10-o1"> <ul class="grid-2"> <li> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="image-gallery--wrapper single"> <div class="image-gallery js-lightbox"> <a href="https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=-sgTVyRJ" class="gallery-link" aria-describedby="image-gallery__open-gallery" > <figure> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=hq8DNIiC 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=auvK_8y0 2x" media="(min-width: 1680px)" type="image/jpeg" width="655" height="655"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=hq8DNIiC 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=auvK_8y0 2x" media="all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="655" height="655"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=tIbO7NUL 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=MUH_wBY_ 2x" media="all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="920" height="920"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=G0ByksFO 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=_BTt1gXb 2x" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="727" height="727"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=9niDHWJn 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=_wbJfRGU 2x" media="all and (max-width: 575.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="575" height="575"/> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/jacobbossaer_team-1024x1024_0.jpg?itok=MUH_wBY_" width="1024" height="1024" alt="Jacob Bossaer" /> </picture> </figure> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default"> <h2>Bio</h2> <ul> <li><span><span><span><strong>Education</strong>: Master Industrial Engineering (KAHO)  and Master Chemical Engineering (Ghent University)</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><strong>Worked </strong>as a Water Expedition engineer on the Antarctica station of the Belgian government Princess Elisabeth</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><strong>Developed </strong>a system to recycle water, only using renewable energy. The installations work autonomously and therefore do not need an operator, which makes them multi-purpose.</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><strong>2017</strong>: together with Pieter Derboven, he founded BOSAQ, in the attic of his parental home in Ghent. </span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><strong>2017</strong>: not long after, they also founded the non-profit organisation Water Heroes (together with Ann-Gaelle Bekaert).</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><strong>2020</strong>: BOSAQ now also has a consultancy branch, in the form of ‘Water Experts’.</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><strong>2021</strong>: BOSAQ is chosen as ‘Cleantech Hero’, by VITO.</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><strong>2022</strong>: Jacob speaks at the ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCCMbprI1Is">Love Tomorrow Sustainability Conference</a>’ (part of Tomorrowland)</span></span></span></li> </ul> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full"> <h2><a id="international-growth" name="International_growth"></a>Hi Jacob! First of all: congratulations on the strong international growth, these past few years. <span><span><span><strong>How easy (or difficult) is it to reach the rest of the world from Ghent?</strong></span></span></span></h2> <p><span><span><span>I always say: we live in the <strong>best possible time ever</strong> to do business. Firstly, you have an <strong>ever-growing sales market</strong> thanks to a quickly increasing population, without having to do anything yourself. Moreover, <strong>the invention of the internet</strong> has actually made the world a very small place. I can pick up the phone and call Suriname to consult with my team there. Which, of course, offers a whole range of opportunities. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>What makes it <strong>difficult</strong>? For us, it’s <strong>our set-up</strong>. In all the countries we visit, there are <strong>political realities</strong> that we can’t change. On top of that, it sometimes takes a long time before decisions are made. However, once you can achieve something through a national government, your impact is huge. So you have to bite through that sour apple that is the long decision-making period.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Besides, it’s all about <strong>trust</strong>. About getting to know people and investing time in those relationships. The first two or three times I went to Suriname, for example, I was only there to network. Figuring out who I can turn to for what, what we would need, etc. And then, before you know it, you’re sitting at a table with a minister who says “Well OK, that’s a fantastic project, let’s get started”.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>But is entrepreneurship <strong>easy</strong>? No, absolutely not! I am convinced that every entrepreneur sees black snow once in a while. We’ve been doing this for five years now, and I’ve found myself at least five times considering “<strong>that’s it</strong>”. You’re on a roller coaster. But I’m the stereotypical example of that ‘<strong>white, middle-aged, privileged man</strong>’. I’m blessed to be able to do what I do. </span></span></span></p> <h2><span><span><span><strong>You consider your job more of a privilege?</strong></span></span></span></h2> <p><span><span><span>Yes, indeed. I can work for <strong>Ukraine</strong>, <strong>Rwanda</strong>, etc. because I have the means to contribute. I think it’s <strong>my duty</strong> to give something back to the society that has already given me so much. My <strong>entrepreneurial ambition</strong> is all about the impact I can generate. And this ambition is also something that I see among entrepreneurs in Ghent. We have a lot of start-ups here, a lot of future do-gooders. In itself, it creates a hip atmosphere, a start-up. But make no mistake: it is very hard work. You have to make sure, day in and day out, that your concepts works.</span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--container paragraph--view-mode--full w10-o1"> <ul class="grid-2"> <li> <div class="quote-wrapper"> <div class="quote"> <blockquote> <div class="content"> <p> This ambition is also something that I see among entrepreneurs in Ghent. We have a lot of start-ups here, a lot of future do-gooders. In itself, it creates a hip atmosphere, a start-up. But make no mistake: it is very hard work. You have to make sure, day in and day out, that your concepts works. </p> </div> <footer> Jacob Bossaer, CEO BOSAQ </footer> </blockquote> </div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="image-gallery--wrapper single"> <div class="image-gallery js-lightbox"> <a href="https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=hfsBvi6c" class="gallery-link" aria-describedby="image-gallery__open-gallery" > <figure> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=Wn-WNMn9 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=mO23npai 2x" media="(min-width: 1680px)" type="image/png" width="655" height="655"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=Wn-WNMn9 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=mO23npai 2x" media="all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)" type="image/png" width="655" height="655"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=GxtKb1yu 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=SBsAYe7r 2x" media="all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)" type="image/png" width="920" height="920"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=eqHHskfO 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=2RBOuqIR 2x" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)" type="image/png" width="727" height="727"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=WiTTnMWc 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=d5Ef3W19 2x" media="all and (max-width: 575.9px)" type="image/png" width="575" height="575"/> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/Website_Government_Suriname-v1.4.png?itok=SBsAYe7r" width="1080" height="1080" alt="Het team van BOSAQ bij een installatie in Suriname" /> </picture> </figure> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full"> <h2><span><span><span><strong><a id="cleantech" name="Cleantech"></a>We’ve also noticed that nutritious soil in Ghent. It's very easy to come into contact with each other here. Have you experienced this yourself, this close-knit cleantech family?</strong></span></span></span></h2> <p><span><span><span>To be perfectly honest, I’ve never been that involved with others. I try to keep the events to a minimum, for example, or I’d never be home (laughs). But if you want to make connections, it’s definitely <strong>very easy to make connections</strong>. People are very <strong>open </strong>and <strong>welcoming</strong> here. If I want to get in touch with person A or B, I can via my network. I’m just not that active in the community, I’m more concerned with our own impact, as a company. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>For example, ‘<a href="https://www.changenow.world/">Change Now’</a> took place in Paris, earlier this year. That’s a big fair on sustainability and I had bought tickets and everything. But I decided not to go and travel to <strong>Ukraine </strong>instead. I found it much more important for me to be <strong>physically present </strong>in Ukraine, among the people who really need it, than to go <strong>networking under the Eiffel Tower</strong>. As a CEO, I wanted to be present at the delivery of <strong>our first water plant in Ukraine</strong>.</span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--full"> <div class="image-gallery--wrapper single"> <div class="image-gallery js-lightbox"> <a href="https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=MES9xEM8" class="gallery-link" aria-describedby="image-gallery__open-gallery" > <figure> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=9YBiSdtP 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=upSaEpLy 2x" media="(min-width: 1680px)" type="image/png" width="655" height="549"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=9YBiSdtP 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=upSaEpLy 2x" media="all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)" type="image/png" width="655" height="549"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=Nmp05BU_ 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=U5VwBoTq 2x" media="all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)" type="image/png" width="920" height="771"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=3s4NNrgj 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=di2FrnJw 2x" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)" type="image/png" width="727" height="609"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=p22tnwe0 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=g1O2SCvU 2x" media="all and (max-width: 575.9px)" type="image/png" width="575" height="482"/> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/20220830_Ghent%20-Economische%20zaken_visual%20v1.2.png?itok=U5VwBoTq" width="940" height="788" alt="Visualisatie van de technologie achter Q-Drop" /> </picture> </figure> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full"> <h2><span><span><span><strong><a id="financial-means" name="Financial_means"></a>We’ll get back to that journey later on. But for now, let’s talk about the infrastructure, that is so important. However, start-ups do not always have the means to buy the right materials from the start. How can a cleantech-entrepreneur make the right start?</strong></span></span></span></h2> <p><span><span><span>Of course, we have to be <strong>realistic </strong>about this: if you’re experiencing problems from the get-go, you might be doing something wrong (laughs). You might need to reconsider your business plan. But apart from that, I certainly understand that the start can be difficult, even if you’re well-prepared. I am a proponent of <strong>facilities </strong>where, for example, spaces are offered free of charge for the first year for starting entrepreneurs. An additional advantage is that you can be inspired by other entrepreneurs in these living labs. That seems like a fantastic idea!</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>But in terms of <strong>financing</strong>, <strong>too few</strong> entrepreneurs find the way to <strong>subsidies</strong>. <a href="https://www.vlaio.be/nl">VLAIO</a>, for instance, can offer support there. It’s not as if the money is just there, up for grabs, you have to work hard for it. And I think that’s important as well. At least then you’re forced to think carefully about your business. I myself wrote <strong>an extensive business plan</strong> that nobody actually read. It’s a 70-page book, but I got so much out of it as an entrepreneur because I had to think about what I was doing and where I wanted to be in the future. And that’s <strong>priceless</strong>.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In the beginning, we also visited <a href="https://stad.gent/nl/ondernemen/ondersteuning-en-premies-voor-ondernemers">OOG</a>. They can help you find your way in the entrepreneurial landscape. As an entrepreneur, you really need those<strong> first points of contact</strong>. But ultimately, of course, <strong>you have to do it all yourself</strong>.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>We live in a society where everything is provided for. Mind you, it’s different for me too, I come from a <strong>socially disadvantaged background</strong>. I have six brothers and sisters and have always lived in a social neighbourhood. <strong>We never had what most other children had</strong>. There, I learned that I always have to fight for what I have and want to achieve. And that turned out to be a good <strong>learning experience</strong> for entrepreneurship. <strong>As an entrepreneur, you have to dare to take up the gauntlet and just go for it</strong>. Besides, they shouldn’t make it too easy for us.</span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--container paragraph--view-mode--full w10-o1"> <ul class="grid-2"> <li> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="image-gallery--wrapper single"> <div class="image-gallery js-lightbox"> <a href="https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=l_hRALlC" class="gallery-link" aria-describedby="image-gallery__open-gallery" > <figure> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=WmImzl0C 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=sYD51AdA 2x" media="(min-width: 1680px)" type="image/jpeg" width="654" height="414"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=WmImzl0C 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=sYD51AdA 2x" media="all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="654" height="414"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=IPFTa467 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=yoLOzlX7 2x" media="all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="654" height="414"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=PQJG0KrD 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=UsJ6HZwx 2x" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="654" height="414"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=R4KJgpNt 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=1Wuh7SfP 2x" media="all and (max-width: 575.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="575" height="364"/> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Pamboko_Suriname_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.82.jpg?itok=yoLOzlX7" width="654" height="414" alt="Het team van BOSAQ in Suriname" /> </picture> </figure> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="quote-wrapper"> <div class="quote"> <blockquote> <div class="content"> <p> I'm a proponent of facilities where, for example, spaces are offered free of charge for the first year for starting entrepreneurs. An additional advantage is that you can be inspired by other entrepreneurs in these living labs. That seems like a fantastic idea! </p> </div> <footer> Jacob Bossaer, CEO Bosaq </footer> </blockquote> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full"> <h2><span><span><span><strong><a id="making-your-mark" name="Making_your_mark"></a>Talking about your youth: starting a business is also part of a personal story. What drives you? Why (co) found BOSAQ and Water Heroes?</strong></span></span></span></h2> <p><span><span><span>For me, it’s all about the <strong>impact</strong>. If I look at myself, how I tick, then I want<strong> to be remembered by the impact I’ve created</strong>. Do I want to improve financially? Yes, but is that my motivation? No, not at all. But I believe that, if you do something with your <strong>heart and soul</strong>, <strong>everything else will follow</strong>. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As I said, I come from a big family. Well, my siblings and I, we all went abroad to work on <strong>development projects</strong>. My parents didn’t have much, but they saved up for that. I myself went to <strong>Costa Rica</strong> for four months. What I saw there really <strong>changed </strong>me. <strong>Those experiences helped shape us into who we are</strong>.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As a result, we’ve also founded a <strong>non-profit organisation</strong> called <strong>Water Heroes</strong>. Ten per cent of BOSAQ’s profits, for example, goes to this non-profit organisation, as stipulated in the statutes. But the projects are also sponsored by customers, suppliers and partners with whom we work.</span></span></span></p> <h2><span><span><span><a id="ukraine" name="Ukraine"></a>Where exactly can Water Heroes make a difference?</span></span></span></h2> <p><span><span><span>Well, the installations in <strong>Ukraine </strong>are the first project. One installation is now in <strong>Kharkiv </strong>metro and the other is in <strong>Mykolaiv</strong>, close to the front line in <strong>Odesa</strong>. Each plant will convert <strong>borehole water</strong> into high quality drinking water, as much as <strong>1,000 litres</strong> per hour. A fortnight ago, a third installation was delivered in <strong>Lviv</strong>. This means that we can now supply <strong>30,000 Ukrainians</strong> with clean drinking water <strong>every day</strong>. Of course, we could not have done this without our <a href="https://bosaq.com/water-for-ukraine/">donors</a>.</span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--container paragraph--view-mode--full w10-o1"> <ul class="grid-2"> <li> <div class="quote-wrapper"> <div class="quote"> <blockquote> <div class="content"> <p> I found it much more important for me to be physically present in Ukraine, among the people who really need it, than to go networking under the Eiffel Tower. As a CEO, I wanted to be present at the delivery of our first water plant in Ukraine. </p> </div> <footer> Jacob Bossaer, CEO BOSAQ </footer> </blockquote> </div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="image-gallery--wrapper single"> <div class="image-gallery js-lightbox"> <a href="https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=bmSwYEz3" class="gallery-link" aria-describedby="image-gallery__open-gallery" > <figure> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=5Jw4njRq 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=8E2ljiBD 2x" media="(min-width: 1680px)" type="image/jpeg" width="655" height="827"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=5Jw4njRq 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=8E2ljiBD 2x" media="all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="655" height="827"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=q3h5mNJJ 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=aE_hveVq 2x" media="all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="920" height="1161"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=S5rX0YIQ 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=cXSex5mo 2x" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="727" height="918"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=xQnonE9K 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=5kVjqUie 2x" media="all and (max-width: 575.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="575" height="726"/> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/Oekra%C3%AFne2.jpg?itok=aE_hveVq" width="1273" height="1607" alt="Installatie in Oekraïne" /> </picture> </figure> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full"> <h2><span><span><span><strong><a id="international-projects" name="International_projects"></a>With BOSAQ, you’ve already crossed your fair share of international waters, of course. How do you approach these large, international projects?</strong></span></span></span></h2> <p><span><span><span>We always work with <strong>partnerships</strong>. That simply gives a greater guarantee to success in the longer term. We’re also always physically present. And the advantage of those partnerships is that those people know the country inside out. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>For example, we’ve started a drinking water project in <strong>Suriname</strong>, where <strong>five different villages</strong> with about <strong>3,000 inhabitants</strong> now have access to clean drinking water. This is thanks to our <strong>Q-Drop</strong>, our state-of-the-art decentralised drinking water unit. This unit also makes it possible to provide education throughout the year, keeping kids and teachers hydrated even when it’s warm.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>We’re also active in <strong>Rwanda</strong>, more specifically in <strong>Mutete Parish</strong>. Thanks to our installation there, more than 1,500 school children have access to safe drinking water.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Our goal is to – eventually – be present on <strong>four continents</strong> within <strong>five years</strong>. And by <strong>2035</strong>, we want to provide <strong>35 million people</strong> with pure drinking water. So we want to become <strong>the global leader</strong> in the field of <strong>decentralised drinking water purification</strong>. </span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--container paragraph--view-mode--full w10-o1"> <ul class="grid-2"> <li> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="image-gallery--wrapper single"> <div class="image-gallery js-lightbox"> <a href="https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=fJLCXoDG" class="gallery-link" aria-describedby="image-gallery__open-gallery" > <figure> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=daZFrL7p 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=4_RXWpgE 2x" media="(min-width: 1680px)" type="image/jpeg" width="655" height="491"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=daZFrL7p 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=4_RXWpgE 2x" media="all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="655" height="491"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=GJp_wTLE 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=a3Y__pTQ 2x" media="all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="920" height="690"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=ZluQYSa2 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=_bsA5Tx6 2x" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="727" height="545"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=ekDPHv_P 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=nOYnPYhP 2x" media="all and (max-width: 575.9px)" type="image/jpeg" width="575" height="431"/> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/2.3-Rwanda_B2G_BOSAQ-Solutions-v1.1-scaled-scaled.jpg?itok=a3Y__pTQ" width="1840" height="1380" alt="Jacob Bossaer en Pieter Derboven in Mutete Parish" /> </picture> </figure> </a> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="quote-wrapper"> <div class="quote"> <blockquote> <div class="content"> <p> Our goal is to – eventually – be present on four continents within five years. And by 2035, we want to provide 35 million people with pure drinking water. So we want to become the global leader in the field of decentralised drinking water purification. </p> </div> <footer> Jacob Bossaer, CEO BOSAQ </footer> </blockquote> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full"> <h2><span><span><span><a id="advice" name="Advice"></a>To conclude, what is your tip for other entrepreneurs?</span></span></span></h2> <p><span><span><span><strong>Nurture that ambition!</strong> As an entrepreneur, you have to dare to dream. For me, actually, <strong>the dream is a limitation</strong>. You can never dream big enough. However, you have to have a sense of reality when building your business. But you have to dare to dream of those very big projects. For example, I am <strong>100%</strong> convinced that our ambition – and I’ll say it again, we want to provide <strong>35 million people</strong> with clean drinking water by <strong>2035 </strong>– is achievable. Is that going to be easy? Not at all! Because that would mean that everyone can do it. <strong>But I believe it can be done</strong>. And if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. There are some external factors that come into play, and sometimes you can’t control them. And then you fall. <strong>But then you dust yourself off and try again, right?</strong></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--call-to-action paragraph--view-mode--full cta-block image-none link"> <div class="cta-block__content"> <div class="feature-block secondary"> <h2>Discover Invest in Ghent</h2> <p>Eager to start a business in Ghent, like BOSAQ? The team Invest in Ghent is ready to help you start or scale your business in Ghent through our expert local guidance and introduction, so your business can grow even further.</p> <ul class="links"> <li> <a href="https://stad.gent/en/invest-ghent/contact" class="button button-secondary">Contact us</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/investinghent" class="standalone-link">Follow us on Linked-In</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--call-to-action paragraph--view-mode--full cta-block image-none link"> <div class="cta-block__content"> <div class="feature-block secondary"> <h2>Want to know more about our Cleantech-cluster?</h2> <p>Our community is growing every day, building bridges between our own cluster and those in neighbouring regions of the world. With the ultimate aim to share resources and fuelling collaboration on larger cleantech projects.</p> <a href="https://stad.gent/en/invest-ghent/future-tech/clean-tech" class="button button-secondary">Check it out!</a> </div> </div> </div> " news.
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