"Water purification requirements feature in a wide range of applications, from residential homes, office and hotel buildings, to high-specification environments such as hospitals, laboratories and industrial production facilities, as well as municipal water supply and wastewater treatment. Consequently, the world demand for water treatment products is estimated at $44.6 billion, with a projected 5.7% annual growth. The European Technology Platform, WssTP (Water Supply and Sanitation Technology Platform), in its Strategic Research Agenda 2010, has identified the need for new water technologies, and greater technology transfer between industry and the research sector.This AQUA-PULSE project aims to realise a low-power, low-maintenance water purification solution based on high-brightness UV Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and a photocatalysis method. Such a system would be effective against viruses, bacteria and organic compounds, and would provide an attractive and innovative alternative to current technology utilising mercury-based UV lamps. It brings together three European SMEs in three different, but complementary, technology areas, and links them with three RTD Performers to develop new knowledge and a new water purification product which will have significant commercial benefits for all of the SME partners."