BrazilRoyal HaskoningDHV takes majority stake in water consultancy H2i
Two years after entering into a strategic partnership, Dutch engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV has acquired a majority interest in Singapore-based Hydroinformatics Institute.
Founded in 2014, Hydroinformatics Institute (H2i) is a scale-up (25 employees) specialised in providing digital-driven water information to governments and companies navigating climate and water-related challenges.
Five years after its inception, Royal HaskoningDHV took a small stake in the water-focused data science consultancy, and over the past two years the pair have worked together on a number of joint projects. These include: a site-specific study along Singapore’s City-East Coast ahead of the development of a climate resilience masterplan; a coastal urban development plan on reclaiming land close to Shenzhen; and a feasibility study for Manila’s flood forecasting and warning system.
Building on these successes, Royal HaskoningDHV has now increased its investment in H2i to hold a majority stake. Erik Oostwegel, CEO of the Dutch company, explained: “The combination of our deep domain, data, and software expertise and H2i’s advanced technology in machine learning and big data creates a very ambitious union.”
Leveraging Royal HaskoningDHV’s funding, expertise and network, H2i will aim to accelerate its growth in the coming years, said H2i’s Chief Consultant Gerard Pijcke.
“Together, we can drive innovation further and create better solutions that will help clients across the hydrological cycle to adapt, anticipate and prepare for water-related issues. From rainfall forecasting and early flood warnings to flood risk and climate change assessments, the potential to increase our reach beyond Singapore is substantial.”
The deal – financial terms have not been made public – takes place against the backdrop of more frequently occurring severe weather events caused by climate change, and increased risk of flooding due to extreme rainfall, rising sea levels and ageing infrastructure.
