Two major research initiatives—one led by EPAM in Hungary and the other by the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC) in Barcelona—have been awarded significant 2026 funding through the European Aquatics Innovation Hub.
The first project, Water Polo Digital Development Transformation using Data and Sensors, is being delivered by European Aquatics’ commercial partner EPAM, a global leader in digital engineering and AI-driven transformation.
This project introduces an innovative approach to modernising water polo by incorporating advanced sensor technology—embedded in players’ caps and within the ball—combined with real-time data analytics. Its long-term objective is to digitise the sport, providing coaches, teams, and federations with actionable insights to enhance performance management and match analysis.
Headquartered in Budapest, EPAM will receive support from both the 2026 Aquatics Research Grants, which focus on conceptual system development, and the 2026 Products and Processes in Sports Technology Grants, aimed at testing and implementation phases.
“We will be developing this system for European Aquatics while working closely with Ferencváros Water Polo Club during the initial testing and refinement stages,” said Balázs Magyar, Senior Director of Account Management at EPAM Hungary.
“The data collected through these sensors has wide-ranging applications. It can make the sport more visual, easier to understand, and more engaging.
The insights will also support coaches in refining tactics during crucial moments of play—potentially leading to more dynamic matches, improved attacking play, and stronger defence.
Additionally, this digital transformation could boost fan engagement and enhance live broadcast experiences.”
The second project, led by INEFC and titled Monitoring Cardiac Responses and Adaptations to Apnea in Artistic Swimming, will receive a 2026 Aquatics Research Grant.
Following the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding with European Aquatics last February, INEFC prioritised collaborative research on the “apnea project” in artistic swimming. This research focuses on breathing irregularities that may occur when athletes perform movements with their heads positioned below their hips.
The project aims to better understand acute cardiovascular responses to apnea in female artistic swimmers, generating high-quality scientific evidence to optimise performance while safeguarding athlete health and safety.
Dr Xavier Iglesias Reig of INEFC Barcelona commented:
“This support from European Aquatics enables us to advance a crucial area of research in artistic swimming—a sport with extremely high physiological demands where key questions remain unanswered.
“Our goal is to produce robust scientific evidence on cardiovascular responses to apnea across different age groups and performance levels, including athletes with a history of syncope. This will be achieved through standardised scenarios that replicate the sport’s specific demands.
“Ultimately, we aim to improve understanding and monitoring of cardiovascular adaptations, while contributing to stronger health and safety standards for athletes.”
