International water mist association

What International water mist association does

International Water Mist Association (IWMA) is a private, non-profit trade association founded in 1998 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. It is the only globally active industry body dedicated exclusively to water mist fire protection technology, serving manufacturers, component suppliers, engineering consultancies, end-users, insurers, and academic researchers across the sector. The association's "customers" are its members — a roster that spans the dominant industry players (Marioff, owned by Carrier; FOGTEC; VID Fire-Kill and Danfoss Fire Safety, now part of Siemens; Aquasys; Plumis; iMist; EMIControls; Ultra Fog) alongside a long tail of smaller specialists and supporting organizations.

IWMA's core offerings center on three asset classes. First, it convenes the annual International Water Mist Conference (IWMC), the sector's flagship technical event — the 24th edition was held in Manchester in September 2025 and drew a record ~180 delegates from more than 25 countries. Second, it publishes technical reference materials, most notably the Water Mist Guide, a series of position papers, and the IWMA Matrix (a structured comparative tool covering fire-test protocols across the major global standards: NFPA 750, EN 14972, and VdS 3188). Third, it administers the Ragnar Wighus Award for individual contributions to the field, and participates in applied research collaborations including the SUVEREN research project (on hydrogen, CNG, biofuel, and battery fire safety, alongside BAM, STUVA, IFAB, and FOGTEC) and the IOGP JIP33 S-719 procurement specification for offshore/oil & gas water mist systems.

Its business model rests on tiered corporate and individual membership dues, conference sponsorships and delegate fees, publication sales, and partnership contributions from adjacent bodies such as the Baltic Fire Laboratory (BFL), Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL), Fraunhofer HHI, IFAB, VdS Schadenverhütung, and the Institute of Fire Safety and Research. Membership is segmented by organization type (corporate, private, association) and provides varying levels of access to technical committees, the IWMA Matrix, and conference participation. As a non-profit, IWMA does not disclose financials, and its operating model is consistent with a small staff footprint.

Name

International water mist association

Legal name

International Water Mist Association

Website

https://iwma.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

International Water Mist Association (IWMA), founded 1998, is a non-profit trade association and the only globally dedicated industry body for water mist fire protection. It serves manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, and researchers via its annual International Water Mist Conference, technical publications including the IWMA Matrix, and standards development across NFPA 750, EN 14972, and VdS 3188.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Protection Industry Association

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Security, Safety & Fire/Life Safety Management (BPABAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire & Life Safety Code Compliance Inspections & Consulting (AHJ Support) (BPABAHAJ), Emergency Response & Search-and-Rescue (SAR) (BPAGAAAA)

Keywords

• Water mist fire protection
• Fire suppression standards
• Industry association
• Fire safety research
• Membership publications

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: IWMA generates revenue through association membership fees, with tiers including corporate members, private members, and association members. Members gain access to IWMA publications, conference papers, seminars, webinars, technical committees, working groups, and the annual International Water Mist Conference.
2. Publications and Documentation Sales: IWMA publishes the Water Mist Guide, conference papers, seminar/webinar papers, position papers, standards and guidelines, and scientific articles. Revenue is generated through sales and distribution of these publications to members and the broader industry.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1998 dedicated exclusively to water mist firefighting and related technologies. Its core offerings are membership tiers (corporate, private, association) and a portfolio of knowledge products including the IWMA Water Mist Guide, conference papers, seminar/webinar papers, position papers, standards and guidelines, scientific articles, the IWMA Matrix (clarifying fire test protocols for land and marine applications), and the annual International Water Mist Conference (IWMC). It does not sell fire suppression hardware itself but functions as the central industry body for standards coordination, research dissemination, and networking across the global water mist community.

Product overview

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) is a trade association dedicated to promoting water mist fire protection technology. Rather than offering a unified software product, IWMA provides a portfolio of knowledge resources including publications (the Water Mist Guide, conference papers, seminar materials, position papers, and scientific articles), the Ragnar Wighus Award for outstanding contributions, the IWMA Matrix clarifying fire test protocols, annual conferences (IWMC), and tutorial resources. The association serves as the primary industry body for water mist technology standards, education, and networking among member companies that manufacture water mist fire suppression systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IWMC: Annual International Water Mist Conference organized by IWMA
• Ragnar Wighus Award
• IWMA Water Mist Guide

Products and services

• IWMA Water Mist Guide A comprehensive introductory resource explaining how water mist fire protection works and how it should be applied. Available to members and the broader industry to support understanding and adoption of water mist technology.
• International Water Mist Conference (IWMC) Annual international conference bringing together water mist industry professionals, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge and developments. The 24th IWMA Conference in Manchester (September 2025) attracted nearly 180 delegates from more than 25 countries.
• Conference Papers Technical papers and presentations from IWMA conferences covering research, case studies, and developments in water mist technology. Distributed to members and the industry.
• Seminar / Webinar Papers Educational materials and presentations from IWMA seminars and webinars on water mist fire protection applications, standards updates, and best practices.
• Position Papers and Letters Official IWMA statements and positions on water mist technology, standards, and fire safety regulations.
• Standards and Guidelines Technical standards, guidelines, and regulatory documents related to water mist fire protection systems, published by IWMA for member and industry use.
• Scientific Articles Peer-reviewed and scientific research articles on water mist technology and fire suppression, curated and distributed by IWMA.
• Ragnar Wighus Award Annual award recognizing outstanding contributions to water mist fire protection technology and research. The 2026 winner is Mohsen Morshedi.
• IWMA Matrix A comprehensive resource clarifying applicable fire test protocols for approval of water mist systems, with separate matrices for land-based and marine applications.
• IWMA Corporate Membership Membership tier for water mist manufacturers and suppliers (e.g., Marioff, FOGTEC, VID Fire-Kill, Danfoss Fire Safety, Aquasys, Plumis). Provides access to publications, conferences, technical committees, working groups, and industry visibility.
• IWMA Private Membership Individual membership tier for fire protection engineers, specifiers, researchers, and other technical professionals engaged with water mist technology.
• IWMA Association Membership Membership tier for partner associations and organizations in the fire protection and water mist ecosystem.

Quantifiable outcome

• Uses up to 85% less water than traditional sprinkler systems
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers30 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership between Baltic Fire Laboratory (BFL) and ESL to support each other with testing services, streamline project lead times, and fulfil clients' specific requirements. ESL is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and recognized by IAS. Effective 1st January 2024, ESL produces Certificates of Conformity for products intended for Dubai Civil Defence HQ product registration.
• Land Transport Authority Singapore (LTA)coreOthers · 1 January 2018LTA initiated the tender in 2018 for refurbishing the Kallang-Paya Lebar and Central Expressway tunnels including installation of a fixed firefighting system. Selected VID Fire-Kill's TUNPROTEC low-pressure water mist system. Project includes 1,200+ deluge valves, 300,000 nozzles, 100km of prefabricated nozzle pipes.
• EMIControlscoreTechnology or IntegrationEMIControls (Italy, founded 2011) develops stationary and mobile firefighting turbines combining water mist with turbine technology. IWMA member. The FT10e turbine addresses the limitation of water mist's short throwing distance, enabling applications in substations, recycling facilities, and large industrial spaces. The company works with foam agents including fluorine-free options.
• IFAB (Institute for Applied Fire Safety Research)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFAB and IWMA member Fogtec co-published a White Paper on Fixed Firefighting Solutions for Stationary Energy Storage Systems, in partnership with Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute. IFAB is also involved in research projects on new energy carriers in underground transportation.
• Uxello Risque SpéciauxcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUxello Risque Spéciaux is Aquasys' local and longstanding partner for the installation of high-pressure water mist systems in France. Collaborated on the Gare de Lyon project, developing tailor-made constructions for historic architecture.
• Deluge (Singapore)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDeluge is the local Singapore company that installs FOGTEC high-pressure water mist systems in Singapore Power cable tunnels, working alongside FIPE for pipe connection systems.
• Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer HHI co-published a White Paper with IFAB and Fogtec covering Fixed Firefighting Solutions for Stationary Energy Storage Systems. Represents academic-research partnership for technical innovation.
• Intelligent MistminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApproved installer of Plumis Automist systems. Installed the system in the Norwich residential property that subsequently experienced a real fire and successfully suppressed it.
• VapourmistminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApproved installer of Plumis Automist. Shortlisted alongside Plumis for Security & Fire Excellence Awards for the Fifield Barn project.
• Fireworks Fire ProtectionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIWMA member Fireworks designed and installed water mist fire protection for Townsend House in Westminster. Member of IWMA, providing installation services for water mist systems in UK buildings.
• XCell Misting LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIWMA member and installer contracted to install VID Fire-Kill's TUNPROTEC low-pressure water mist system in the Heathrow Cargo Tunnel (885m), the first road tunnel in the UK to be equipped with this technology.
• IOGP (International Association of Oil & Gas Producers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIOGP is commencing maintenance of IOGP JIP33 S-719 procurement specification for Water Fire Mist Protection Systems. IWMA member HAAR Technology & Engineering Ltd is working alongside sponsoring oil and gas operators, EPCs, and water mist suppliers to update the specification in line with NFPA 750:2023.
• BAM (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBAM is part of the SUVEREN research project (one of the largest regarding New Energy Carriers in public spaces and underground infrastructure), together with FOGTEC, STUVA, and IFAB. Investigates new risks related to battery fires, hydrogen, CNG, and biofuels in transportation infrastructure.
• STUVA e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTUVA (Research Association for Underground Transportation) is a research partner in the SUVEREN project alongside FOGTEC, BAM, and IFAB, focused on new energy carrier risks in underground transportation facilities.
• Carrier Global CorporationcoreOthersMarioff is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR). Carrier is the global provider of HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies. Marioff's HI-FOG systems are distributed through Carrier's global platform.
• SiemenscoreOthersDanfoss Fire Safety A/S was acquired by Siemens (fully owned). The company is now part of Siemens' Infrastructure Buildings organization, driving global extinguishing strategy from Odense, Denmark. Successfully completed sale in early 2025.
• NTESCO (Nam Trinh Environment Solution Company)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNTESCO is a leading water treatment EPC in Vietnam that selected Danfoss high-pressure pumps for a high-efficiency SWRO plant at an aquaculture facility. Not a direct water mist partner but represents Danfoss component distribution.
• Etablissement public Rebâtir Notre-Dame de PariscoreOthersThe French government body overseeing Notre-Dame's restoration selected Marioff's HI-FOG system for protecting the cathedral's wooden frame. Key institutional customer for heritage fire protection.
• TBTA (Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority), New YorkcoreOthersTBTA operates the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel in Manhattan. FOGTEC is installing the water mist system, with pump units stacked at Battery Park due to limited Manhattan space. Key tunnel infrastructure client.
• Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)coreOthersÖBB is the operator of the Koralmtunnel (32.8km), where Aquasys installed the first high-pressure water mist system for smoke management in underground railway stations. Key infrastructure operator.
• Chantiers de l'Atlantique (shipyard)coreOthersChantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France is building two luxury superyachts for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, protected by Marioff HI-FOG systems.
• CRRC (train manufacturer)coreOthersCRRC is manufacturing 64 HR4000 subway cars for Los Angeles Metro, equipped with FOGTEC fire detection and high-pressure water mist suppression. First fleet of new rail vehicles in the USA with water mist in passenger areas.
• Talgo (train manufacturer)coreOthersTalgo is equipping 37 sets of A650 metro trains for Los Angeles Metro with Aquasys high-pressure water mist systems. First use of this technology in North America.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA): US non-profit promoting the use of fire detection and alarm systems. Comparable as a fire-protection industry association serving overlapping stakeholders and standards communities.
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC): Global membership organization for fire chiefs and emergency services leaders. Comparable as a fire-protection community organization, though focused on first responders rather than suppression technology vendors.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): The dominant US-based standards-developing organization for fire protection, including NFPA 750 on water mist. IWMA directly engages with NFPA technical committees; comparable as a fire-protection industry body, though NFPA's scope is far broader.
• American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA): US trade association representing the open-shop fire sprinkler industry. Comparable as a fire-protection industry body, though focused on the dominant sprinkler technology that competes with water mist.

Direct peers

• Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE): International professional society for fire protection engineers. Comparable as a membership organization serving fire-protection technical professionals, with overlapping conference and publication offerings.
• European Fire Sprinkler Network (EFSN): European association promoting automatic sprinkler systems. Comparable as a regional fire-protection trade body, though focused on traditional sprinklers rather than water mist.
• Fire Protection Association (FPA): UK-based fire protection industry association delivering training, publications, and advocacy. Comparable as a national-level trade body serving the same end-user community (specifiers, engineers, insurers) that IWMA serves.
• British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA): UK trade association for the fire sprinkler industry. Comparable as a national-level fire-protection industry body serving installers, specifiers, and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe (CFPA-E): European umbrella body for national fire-protection associations. Comparable as a multi-country fire-safety association coordinating standards and education across European jurisdictions.

Others

• Institute for Applied Fire Safety Research (IFAB): Germany-based fire safety research institute co-publishing research with IWMA members (e.g., FOGTEC). Comparable as an applied research organization producing standards-adjacent scientific output for the water-mist and broader fire-safety ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/iwmahamburg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bettina-mcdowell-68b17366

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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