The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is a joint venture of Northwestern Michigan College and Discovery Pier, with support from Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms.
Northwestern Michigan College, Discovery Pier, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms have broken ground on their joint venture, the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center on Grand Traverse Bay. The project will establish the region as a leader in the blue economy and water innovation. The ground breaking ceremony was held on September 12 at Discovery Pier’s campus, where the center will be located.
According to an article on Northwestern Michigan College’s website, the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center Board Chair Greg Luyt was quoted as saying, “The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is not only a Michigan asset, it’s a global platform for blue tech innovation. We invite companies, researchers, and funders from around the world to join us as we move ideas from lab to market, build the workforce of tomorrow, and protect our freshwater resources for future generations through innovation.”
The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center’s 38,000 square feet will house laboratories, business incubation, and pier space for research vessels, all in one place. The center will serve as a hub for innovation in the blue sector, with a focus on water quality technologies and sustainable marine mobility. It is expected that once complete and operational, the center will become a source of high-paying jobs for the community and will generate research that will have a global impact.
So far, $26 million has been secured for the project, through federal, state, and private commitments, with the fundraising efforts ongoing.
Warren Call, the president and CEO of Traverse Connect, said, “Traverse Connect is proud to help launch a center that will put Michigan on the map for blue tech investment. By combining world-class research with entrepreneurial support, the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center will develop and attract companies and capital, creating jobs and driving economic growth across the region.”
For more information about Northwestern Michigan College, visit the school’s website.