mHUB, a leading hardtech and manufacturing innovation center, and Current, a nonprofit water innovation hub and lead entity of Great Lakes ReNEW, announce a strategic partnership to catalyze water technology innovation across the Great Lakes region and beyond. As a cornerstone of the partnership, the two organizations will launch a six-month Sustainable Water Tech Accelerator program to support early-stage startups with equity investment, product development resources, and industry pilot opportunities.
“The Great Lakes region can lead the world in transforming waste into wealth through water technology innovation and industry leadership,” said Alaina Harkness, CEO of Current and CEO and PI for Great Lakes ReNEW. “The mHUB & Current partnership will help us harness this potential to become the epicenter of water technology excellence while driving economic growth for the region.”
“mHUB is thrilled to be partnering with Current and Great Lakes ReNEW to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative technologies that will make industries more efficient and resilient through water,” said Haven Allen, CEO of mHUB and Managing Partner of mHUB Ventures. “By combining our existing programs with the vast water expertise and industry alignment of the Engine, we’re driving meaningful change in manufacturing by bringing early-stage ideas to market faster.”
Programs to Empower Water Tech Innovators
The partnership includes the launch of a Startup Roadmap Series, virtual workshops designed to help early-stage water tech founders move from concept to commercialization. Beginning May 15, participants will explore product-market fit, industry alignment, investment strategy, and product development planning with guidance from expert mentors.
Shortly following, applications will open for the 6-month Sustainable Water Tech Accelerator, funded in part by the National Science Foundation-backed Great Lakes ReNEW. The program will accept 8 to 10 startups, providing $200,000 in cash and in-kind support, access to mHUB’s state-of-the-art prototyping labs, legal and business services, mentorship, marketing, and pilot testing opportunities with industrial partners.
Investment will be made through mHUB Ventures, which focuses on scaling energy, healthcare, and sustainable manufacturing technologies. Accelerator startups will also join the Great Lakes ReNEW coalition, gaining ongoing support and opportunities to connect with corporate partners whose needs align with their technology and market focus.
A Regional Blueprint for Circular Blue Innovation
Current was awarded up to $160 million over 10 years from the U.S. National Science Foundation in 2024 to lead the Great Lakes ReNEW Engine. This six-state, 60+ partner coalition is committed to advancing water technology research, commercialization, and workforce development. mHUB, one of the founding partners of the Engine, brings a robust track record of physical product innovation, supporting a community of over 500 startups that have generated over $2.02B in funding and launched more than 1,700 since its inception in 2017.
This new partnership marks a significant milestone in positioning the Great Lakes region as a national hub for water innovation, combining infrastructure, manufacturing, and scientific leadership to build a more secure and circular water economy.
