Our Story

Our Story

We’ve helped raise more than $45M dollars to support water innovation and inclusive economic development; launched 10+ technology pilots; supported the commercialization of technology at 30+ water tech companies; and educated more than 30,000 people through our events and convenings. 

Chicago is our sweet, freshwater home, but our partnerships stretch across Illinois, the Great Lakes region, and the world.


— Rahm Emanuel, former mayor of Chicago 

Kalindi Parikh of Current speaking at Chicago Water Week event held at 1871.

Why Water? We will feel climate change most acutely when our water dries up. And if things don’t change quickly, it will. 

Companies on the forefront of preventing water crises will win. Our job is to ensure that the Great Lakes region becomes a global leader in protecting our scarce water resources from both pollution and misuse.



Strategic Advisers

Technical Advisers

Staff

Venkat Atluri
Richard Assmus
MarySue Barrett
Michael Fassnacht
Dr. Joanna Groden
Randy Connor
Paul K. Kearns
Dr. Steven Kloos
Andy Martin
Dr. Susan Martinis
Dr. Nadya Mason
Brian Perkovich
Dr. Eric Perreault
Andy Richardson
Thru Shivakumar
Dr. Steven Kloos
John Robinson
Dr. Lindsay Birt
Mark Bertler
Michael Reardon
Dr. Terry Mah
Dr. May Wu
Todd Fein
Chris Sosnowski
Dr. Dev Gavaskar
Dr. Rafael Simon
Pierre Côté, Ph.D.
Dr. Kam Law

Workforce Development Director

Current is seeking an innovative leader dedicated to equity and inclusion to enhance our workforce development and educational initiatives. As the technology and economic landscapes evolve, we need someone who understands the complexities of creating and implementing effective workforce programs and is committed to overcoming challenges through creative partnerships and innovative solutions.

In this vital role, you will shape the long-term vision for initiatives such as our NSF-funded Great Lakes ReNEW engine, promoting collaboration across workforce development, STEM education, higher education, and entrepreneurship. You will lead various coalitions and programs aimed at establishing connected blue job pathways for underrepresented individuals in the blue economy. This role specifically focuses on developing strategies to tackle significant equity gaps in the Great Lakes Region and building partnerships to deliver workforce programs at scale.

Commercialization Director

Current is seeking an entrepreneurial leader with a passion for innovative technology and commercialization to spearhead advancements in the water and climate sectors. In this role, you will navigate the complexities of deploying and scaling effective water solutions, working to identify and eliminate barriers through cutting-edge programs and initiatives.

As a vital contributor to the strategy for key initiatives like our Great Lakes ReNEW engine and our water technology accelerators, you will collaborate across various technical fields and sectors. Your focus will be on leading a suite of programs designed to accelerate the development, adoption, commercialization, and scaling of technologies that tackle pressing water and climate challenges. This position entails identifying the most promising technologies, including those developed within Current’s partner consortia, and systematically supporting their growth through pilot projects, demonstration partnerships, and commercial scaling opportunities.

Technical Program Manager

Are you passionate about advancing science and innovation in the water sector? Current is looking for a dedicated leader who understands the technical and commercial challenges in deploying and scaling innovative water solutions—and is committed to overcoming those barriers.

In this role, you’ll be instrumental in designing, implementing, and managing technical programs focused on fostering breakthroughs in water technology. You’ll also lead efforts within Great Lakes ReNEW to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to tackle pressing water challenges and promote sustainable solutions.


Applications are closed.


Thank you to everyone who submitted an application for a summer internship at Current. Applications are now closed, but stay tuned for updates on Fall/Winter internships later this year!