New program funded by the NSF Great Lakes RENEW Engine will provide specialized training, coaching, and commercialization support for water innovators
CHICAGO, IL — Current, a nonprofit water innovation hub, today announced the launch of the SBIR/STTR Accelerator for Water Tech Innovators. This new commercialization program is designed to help water technology startups successfully compete for federal research and development funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, collectively known as America’s Seed Fund.
The accelerator is delivered in partnership with Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC), a nationally recognized organization with extensive experience helping technology companies secure federal funding and accelerate commercialization. Participation is provided at no cost to selected companies through funding from the NSF Great Lakes RENEW Engine, a regional initiative and 80+ partner coalition led by Current to further establish the Great Lakes as a hub for innovative water solutions and economic growth.
Water technology innovators face a unique set of challenges, including translating promising innovations into commercially viable solutions. Federal SBIR and STTR programs provide critical non-dilutive funding for technology development, yet many early-stage companies lack the specialized expertise and commercialization support needed to successfully navigate the application process.
“Water entrepreneurs offer solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities and industries, from removing harmful contaminants to recovering valuable resources from water,” said Nina Dudnik, Current’s Chief Commercial Officer. “SBIR/STTR programs play a unique role in supporting these breakthroughs. Through this accelerator, we’re helping innovators access this funding while strengthening the pipeline of technologies needed to build a more resilient water future.”
The accelerator combines expert-led training, individualized coaching, and practical commercialization tools to help participants develop competitive SBIR/STTR strategies and strengthen their readiness for market adoption and investment.
Program participants will receive instruction and support in:
- Market research and opportunity assessment
- Customer discovery and value proposition development
- Competitive positioning and business model development
- Government contracting and commercialization pathways
- Capital stack development and funding strategies
- Strategic communications and business development tools
In addition to cohort-based learning, each participating company will receive individualized coaching from Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) and subject matter experts.
“Federal funding can be transformational for early-stage companies, but successfully competing for these opportunities requires more than an impressive piece of technology,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of EC. “Our goal is to help founders build the commercialization strategies, customer insights, and funding approaches necessary to move from innovation to impact.”
The program is open to U.S.-based startups and small businesses developing innovative water technologies, with preference given to companies located within the Great Lakes region or serving Great Lakes customers and end users.
The accelerator will be offered through three cohorts beginning this fall:
- Cohort I: September 22-23, 2026 | Central Ohio
- Cohort II: October 27-28, 2026 | Twin Cities Area
- Cohort III: November 9-13, 2026 | Virtual
Applications are now open, and selected participants will be notified in mid-August.
Beyond the core curriculum, participating companies will receive 60 days of post-program coaching focused on translating program learning into actionable commercialization progress and preparing competitive SBIR/STTR funding strategies.
The accelerator represents another investment by the NSF Great Lakes RENEW Engine in building a stronger innovation ecosystem across the Great Lakes region. By helping entrepreneurs secure federal funding and accelerate commercialization, the program aims to advance technologies that address critical water challenges while supporting economic growth, job creation, and regional competitiveness.
For program information and application details, visit: https://ecinnovates.com/renew/
About Current
Current is an independent nonprofit water innovation hub, founded in Chicago in 2016, with a mission to grow a circular blue economy, accelerate water innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. Current collaborates with industry, innovators, communities, nonprofits and governments to advance innovative water technologies and policies that boost our economy while protecting our water resources. In 2024, Current was designated by the U.S. National Science Foundation to lead one of nine Regional Innovation Engines, Great Lakes RENEW (Recovery of Energy, Nutrients, critical Elements, and Water). To date, Current and our partners have delivered on RENEW’s waste-to-wealth mission by collectively raising over $123.2M for regional water innovation and economic development, supporting 19 R&D projects, 40+ pilots, and 110+ startups, training 560 people for blue economy jobs, and engaging 1,650 youth in water STEM programming.
Learn more: currentwater.org
About Entrepreneurs’ Center
Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) is a modern venture development organization that powers progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Annually, EC works with more than 1,000 entrepreneurs to start and grow companies, create jobs, generate revenue, and attract investment. Through business acceleration programs, commercialization support, mentoring, training, networking, and capital access, EC helps both technology and main street businesses launch, scale, and succeed. EC’s experienced team of advisors, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and staff design and deliver world-class programs on behalf of corporations, higher education institutions, and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense. Organizations supported by EC have collectively secured billions of dollars in follow-on funding and contracts, helping bring innovative technologies to market and strengthen regional economies. Headquartered at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank in Dayton’s historic Arcade, EC serves entrepreneurs across Ohio and beyond.
Learn more: ecinnovates.com
