About The Center
About the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center
Located in the heart of the Great Lakes, the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center is a collaborative space for students, educators, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, existing businesses, government agencies, and the developing workforce. Our purpose is clear: Protect freshwater resources for future generations through collaborative scientific research, advanced technologies, and an educated workforce that can assess impacts, address threats, and develop solutions.
The Center is a shared physical space and community where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures, and opportunities become careers. It will be a state‑of‑the‑art facility that accelerates smart collaboration so water education, research, and innovation translate directly into BlueTech‑sector jobs and new businesses.
Northwestern Michigan College is a founding partner in the creation of the Center, and through this partnership NMC gains space to move and grow its Great Lakes Water Studies Institute programs. The 40,000‑square‑foot facility will be located directly across the road from Discovery Pier, which provides dock space for research vessels, equipment cranes, a Dockside Learning Center, and an outdoor classroom. Inside the Center you will find: Wet labs, specialized labs, technical makerspace, autoclave room, a seminar and classroom, office and administrative spaces, and BlueTech exhibit space open to the public.
Mission
To empower northern Michigan as an epicenter of water innovation by connecting research, industry, investment, and community for sustainable growth in BlueTech, driving the transfer of innovative technology into marketable products, and protecting our freshwater resources for future generations.
Vision
The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will be a state-of-the-art facility and collaborative community where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures, and opportunities become careers. We will establish Michigan as a leader in the Blue Economy, and the region as an epicenter for the development of water-related technology and applied freshwater innovation.
Goals
- Marine Technology: Promote development of freshwater technologies and innovative solutions by co‑locating working pier access, high‑tech lab space and equipment, expert thought‑partners, and ongoing research and support.
- Workforce Pipeline: Inspire and grow a strong workforce pipeline through hands‑on education, professional certifications, and degree programs.
- Business Incubation and Acceleration: Champion the transfer of innovative technology into marketable products through new business incubation and accelerator programs that support startups with space, services, and community.
- Inclusive Engagement: Attract and include diverse audiences through public engagement opportunities, scholarship programs, and support for start‑up businesses.
- Top Talent: Attract students, educators, researchers, and innovators to create a continuum of BlueTech talent and stimulate a robust talent pipeline.
- Blue Economy: Establish Michigan as a leader in the Blue Economy and position our region as an epicenter for applied freshwater innovation and BlueTech commercialization.
- Freshwater Management and Stewardship: Generate technologies and research that inform decision‑making and better management of vital water resources across the Great Lakes and around the world.
The Facility
Inside the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center you’ll find:
- Wet labs
- Specialized labs
- Technical makerspace
- Seminar, classroom, and meeting spaces
- Office and administrative spaces
- Autoclave room
- BlueTech exhibit space open to the public
Floor Plans
The first floor will feature a public display area and specialized spaces for testing and development. These will include high bay and tech bay spaces, a makerspace with 3D printers, an electronics lab, and welding and paint booths.
The second floor will include collaborative laboratories, research space, and a classroom.
Location and Access
The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center sits on West Grand Traverse Bay, across from Discovery Pier, providing direct access to Lake Michigan and the larger Great Lakes system. That access enables rapid prototyping, testing, and deployment of freshwater and marine technologies in real‑world conditions.
Timeline
Construction is slated to begin fall 2025 with an estimated 18‑month build, targeting completion in early 2027.
