Current

About Current

We are Current, a nonprofit water innovation hub based in Chicago that is catalyzing a circular blue economy across the Great Lakes and beyond. Since 2016, we’ve partnered with researchers, industry, and communities to solve urgent water challenges while driving economic opportunity, protecting public and environmental health, and safeguarding the nation's most vital national security asset: our abundant freshwater. In 2024, the National Science Foundation awarded Current up to $160M over 10 years to lead the NSF Great Lakes RENEW Engine—a 75+ partner coalition transforming waste into wealth by recovering critical resources (energy, nutrients, critical elements and water) and eliminating harmful contaminants like PFAS from our water that would otherwise be flushed back down the drain. Together, we’re positioning the Great Lakes region as the premier destination for global water innovation and industry growth, shaping a future where economic prosperity and the health of our people and environment go hand in hand. Learn more about our NSF Great Lakes RENEW Engine: greatlakesrenew.org