Current

Current is a leading water innovation hub based in Chicago with a mission to grow a circular blue economy, accelerate water innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. Since our founding in 2016, we have collaborated with corporations, universities, nonprofits, utilities, and governments to create and implement solutions that tackle the water crisis while promoting economic growth and opportunities for all. In January 2024, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded Current up to $160 million over 10 years to establish, develop, and grow the Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine, known as Great Lakes ReNEW. This six-state coalition aims to transform waste into wealth in the Great Lakes Region by commercializing new technologies that can extract valuable minerals and remove toxic forever chemicals from wastewater. Our mission is centered on three key areas: Use-Inspired R&D, Workforce Development, and Translating Innovations to Practice. At Current, we are dedicated to supporting the communities and people in our region most affected by water scarcity and other water-challenges. In a world facing increasing water and resource scarcity, we believe that “waste” has no place.