As the U.S. works to onshore water-intensive industries like manufacturing, semiconductor production, and AI data centers, groundwater supplies are being stretched thin. At the same time, toxic forever chemicals are building up in public water systems, while valuable minerals are being left untapped in natural water supplies.
The NSF Great Lakes RENEW Engine is transforming these challenges into opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Partnering with more than 75 organizations across the Great Lakes states, the NSF Engine is accelerating technologies that can safely detect and remove microplastics and PFAS from wastewater—and extract reusable materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel to help power the nation’s most critical industries.
Lead organization: Current Innovation NFP (nonprofit).
Region of service: Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin (anchor nodes in urban and rural areas).
NSF award: NSF-2315268
