Great Lakes Freshwater Institute
Where the world's freshwater challenges get solved.
We are developing a collaborative freshwater competitiveness agenda that connects research, industry, public institutions, investors and talent across the Great Lakes region of the United States, Canada, and the World.
Our Mission
The Great Lakes Freshwater Institute advances freshwater security, innovation, and economic prosperity through responsible stewardship and solutions with global impact.
Beginning with an independent report by Robert J. Bogart, this initiative explores how freshwater security, energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and emerging technologies can support lasting prosperity. Our goal is to turn shared knowledge into practical strategies and demonstrations with benefits for the Great Lakes and applications worldwide.
Research and Action Agenda
Our Research and Action Agenda
Six interconnected areas where the Great Lakes region can connect existing capabilities, close gaps, and develop a shared competitiveness agenda.
Freshwater Security and Stewardship
Reliable access, water quality, ecosystem health, efficient use and resilience across the Great Lakes basin.
Learn MoreWater, Energy and Computing
Cooling, reuse, heat recovery and the infrastructure implications of growing computing demand on freshwater resources.
Learn MoreManufacturing and Industrial Innovation
Water productivity, treatment, advanced materials and practical industrial applications for water-intensive sectors.
Learn MoreCompetitiveness and Community Prosperity
Productivity, commercialization, workforce opportunity, affordability and resilience — building a thriving freshwater economy across the basin.
Learn MoreTechnology Commercialization
Connecting innovators with testbeds, customers, larger companies and appropriate capital to move viable solutions into use.
Learn MoreTalent and Workforce Opportunity
Paid internships, applied research, early-career opportunities and skills connected to employer needs across the region.
Learn More
Buffalo, New York — Proposed Coordination Base
Buffalo is the proposed coordination base for a distributed Great Lakes collaboration. A small coordinating team would connect research, industry, investment and talent across participating U.S. and Canadian institutions, while technical work and demonstrations remain with partners throughout the basin.
The Stakes
Why the Great Lakes Matter
21%
of the world's surface freshwater
84%
of North America's surface freshwater
90%+
of U.S. surface freshwater
2
nations, one shared mandate
Building a Great Lakes Collaboration
Building a Great Lakes Collaboration
We are engaging governments, universities, industry leaders, foundations and civil society organizations across Canada and the United States. Confirmed partnerships will be listed as agreements develop.
Get Involved
Discuss a Collaboration
There are concrete ways to contribute: research, pilot opportunities, sponsorship, equipment, workspace, mentoring or talent placements. Whether you are a large company, innovator, university, public agency or foundation — we want to hear from you.