About the Institute
A Shared Mandate for the World's Freshwater
The Great Lakes Freshwater Institute is a binational platform built on the belief that protecting the Great Lakes — and exporting what we learn — is one of the most consequential things we can do for the planet.
Who We Are
Born from the Great Lakes Basin
The Great Lakes Freshwater Institute was established to address a clear gap: the world's largest freshwater system needed a dedicated, cross-border institution capable of translating scientific knowledge into policy, technology, and economic opportunity.
Spanning the border between Canada and the United States, the Great Lakes basin is home to more than 40 million people, thousands of species, and an economy that rivals the largest in the world. Yet the pressures on this system — from climate change, invasive species, pollution, and aging infrastructure — have never been greater.
We exist to meet that moment. By convening governments, industry, researchers, and communities across both nations, we build the coalitions and catalyze the innovations that the scale of this challenge demands.
Mission
The Great Lakes Freshwater Institute advances freshwater stewardship, sustainability, security, innovation, and economic growth across the Great Lakes while developing solutions to water challenges worldwide.
Our Mandate
Four Dimensions of Impact
01
Freshwater Stewardship
We champion science-based governance, ecosystem health, and cross-border policy frameworks that protect the Great Lakes for future generations.
02
Technology Commercialization
We connect water technology innovators with capital, customers, and global markets — accelerating the journey from laboratory to commercial scale.
03
Industrial Innovation
We partner with industry to reduce water consumption, improve treatment processes, and develop next-generation solutions for water-intensive sectors.
04
Economic Development
We build a thriving freshwater economy — attracting investment, creating skilled jobs, and positioning the Great Lakes region as a global hub for water innovation.
Binational by Design
One Lake System. Two Nations. One Institute.
The Great Lakes do not recognize borders. Neither do the challenges they face. The Institute is structured from the ground up as a binational organization — with leadership, partnerships, and programs that span Canada and the United States equally.
This binational foundation is not incidental — it is the source of our credibility, our reach, and our ability to convene the full range of stakeholders needed to drive lasting change.
2
Nations
8
Great Lakes states and provinces
Solving for Here. Exporting Everywhere.
Global Ambition
The solutions developed in the Great Lakes basin have relevance far beyond its shores. Two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. The Institute is committed to ensuring that the innovations, governance models, and technologies we develop here can be adapted and deployed in water-stressed regions around the world.