NSF Regional Innovation Engine - Great Lakes ReNEW Workforce Development Partnership

Great Lakes ReNEW - NSF Regional Innovation Engine

Lead Organization: Current (Chicago-based water innovation hub)

WRTP | BIG STEP Role: Workforce partner in Wisconsin

Geographic Scope: Six-state collaboration (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin)

One of 10 inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines representing unprecedented national investment in place-based research and economic development. Great Lakes ReNEW is a multi-state partnership to boost Great Lakes leadership on resource recovery and circular economy, with a focus on clean water innovation and workforce development.

Purpose

• Develop water-focused innovation in the Great Lakes region
• Create economic opportunities in water technology and circular economy
• Strengthen domestic supply chains for clean energy technologies
• Address water quality and security issues
• Build diverse workforce for clean water sector

Innovation Focus

• Selective separation technologies to extract valuable minerals and remove dangerous forever chemicals (PFAS) from wastewater
• Recovery of lithium and other critical materials for battery and fertilizer production
• Wastewater innovation and circular economy solutions

Workforce Development Component

• WRTP | BIG STEP serves as workforce partner in Wisconsin
• Customized apprenticeship training for clean water sector careers
• Programs in Milwaukee and beyond
• Connection to broader workforce development systems
• Training for individuals affected by joblessness and systemic barriers
• Community-based organizations to credentialing programs
• Community colleges and universities partnerships

Context

• Selected from over 700 initial submissions
• Finalist among 16 competing proposals
• One of 10 inaugural NSF Engines with $1.6 billion potential investment across all engines over 10 years
• Largest single investment in place-based research and economic development in U.S. history
• Backed by six Great Lakes states; Illinois contributed $2 million in state funding

Key Partners (50+ total)

• Research institutions: University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Wayne State University, and others
• Industry: AO Smith, Dow, Exelon, Whirlpool, Oldcastle, and others
• Workforce development: WRTP | BIG STEP, HIRE360, TIES, National Fund for Workforce Solutions
• Government agencies: EPA, state economic development organizations
• Community organizations and nonprofits

Contact Information

WRTP | BIG STEP

• Headquarters: 3841 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208
• Phone: (414) 342-9787
• Email: milwaukee@wrtp.org
• Website: wrtp.org

Current (Lead Organization)

• Website: current.org
• Location: Chicago, IL

Grant Award Number: 2315268