1. Tell us about Cleveland Water Alliance and its impact.

Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) accelerates technology to solve global water challenges while strengthening our regional economy. By creating opportunities to test and advance solutions in real-world conditions, CWA allows tech creators to see how their innovations perform in new environments while empowering water managers with access to cutting-edge tools. As a part of this testbed system, CWA has created the largest digitally connected freshwater body in the world, covering nearly 8,000 square miles throughout Ohio. This network of digital sensors and telecommunications coverage acts as a real-world ‘sandbox’ to test sensing and monitoring technology and provide real-time data to regional utilities.

CWA is establishing Ohio as a leading water innovation destination, attracting innovators from around the world to refine, launch, commercialize, and distribute their products and solutions here.

2. What is it about Cleveland and the Great Lakes region that make the area a hub for innovation?‍

Cleveland’s position as a global water hub is deeply rooted in our history. Decades ago, environmental challenges like the Cuyahoga River fires sparked a massive movement of infrastructure development, water stewardship, and innovation. These early initiatives laid a foundation that has created one of the highest concentrations of water-industry expertise in the world.

The Great Lakes are home to 21% of the world’s surface freshwater, making water central to our regional identity and economy. Our thriving ecosystem anchors a robust network across academia and research institutions, world-renowned public utilities, corporate partners, and maritime interests. CWA supports this network by providing innovators with the specialized infrastructure, industry connections, and business services required to successfully pilot, scale, and establish their companies right here in the region.