When public organizations decide to tackle large problems confronting the communities they represent, they often turn to private sector partners offering effective solutions. When the Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) tried to do that in its efforts to improve the management and health of Lake Erie, it discovered a shortage of businesses capable of filling its needs. In response, CWA created its own, enormous testbed that it allows water sector startups to use for developing, perfecting, and marketing their products—and for propelling their companies into full commercial operation.

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