Ohio is ripe for innovation, and CWA’s network of innovators are at the forefront of this momentum. Join Cleveland Water Alliance for a dynamic panel discussion featuring the founders and leaders of some of our state's most promising water technology companies. Hear how our unique technologies are shaping the future of caring for and managing our water resources, and learn about CWA’s innovation programming for commercializing and accelerating water tech. Together, we’re not only working to solve global water issues, but we’re creating an economic impact right here in Ohio.
This panel will explore the critical challenges these companies are tackling—from microplastics and PFAS to agricultural runoff—and discuss how their unique technologies are shaping the future of water management.
Hear directly from the teams at CLEANR, Neundorfer Inc., and CoreWater as they discuss the evolution of their technologies and their unique journeys within the Ohio innovation ecosystem.
Dennis holds a B.A. from Oberlin College and an M.A. from Michigan State University and has more than 20 years of experience in high-technology startups. He currently serves as the President and CEO of CoreWater Technologies, Inc., where he leads the organization in advancing innovative water treatment solutions to meet the global PFAS challenge. Passionate about improving drinking water quality, he drives the company mission to provide sustainable and efficient solutions that benefit communities and industries alike. By fostering collaboration and leveraging cutting-edge technology, he aims to deliver impactful results that align with the vision of a healthier planet free of PFAS.
At CoreWater Technologies, Dennis has contributed to refining water treatment systems and advancing production processes, ensuring high-quality and effective solutions for diverse applications. His leadership builds on insights gained as GM and Co-Founder of Nanotech Innovations, LLC, where he helped spearhead nanotechnology advancements, including the development of scalable systems for high-purity carbon nanotube production. Dennis’ expertise in production planning and water quality solutions continues to guide impactful innovations in the field.
Steve Ostanek is the President and Owner of Neundorfer, Inc., where he has dedicated 40+ years to advancing the reliability and performance of electrostatic precipitators and air pollution control equipment. Over his career, Steve has guided Neundorfer’s growth from a niche provider of cost-effective service and upgrades to a company recognized for its innovative technical services, products, and strategies.
Today, under his leadership, Neundorfer combines cross-disciplinary expertise with a results-driven approach to help industrial customers optimize equipment performance and achieve lasting operational improvements. Building on this legacy of innovation, Steve is championing the introduction of pulsed electric field (PEF) technology, a breakthrough that opens new pathways for efficiency, sustainability, and resource recovery across industries. His forward-looking approach reflects a consistent vision: to equip customers with solutions that not only solve today’s challenges but also shape a more resilient and sustainable future.
Max Pennington is the CEO and one of the co-founders of CLEANR, a Cleveland-based platform filtration technology startup venture focused on tackling microplastics at its source. Max graduated Summa Cum Laude from Case Western Reserve University with his degree in Chemical Engineering. Max was selected as a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree in the Green Tech space for his work at CLEANR, as well as Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 20 in their 20s.
Max co-developed CLEANR’s patented, award-winning VORTX technology, which is inspired by nature based on how fish filter out their food. CLEANR’s VORTX technology won the American Filtration and Separation Society’s New Product of the Year Award. CLEANR has launched their first product, powered by VORTX, CLEANR for Washing Machines, which can attach to any washing machine and capture over 90% of microplastics down to 50-micron - our laundry is the largest source of microplastics into the environment. CLEANR for Washing Machines won a CES Innovation Award in Home Appliances in 2026.
CLEANR is actively developing products that capture microplastics both leaving and entering your home, including drinking water filtration with their VORTX technology. CLEANR’s work in fighting microplastics pollution has been featured in Forbes, the NY Post, the front page of the Plain Dealer, the SF Chronicle, Anthropocene Magazine, and more.
Samantha blends a background of mission-based storytelling, collaborative stewardship, and process creation. She is passionate about engaging in her local community, serves on the Cuyahoga River AOC Advisory Committee as well as the Cleveland 2030 District Board. She holds a BA from Baldwin-Wallace College in Public Relations and Political Science.
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