This EDA investment funds the upstream innovation: accelerator for digital utility transformation project, to build a chicago-based water technology accelerator program

This $2,066,556.92 Project Grant from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration funds the Upstream Innovation: Accelerator for Digital Utility Transformation project. The project will build a Chicago-based water technology accelerator program over three years to develop a pipeline of water technology companies through specialized training and business development supports. The awardee, Current Innovation NFP, will recruit a range of digital water solutions startups, small-to-medium enterprises, and entrepreneurs from diverse populations to provide rigorous training and mentorship to help them secure local investments and partnerships with utilities. This award supports the BUILD TO SCALE federal grant program (CFDA #11.024) to grow technology-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems through assistance to technology-based economic development.

The project work includes developing a pipeline of water technology companies over the three-year grant period through specialized training and business development supports to help innovators bring their ideas to fruition. Upstream innovation will recruit a range of digital water solutions startups, small-to medium-enterprises (smes), and entrepreneurs of representing diverse populations, to provide these companies with rigorous training and mentorship to help them to secure local investments and partnerships with utilities.