Progress is well underway on the $27.5 million Freshwater Research & Innovation Center just north of Traverse City. The center, a collaboration between Michigan Technological University and four local organizations, aims to bridge the gap between startups and academia in the Great Lakes region. The project received $15 million in funding from the state Legislature, with an additional $12.5 million to be raised by the end of the year.
The center’s partners are actively seeking funding from foundations and grants to meet the fundraising goal. They are reaching out to organizations such as the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Matt McDonough, CEO of the Discovery Center, believes that this additional funding could also include $2 million to $5 million in other state funding.
The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center will focus on addressing pressing issues related to the Great Lakes, such as the detection and remediation of PFAS chemicals, the presence of microplastics, invasive species, lead contamination, and nutrient runoffs. The partnership between Michigan Technological University and Northwestern Michigan College will bring together experts in water-related research from both institutions.
The center’s aim is to attract faculty and students from additional state universities, including Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University. McDonough has expressed confidence in the success of the center and is already planning a second building on the Discovery site.
Significant infrastructure improvements have been made to the former Traverse City Light and Power coal dock, which will serve as the docking area for research vessels associated with the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center. The improvements included dredging and expanding the marina basin, constructing a new dock system, and other utility enhancements.
The construction of the research center is expected to commence in late 2025, pending site-plan approvals. The center will house research facilities, while a separate Dockside Learning Lab will be built on the pier. The Discovery Center complex, currently home to various tenants, including the Great Lakes Children’s Museum and Traverse Area Community Sailing, will make way for the center’s construction.
In addition to supporting startups and early-stage companies, the research center will also accommodate the offices of organizations such as 20Fathoms and Michigan Tech’s Traverse City Research Center. The project aims to be fully occupied within the first two years of operation.
The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is set to play a key role in advancing research and innovation in the Great Lakes region. Its collaborative approach, bridging the gap between academia and startups, will contribute to tackling critical challenges and protecting the Great Lakes’ ecosystem for future generations.
