The SBIR/STTR Accelerator for Water Tech Innovators is a commercialization-focused training program designed to help water technology startups and small businesses successfully compete for federal research and development funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, also known as America’s Seed Fund.
Led by Current and Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC), and funded by Current’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Great Lakes RENEW Engine, this program combines expert-led training, individualized coaching, and practical commercialization tools to help innovators develop promising technologies into market-ready solutions.
The accelerator will equip entrepreneurs with the skills, strategies, and resources needed to secure non-dilutive funding and accelerate commercialization, with additional opportunities available through the Great Lakes RENEW ecosystem.
Participation is provided at no cost to selected companies through funding from the National Science Foundation’s Great Lakes RENEW Engine, anchored by Current. While program participation is free, companies selected for in-person cohorts are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
The federal SBIR and STTR programs provide billions of dollars in non-dilutive funding to support technology innovation, yet many early-stage companies struggle to navigate the application process and build the commercialization strategies necessary for success.
The accelerator combines interactive workshops with individualized coaching to provide participants with both foundational knowledge and practical application.
Participants complete a structured curriculum consisting of five interactive modules delivered over approximately 15 hours of instruction. Topics include:
To maximize accessibility and engagement across the region, the SBIR/STTR Accelerator for Water Tech Innovators will offer both in-person and virtual cohorts. Participants will complete the same core curriculum and receive individualized support regardless of delivery format.
Two in-person cohorts will be hosted in key cities within the Great Lakes region.
Each in-person cohort will include up to 10 participating companies and will deliver the full curriculum over two consecutive days of interactive workshops, peer learning, and networking opportunities. Benefits of the in-person format include:
Note: While participation in the program is provided at no cost, selected participants are responsible for covering their own travel and lodging expenses for in-person cohorts.
Through participation in the SBIR/STTR Accelerator, companies will gain the knowledge, tools, and support necessary to:
By strengthening the commercialization pipeline for water technologies, the program helps advance solutions that address critical water challenges while supporting economic growth across the Great Lakes region.
Following completion of the cohort, participants receive individualized coaching designed to translate program learning into actionable commercialization progress.
This phase includes direct one-on-one engagement with an EIR or subject matter expert from EC for each participating company.
Support is delivered over a 60-day period after the conclusion of each cohort and is focused on advancing SBIR/STTR readiness.
By the end of this engagement, each company will have developed a clear and actionable SBIR/STTR application strategy, including identification of target federal agencies and funding opportunities.
A nonprofit water innovation hub dedicated to growing a circular blue economy, accelerating water innovation, and solving pressing water challenges. Current provides funding for the program via Great Lakes RENEW, water sector expertise, innovation ecosystem connections, and opportunities for commercialization support post-program via RENEW programs.
Delivers the program curriculum and commercialization coaching, leveraging extensive experience supporting technology startups and helping companies secure federal funding. Organizations supported by Entrepreneur’s Center have collectively secured billions of dollars in follow-on funding and contracts.
Interested companies can apply by completing the application form by August 9, 2026. Applicants will be asked to provide information about their company, technology, and preferred cohort. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Cooperative Agreement No. 2315268
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