Regional and state leaders will gather Sept. 12 to break ground on the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, a landmark project establishing Northern Michigan as the "epicenter of water innovation and a globally relevant hub for the blue economy."

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at 13240 S. West Bay Shore Drive, the future site of the center on Discovery Pier’s campus.

The $28.9 million project is a collaborative effort of Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms. By co-locating working pier space, advanced laboratories, and business incubation under one roof, the center will serve as the home for water technology and marine mobility, where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures, and opportunities become careers.

“The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is not only a Michigan asset, it’s a global platform for blue tech innovation,” the center’s Board Chair Greg Luyt said in a statement. “We invite companies, researchers, and funders from around the world to join us as we move ideas from lab to market, build the workforce of tomorrow, and protect our freshwater resources for future generations through innovation.”

The 38,000-square-foot facility will feature advanced laboratories, business incubation space, and working pier access for research vessels. Areas of focus include autonomous and remote systems, AI, acoustic and observation platforms, water quality technologies, and sustainable marine mobility.

The project has already secured more than $26 million in commitments from federal, state, and private funders, with fundraising ongoing. Once complete, the center is expected to draw national and international tenants, create high-wage jobs, and generate research with global applications.

About the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center
The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is a joint venture of Discovery Pier and Northwestern Michigan College with support from Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms. Located on Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Mich., the center will serve as the epicenter of water innovation by connecting education, research, industry, and community for sustainable growth in the blue tech sector. Visit freshwatercenter.org.