Key Takeaways
- AquaAction and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification launched AquaEntrepreneur Michigan, a new program to commercialize small and medium-sized water technology businesses.
- The program is supported by a Michigan Mobility Funding Platform Maritime Innovation Grant for the next two years and will accept up to twelve water technology companies in its inaugural year.
- Since 2022, AquaAction’s broader model has helped 61 companies land 550 pilot projects and grow annual revenues to more than $200 million.
- Regional pilot partners include Friends of the Rouge, the Port of Detroit/Wayne County and the Great Lakes Water Authority.
- AquaAction previously ran a Michigan startup challenge in 2023 that helped four companies create 21 jobs and secure $4 million in investment.
AquaAction Brings Its Commercialization Model to Michigan
AquaAction and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification have launched AquaEntrepreneur Michigan, a new commercialization program designed to help promising water technology small and medium-sized businesses scale alongside the state’s ports, utilities and water infrastructure operators.
The program, announced at ReShore 2026 in Traverse City, is supported through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform’s Maritime Innovation Grant for the next two years. AquaAction is inviting applications from up to twelve water technology companies for the program’s inaugural year.
Building on a Track Record in the Great Lakes
Since its founding in 2022, AquaAction’s broader AquaEntrepreneur model has helped 61 companies secure 550 pilot projects and grow their combined annual revenues to more than $200 million. The organization has built a network of regional pilot partners in Michigan, including Friends of the Rouge, the Port of Detroit/Wayne County and the Great Lakes Water Authority, who will support technology deployment through the new program.
“We’re thrilled to bring our proven blue-tech innovation model to Michigan. The state is full of innovative companies that often need just two things to succeed: expert guidance and the pilot opportunities that can be a golden ticket to commercialization,” said Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction.
“Michigan’s future depends on turning innovative ideas into technologies that strengthen our economy and our infrastructure,” said Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan, Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
Early Results From a 2023 Pilot
AquaAction first ran a startup challenge in Michigan in 2023; four companies from that program have since created 21 jobs and secured more than $4 million in investment, with 12 pilot projects underway. AquaEntrepreneur Michigan aims to significantly expand on that impact.
