Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge

What is the Blue Tech Challenge?

The Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge is a dynamic innovation competition led by Northwestern Michigan College and supported by national and regional partners. Its purpose: To inspire, support and fast-track early-stage businesses that are developing technologies and solutions for issues impacting the Great Lakes basin.

Whether your idea centers on water quality, microplastics, PFAS (the so-called “forever chemicals”), marine infrastructure, or other freshwater challenges — this competition offers a platform for you to bring it forward.

Why it matters

The Great Lakes are among the world’s most significant freshwater resources and face an array of complex pressures. This isn’t just about preserving natural beauty — it’s also about protecting livelihoods, ecosystems and regional economies. The Blue Tech Challenge links innovators with resources, mentorship and exposure to help them thrive and contribute.

For participants, the competition offers more than prize money: It’s an opportunity to join a growing innovation ecosystem anchored in northern Michigan, where developed technologies may even find a home in the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center.

Who can participate

The Challenge is open to motivated entrepreneurs, startups, early-career professionals and even student-led ventures from across the United States and Canada. If you have a viable business solution related to freshwater challenges or systems, you’re eligible.

No matter the stage — from a concept to a working prototype — the competition welcomes bold ideas that aim to make a difference in freshwater science, technology, infrastructure or sustainability.

Key details

• Registration opens: January 16, 2026
• Prize opportunities: The top award includes $30,000 in seed funding.
• What’s next: Semi-finalists advance to a pitch round; finalists may present at a major industry conference, gaining visibility and networking.
• Ecosystem linkage: The Challenge is closely tied to the development of the 40,000-square-foot innovation facility at the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center (FRIC) at Discovery Pier — creating a pipeline of opportunity and space for growth.

What past participants say

Take the example of one startup from Traverse City: Beginning as a concept a year and a half ago, today it’s working in real-time on prototype devices that test PFAS in the field. The Challenge and related ecosystem gave them momentum, resources and a pathway.

As Challenge participant Mark Dragovich put it: “If we can make people fall in love with the Great Lakes, then maybe more people will be apt to protect them.”

Why the Challenge matters for you

• For entrepreneurs: It’s a launchpad — you’ll receive mentorship, exposure and potential for real seed funding.
• For researchers and innovators: You’ll plug into a network of water-technology specialists, labs, and the freshwater-innovation ecosystem.
• For the region: Your success becomes part of a broader story — innovation meeting conservation meets economic development — in the heart of the Great Lakes.

Ready to apply?

If you’re working on a freshwater solution with ambition and heart, submit your pitch for consideration once registration opens on January 16, 2026 to join a cohort of innovators who are re-imagining what’s possible for our lakes, rivers and communities in the Great Lakes basin.