Spring is here, which means deployment season is just around the corner! Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) is gearing up to get back in the water, with 15 unique technology deployments scheduled for this year. In 2024, our Testbed Network achieved unprecedented growth and impact, solidifying its position as a global leader in water technology innovation. With 15 companies deploying solutions from eight countries and a waitlist extending into 2026, the program continues to drive breakthrough solutions for critical water challenges. Stay tuned for testbed updates in our new Innovator Spotlight series, where we'll feature top innovators in our network and their cutting-edge technologies each month.
The program's reach expanded significantly in 2024, engaging with approximately 300 innovators worldwide and adding over 100 new companies to its portfolio. With an average of 21 innovator meetings monthly, CWA maintained robust connections across the water technology ecosystem. The program's success has generated such high demand that all 2025 testbed slots are filled, with bookings now extending into 2026.
In August, CWA expanded its testing capabilities with a strategic new buoy deployment near Toledo, Ohio. This addition provides innovators with access to Lake Erie's western basin, known for its dynamic water conditions and seasonal algal blooms. The buoy has already hosted successful deployments from In-Situ and LDI (Laser Diagnostic Instruments), with three more technologies scheduled for testing in 2025.
The testbed program continues to expand and supports a wide range of water technology innovations:
A landmark partnership with South Korean company Techwin and Avon Lake Regional Water launched North America's first high-concentrate hypochlorite generating system pilot, bringing a foreign investment of over $6 million to the region. This innovative technology enables on-site production of water treatment chemicals, reducing transportation risks and costs while offering potential revenue streams for utilities.
Danish startup SenArch successfully tested their solar-powered LoRaWAN gateway through CWA's graduated deployment approach. Starting at the University of Toledo's Lake Erie Center and expanding to Turtle Creek, this deployment demonstrated innovative solutions for maintaining smart water infrastructure in remote locations.
Cincinnati-based Clean Earth Rovers showcased their autonomous marine debris removal technology at Bay Point Marina, building on their previous DataPod deployments. This demonstration highlighted the program's ability to connect regional innovators with potential adopters, advancing solutions for Great Lakes' environmental challenges.
The program made significant strides in addressing the critical challenge of lead service line detection. In October 2024, CWA hosted a cross-sector event bringing together experts from the EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, regional water managers, and local elected officials to showcase cutting-edge detection technologies. Challenge winners Solinas Technologies and GQC demonstrated their innovations at Cleveland Water’s Lead Service Line Research Facility, addressing critical infrastructure needs ahead of EPA regulatory deadlines.
The event highlighted Cleveland's emergence as a national hub for lead detection solutions, particularly timely given the Biden-Harris Administration's October 8th mandate requiring complete lead service line replacement within ten years. The successful pilot program at Cleveland Water's Lead Service Line Research Facility has become a model for technology validation that could be replicated nationwide.
In March 2024, CWA strengthened its innovation support capabilities by welcoming Natalie Van Scyoc as an Innovation Associate. A Cleveland State University graduate passionate about environmental sustainability, Natalie has become an integral part of CWA's innovator engagement process. As the first point of contact for many innovators—whether they connect through international conferences or direct inquiries—she manages initial communications, coordinates meetings, and maintains the organization's CRM system to ensure seamless follow-up.
Natalie played a crucial role in launching and now manages CWA's Pilot Partner Circular (PPC), a bimonthly initiative that began in April 2024. The PPC serves as a vital connection point between emerging technologies and potential implementation partners. Through active participation in industry webinars and events, she continues to deepen her understanding of the water sector and CWA's pivotal role in advancing water technology innovation.
CWA's leadership team, including President and Executive Director Bryan Stubbs, Dr. Jeff Pu, Max Herzog, and Ebie Holst, represented the program at major international water technology events including World Water Tech London, IFAT Munich, WEFTEC, European Water Tech Week, and Singapore International Water Week. The team's presentations generated significant interest from global innovators and industry stakeholders, who recognized the unique value of CWA's testbed approach.
2024 saw the launch of CWA's Pilot Partner Circular, a specialized matchmaking service connecting emerging technology solutions with industry and utility partners for real-world trials. This initiative leverages CWA's piloting expertise along with an extensive network of partners and innovators to facilitate rapid adoption of promising technologies.
The testbed program has established itself as an ideal "soft landing" platform for international companies seeking to enter the U.S. market while offering multiple pathways for emerging and established companies.
Our comprehensive support services include:
Our new Innovator Spotlight Series is here! Kicking off with our Innovation Summit, this series highlights the latest in water technology across IoT, components, rapid detection, and AI. If you missed the Summit, you can watch the replay here to catch up.
Join us for our next Innovator Spotlight on April 29, featuring SenArch as they discuss the critical components of IoT that are shaping the future of water monitoring.
Innovators interested in participating in CWA's Testbed Program are invited to connect with our team. Whether you're a startup or an established company, our comprehensive support system can help accelerate your technology's path to market. Contact us to learn more about testing opportunities, market connections, and support services.
With a growing portfolio of hundreds of innovators and expanding global partnerships, CWA's Testbed Program continues to break new ground in water technology advancement. The program's success in 2024 sets the stage for an even greater impact in the years ahead, as it works to address critical water challenges through innovation and collaboration.
.svg)
.webp)
