At Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA), our mission extends beyond safeguarding Lake Erie; we’re driving economic development within The Water Economy. Through our Innovator Ecosystem and testbed programs, we’re taking existing technologies and the talents of local innovators, like India Johnson, and applying them in new, impactful ways within the water industry. This approach not only creates jobs but also connects innovators with employers and end-users, providing opportunities that advance both technology and careers.
India Johnson, a veteran drone pilot and founder of UA Vistas, exemplifies this mission. As a local woman of color who attended Cleveland State University and participated in our former tech competition, Erie Hack, India is now making waves within our Water Accelerator Testbeds. Her innovative drone technology, trialed right here in the Lake Erie Watershed, is a testament to how CWA is nurturing homegrown talent and expanding the possibilities within the water industry.
India’s journey into the world of drone technology is as inspiring as it is impressive. As a woman of color and a Cleveland native, she has navigated the challenges of the tech industry with resilience and determination. Her participation in our former tech competition, Erie Hack, was a pivotal moment, allowing her to showcase her innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. “Erie Hack was a turning point for me,” India recalls. “It gave me the platform and the network to push my ideas forward and really understand the potential impact of my work.”
India’s technology focuses on utilizing drones for environmental monitoring, a tool that has the potential to revolutionize how we gather and analyze data on water quality and ecosystem health. Her work in our Water Accelerator Testbeds has allowed her to fine-tune this technology in real-world conditions, contributing valuable data that enhances our understanding of the Lake Erie Watershed.
“Working within the CWA Testbeds has been an invaluable experience,” India shared. “It’s one thing to develop a concept in a lab, but being able to test and refine it in the field, with the support of an organization like CWA, has been crucial to the progress we’ve made.”
Emily Hamilton, Innovator Advocate at Cleveland Water Alliance, is equally enthusiastic about India’s contributions. “India’s work is a perfect example of how our Innovator Ecosystem is designed to support local talent and drive real-world impact,” Emily noted. “We’re not just interested in the technology itself; we’re committed to helping innovators like India integrate their solutions into the broader environmental landscape, where they can make a meaningful difference.”
Emily also highlighted the broader implications of India’s drone technology. “We see tremendous potential for this technology, not just in environmental monitoring but also in areas like buoy maintenance for our Smart Lake Erie Watershed initiative. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities that are emerging right here in our own backyard.”
India’s work doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. She is also collaborating with key CWA partners, including Cleveland Metroparks, to expand the applications of her technology. This collaboration underscores the strength of our Innovator Ecosystem, where partnerships between local innovators and established organizations lead to the development of cutting-edge solutions tailored to our region’s unique challenges.
“Being part of this ecosystem has allowed me to connect with like-minded professionals and organizations that share my passion for environmental sustainability,” India explained. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see my work contributing to the broader efforts of the Cleveland Water Alliance and its partners.”
As we continue to explore the possibilities of drone technology in the Lake Erie Watershed, we’re excited to see how India’s innovations will shape the future of environmental monitoring and data collection. Her journey from a Cleveland State University student to a leading innovator in our community is a testament to the power of local talent and the importance of supporting homegrown solutions to global challenges.
“We’re proud to have India in our Innovator Ecosystem,” Emily concluded. “Her work exemplifies the kind of innovation that is essential to advancing our Smart Lake Erie Watershed initiative and ensuring a sustainable future for our region.”
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