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Northern Michigan is positioning itself as a global hub for water technology and marine mobility with the development of the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center (FRIC), a $28.9 million, 40,000-sf facility designed to drive the "blue economy" and establish the region as an epicenter for water innovation. After officially breaking ground on September 12, 2025, the center will serve as a collaborative platform to move ideas from lab to market while safeguarding freshwater resources.

The project team includes Cornerstone Architects and The Christman Company.

Located at 13170 S West Bay Shore Drive on Discovery Pier's campus in Traverse City, MI, the project is a joint venture between Discovery Pier and Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), with support from Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms. The facility's design co-locates advanced laboratories, business incubation space, and working pier access under one roof, creating a powerful accelerator for blue tech ventures. It will support education, research, innovation, incubation, and commercialization in freshwater technology.

"Blue tech" refers to technologies and innovations focused on the sustainable use, management, and protection of freshwater and marine resources, supporting both environmental stewardship and economic growth.

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