Freshwater Forum 2026
Current’s annual Freshwater Forum is the premier event of Chicago Water Week 2026, bringing together water industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to explore how collaboration and water technology are shaping a more sustainable water future for our communities, environment, and economy.
The Freshwater Forum will spark conversation around water technology and the pathways that connect education, innovation, and real-world impact.
Event Program
Speakers include blue economy leaders driving change across research, technology, and workforce and economic systems. The event will include a panel with the following MacArthur Fellows:
William Dichtel, Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University
William Tarpeh, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University
Juan Salgado, Chancellor at City Colleges of Chicago
Stay tuned for additional speakers and program details!
Sponsors
💧 Thank you to our lead sponsor, MacArthur Foundation, whose generous support makes it possible to offer this event free of charge to attendees.
🌊 We also appreciate support from our sponsors Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI) and Taft Law, as well as Sloan for generously providing the event space.
We’re still seeking sponsors for the Freshwater Forum and Chicago Water Week. Interested in getting involved? Reach out to [email protected] for details.
Support Our Work
Current turns 10 in 2026! Celebrate a decade of advancing water innovation and support our work to accelerate real solutions for the world's most critical water challenges—donate to Current today and be part of the movement to grow our region's circular blue economy.