Special Issue: 2015 Minnesota Water Technology Summit

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith

The Minnesota Water Technology Summit at the University of Minnesota last Friday attracted about 185 industry leaders and supporters to discuss key topics related to water sector commercialization, water reuse and recovery, water risk and conservation, and the regulatory environment.

Ecolab CEO Doug Baker and Pentair CEO Randall Hogan were the keynote speakers. Lt. Gov. Tina Smith presented the just-completed Minnesota Water Industry Profile, which offers an in-depth look at the size and scope of the state water industry. According to the report, the Minnesota water sector employed about 13,500 workers in 2014 and grew three times faster than overall state employment in the last decade, The water industry comprises about 1,200 business establishments in the state.

The report concluded that the state has an opportunity to use its water resources, technologies and services to grow the economy, as well as create local opportunities for the broader water-enabled industries that rely on clean and readily available water.

The full report is posted on the Environmental Quality Board website.

Go here to see or download a PowerPoint of event presentations at the Water Summit.

Ecolab CEO Doug Baker was a keynote 
speaker at the Water Technology Summit.

Upcoming Water Roundtables

Oct. 9 - RUSSIA’S WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT SECTOR

Always in the news, Russia can be a challenging market to understand. What do you need to know about Russia in order to capture the potentially rewarding opportunities? A Water Roundtable session to address this question will take place as part of a series of events and workshops offered by the emerging American-Russian Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota (ARCCoM) and its steering committee. A review of U.S. Department of Commerce insights on the Russian water market will complement presentations by local experts on doing business in Russia. Consider, too, attending related events at ARCCoM’s first inaugural workshop.

WHEN | Friday, Oct. 9 - Roundtable takes place from 11 a.m. to noon; registration 10:30 a.m.

WHERE | Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Room 1-127.

COST | This event is free. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of ARCCoM workshop organizers.

REGISTRATION | For more information and instructions on registration, go to the Minnesota Trade Office calendar of events.

DEC. 1 - COMMERCIALIZATION OF EMERGING WATER TECHNOLOGIES

In a water-stressed world, the demand for good, commercializable ideas in water and wastewater treatment is enormous. What path does an idea take from conception to commercially successful technology? What’s the environment like for seeking patents for water technologies? What university resources are available to me and my business? Join us on Dec. 1 when the University of Minnesota’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) walks us through the answers to these questions and more. While OTC assists with the commercialization of a broad spectrum of technologies, this event will focus on water technologies and will feature university experts presenting on the commercialization path of their own ideas. Hear also from a local law firm on the world of water technology patents and intellectual property protection.

WHEN | Tuesday, Dec. 1. Roundtable 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; registration 9:30 a.m.

WHERE | Walter Library, 117 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota East Bank

COST | $30 before Nov. 25; $40 after this date and for walk-ins.

REGISTRATION | Register here to attend this event.