Water Week has begun and to kick the week off we sat down with Chief Executive Office and Director of Current; Alaina Harkness and Lead Water Strategist at Argonne National Laboratory; Dr. Junhong Chen. Current is a non-profit convener of scientists, corporates, academic institutions, and local governments that has a goal of turning waste into wealth through responsible stewardship of water resources. Alaina and Junhong met with us to discuss their team's recent recognition as an NSF Regional Innovation Engine designee, the Blue economy of the Midwest, the energy-water nexus, and, of course, all things Water Week! Stream, stream, stream, the episode now!

The State of Innovation is BACK with an episode on clean tech innovations, the mode du jour for innovators and scientists working to combat climate change, and startup success stories. We were privileged to welcome the director of mHUB Chicago's Climate and Energy Tech Accelerator; Thierry Van Landegem. Tune in and hear Thierry share his advice for clean tech founders, investors, and our robust discussion on the Climate and Energy Tech Sector.

On Today's episode fo the State of Innovation Podcast, we talk to Chicago Urban Historian Shermann Dilla Thomas on what it means to be an innovator from the city.

Our discussion weaved together the rich history of Chicago with Dilla's insights on the multitude of pathways the city can follow to rekindle its innovative spirit. We discussed historical achievements be Chicago leaders; Bessie Coleman, George Ferris, and many others. We discussed the important history of Chicago's South and West side neighborhoods. Dilla's perspective comes from being a son of Chicago and we want you to join us to learn about why 'Everything Dope About STEM, Comes from Chicago.' Tune in!