Join AquaAction for the AquaHacking Binational 2026 recruiting event at the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority.

This networking and info session event will bring together student innovators, early-stage entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, researchers, and community partners from across Metro Detroit to learn how to get involved in the AquaHacking Binational 2026 Challenge, a seven-month innovation program supporting the creation of pilot-ready startups tackling urgent freshwater challenges across the Great Lakes region. 

You’ll hear directly from AquaAction and regional partners about: 

• Key freshwater problem themes in Michigan 

• Who should apply (not just engineers or scientists!) 

• How to participate as a founder, mentor, sponsor, or a pilot partner 

A facilitated networking and guided community conversations focused on Michigan’s most pressing water issues, from stormwater flooding and PFAS contamination to aging infrastructure and beach closures and how lived experience can be transformed into real-world innovation. 

📝Agenda 

5:00 PM – 5:15 PM: Registration & Welcome  

5:15 PM – 5:20 PM: Port of Detroit & the growing importance of water innovation across sectors 

5:20 PM – 5:25 PM: Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M) & the role of research universities in advancing water innovation 

5:25 PM – 5:55 PM: AquaHacking 2026: Information Session  

5:55 PM – 7:00 PM: Q & A Session & Networking

Join us and be part of the innovation in Detroit!