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AquaHacking Program

 

Innovate. Learn. Build a water secure future.

 

 

AquaHacking is a high-impact innovation development program to inspire and equip the next generation of water entrepreneurs.

 

It brings together students, researchers, and young professionals to develop real-world solutions to some of the most pressing freshwater issues. 

Through a 10-month ideation and acceleration program, including expert mentorship, technical training, and business development support, participants turn their ideas into market-ready solutions that can drive meaningful change in water sustainability. 

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Binational 2026

Recruitment will open in February 2026

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Prairies 2025

Recruitment is closed for this edition

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Explore past
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AquaHacking's Impact

From our very first edition in 2016 to today, the AquaHacking program continues to grow.

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Participants
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Water Tech Startups Launched
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How it works 

 

noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Tackle real water issues identified by industry and community partners.
noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Work in teams to develop innovative, tech-based solutions.
noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Receive mentorship from experts in entrepreneurship, water technology, and business.
noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Compete for funding and incubation to turn ideas into viable startups.
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Team Sulys receiving first place at the AquaHacking Québec Challenge Final.
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Water activity during the AquaHacking Mille-Îles Expedition. 
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Visit to a water treatment plant during the AquaHacking Great Lakes 2019.
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Finalist teams of the AquaHacking Great Lakes Challenge.
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Leadership workshop bringing together participants from multiple teams in the AquaHacking Great Lakes Challenge.
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Media interview with a finalist team during the AquaHacking Mille-Îles Challenge Final.

Who can join?

The AquaHacking program is open to:

 

noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Students from all disciplines
noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Innovators
noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Early-career professionals
noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Aspiring entrepreneurs
noun-drop-1067524-FFFFFF Anyone who wants to make a difference in water sustainability.

No prior experience in entrepreneurship nor  water tech is needed! 

Why join?

 

When you join the AquaHacking program, you gain more than just experience—you gain the skills, network, and opportunities needed to turn your ideas into real-world water solutions. Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, our ecosystem provides hands-on training, expert mentorship, and direct access to industry leaders.

The future of water depends on bold thinkers and game-changing solutions.

 

Join the program. Be the solution.  

World-class skills

 

Learn how to build, launch, and scale your venture from successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and award-winning coaches

Curated curriculum

 

Gain access to business training, leadership development, and mentorship from experts eager to support your journey. 

 

Life skills

 

Develop problem-solving abilities and earn a meaningful resume boost as an "AquaHacking program participant."

Financial support

 

Secure seed funding, legal assistance, and a spot in a local startup incubator through our multi-disciplinary network of experts and partners.

Community of peers

 

Become part of the AquaNation, our thriving network of water innovators, and expand your venture and professional network with like-minded changemakers.

 

The program at a glance

 

From kickoff to incubation, the AquaHacking program spans over 10 months and culminates in a big, in-person finale.

Month 0

Kickoff

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Welcoming session to formally launch the Program with the registrants.

Month 1-5

Phase 1

noun-learning-7945414-244CAFTeams are established, meet water issues leaders, develop their solutions and projects, access the curriculum with on-demand workshops, and mentoring.

Month 5

Semi-Final

noun-pitch-5750958-244CAFTeams pitch their solution virtually to panels of judges, and 10 finalist teams are selected.

Month 6

Expedition

noun-team-6947525-244CAFFinalist teams participate in an in-person, intensive, and immersive leadership and training bootcamp.

Month 6-9

Phase 2

noun-mentoring-7396324-244CAFFinalist teams participate in leadership development workshops, access seed funding, entrepreneurship training, business development and legal training, storytelling, and pitch training.

Month 9

AquaHacking Finale

noun-prize-801320-244CAFTeams pitch their solutions to a panel of judges, competing for prize money, with the top 3–5 teams receiving awards. The finale is broadcast live, where the public also gets the chance to vote for their favorite team.

Month 10+

Incubation

noun-launch-7077790-244CAFTeams join AquaNation, and eventually continue their journey in an incubator.

Testimonials

Team CADeau
Team Proto StLo
Naysan Saran of CANN Forecast talks AquaHacking
ExTech MIP
Well Warriors
Clean Catch Baits