Challenge Yourself. Change the Future of Freshwater.
Deadline to register is April 6, 2026.
Protecting the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence
Join the AquaHacking Challenge, a free innovation program uniting students, researchers, and young professionals across Canada and the U.S. to safeguard the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence, one of our most critical shared freshwater systems.
The Great Lakes & St. Lawrence River waters sustain 110 million people with a regional economy valued at $9.3T USD. If it were its own country, it would be the third largest economy in the world, which contains 21% of our freshwater. Protecting this thriving region is critical for our economy and our health.
AquaHacking is a 7-month innovation and entrepreneurship program where participants develop early-stage water-tech solutions and are equipped to take action on critical water issues.
You’ll work in a team (or solo), learn by doing, and build toward a solution that can benefit communities, the environment, and the economy on both sides of the border.You'll getmentorship, training, tools, and the momentum to turn an idea into a real-world solution, seed funding and potentially a startup.
Now in it’s 10th year, AquaHacking has a record of success, having launched over 80 start-ups and awarded over $1 million in seed funding.
No entrepreneurship or technical experience needed. Just curiosity and commitment!
Testimonials
See what our past participants have to say!
Proto StLo
AquaHacking Challenge Great Lakes 2024│3rd place
"The AquaHacking Challenge is a trampoline: the energy you invest is doubled in rewards - from invaluable knowledge to life-changing experiences."
Maxinano
AquaHacking Great Lakes 2024│Finalist
"AquaHacking has helped us turn our technology into reality, as we have a lot of experience in the lab, but little in industry."
Geomage
AquaHacking Quebec 2023│3rd place
"It was interesting to speak to other teams during the expedition, and see the parallels between us, such as the difficulties we encountered as we worked on our solution."
Why Join AquaHacking
As a participant, you will get:
Free registration and flexibility
designed to fit your schedule, ~3–5 hours/week
The chance to win up to $70,000
in seed funding (total prizes)
An enhanced resume
with real-world experience in water innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, communications and sustainable business on your CV
Access to a fast growing network
connect with top industry leaders and unlock internship and job opportunities
Tools and resources
to shape, test, and validate your idea
Hands-on venture support
coaching, expert mentorship, and legal and technical support from multidisciplinary specialists to build, launch and scale your venture
As a finalist, you will get:
All-expense paid trips
to a unique St-Lawrence River leadership expedition and Detroit pitch Grand Finale
The chance to pitch to win seed funding
from a pool of $70,000. Receive $1,000 after the semi-final to help support your solution.
The chance to join a top incubator
in the Canada or in the U.S.
Legal and technical support
through a multidisciplinary network of specialists and partners
AquaNation member access
an entrepreneur community, where you will receive visibility, networking, financing opportunities, and business development tools
Pilot project eligibility
through the AquaEntrepreneur program
Whether you’re here to launch a startup or simply contribute to a
There is no registration fee to take part in the Program.
There is no minimum or maximum. You can participate solo or form a team.
However, we strongly encourage multidisciplinary teams.
We encourage the formation of diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
You can invite your friends, classmates or peers to sign up for the AquaHacking Program and be part of your team.
Once registered, you'll be able to
a) view the profiles of other participants and invite them to join your team
b) browse the profiles of existing teams and apply to join them
c) ask for help from our support team, which can facilitate introductions.
A virtual team-forming session will also help you find teammates.
Projects or solutions must contribute to solving one of the water issues presented in this Challenge. They can be nature-based solutions,biotech solutions, and technological solutions (hardware and software) based on digital tools, information technologies, programming, artificial intelligence, engineering or robotics, etc. Solutions cannot be regulatory in nature nor do we accept major infrastructure projects.
The AquaHacking Program is open to anyone who wants to have a positive impact on water, whatever their field of study or expertise. We strongly encourage the participation of multidisciplinary teams. Although the AquaHacking Program ultimately leads to the creation of a startup, we respect the fact that some participants will not continue the adventure after the Program, which is why we award certification to the finalists to recognize their contribution.
The AquaHacking Program is designed to serve as a launchpad for the development of your entrepreneurial project. You have the freedom to choose the legal form of your startup, whether it's a non-profit organization, a social enterprise, or an incorporated company. Whatever form you choose, it's essential to ensure the sustainability of your solution and your startup by drawing up a solid business plan and a clear development plan.
You don't need to have an idea or a solution before you register. All the necessary resources will be made available to participants in order to proceed with the ideation and development of their solution.
The AquaHacking Binational Program lasts 7 months.
Participants should anticipate allocating 3 to 5 hours per week to the development of their solution and startup project.
It is entirely possible to balance one's studies and/or full-time work with participation in the Program.
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