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Lac Osisko

AquaHacking Challenge

QUÉBEC 2025

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ESTABLISHED BY
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ABOUT THE CHALLENGE

 

Get 10-months of free support and tools, and embark on an unforgettable adventure where you'll meet like-minded peers, united by water stewardship! The focus of the Challenge is on the rehabilitation and revitalization of watersheds that are impacted by mining activities and other keystone industries in Quebec. Osisko Lake in Rouyn-Noranda, this year's host city for our in-person activities, is a symbol of hope in the restoration of aquatic environments. The Challenge will help turn ideas into impactful startups that benefit the health of our communities, the environment and our economy.

 

Participants will compete for the following prizes: 1st place : $20 000; 2nd place : $10 000; 3rd place : $5 000; People's Choice Award: $1 000.

 

Have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

 

 

After wrapping up registration, we're thrilled to announce the current numbers!

 

 

 

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By the end of the journey, this could be you!

 

 

 

SELECT A WATER ISSUE TO TACKLE

 

Watch our first Info-Session to help make your choice!

 

 

Want to learn even more? Click the title of the Water Issues below to learn more about the issues of focus during this Challenge. When you register, you'll select one issue to pursue the development of an innovative solution with your team.

 noun-dead-fish-6490787-1E48B3 EUTROPHICATION

 noun-water-pollution-6247484-1E48B3 WATER AND SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION

 

 noun-seaweed-4275101-1E48B3 AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES AND CONTAMINANT ACCUMULATORS

 noun-wastewater-3344996-1E48B3 URBAN RUNOFF

 noun-gerrymandering-15219-1E48B3 CITIZEN SCIENCE FOR AQUATIC CONSERVATION

Got questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

or

Register for our Water Issue-specific webinar here

TIMELINE OF THE CHALLENGE

  • Updated ANG - Post WIL

 

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

 

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FAQs

 

Have questions?

Others frequently ask…
  • The Challenge is open to students and young professionals aged 18 and over, residing in Canada.

  • Register on the registration platform before October 31, 2024, by following this link: https://bit.ly/InscriptionQC2025 . You will be prompted to create an account. Carefully follow the instructions and keep an eye on your email inbox as you will receive your sign-up confirmation with further instructions. Remember to check your junk mail if necessary.

  • Participation in an AquaHacking Challenge is free.

    There is no registration fee to take part in the Challenge.

  •  There is no minimum or maximum. You can participate solo or form a team.

  • We encourage the formation of diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

     

    1. You can invite your friends, classmates or peers to sign up for the AquaHacking Challenge and be part of your team.

    2. 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.

  • Projects or solutions must contribute to solving one of the five issues presented in this Challenge. They must be 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 Challenge 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 Challenge ultimately leads to the creation of a startup, we respect the fact that some participants will not continue the adventure after the Challenge, which is why we award certification to the finalists to recognize their contribution.

  • The AquaHacking challenge 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.

     

     

  • - October 31, 2024: Registration deadline

    - November 1, 2024: Access to Phase 1 of the training and coaching curriculum

    - March 8, 2025: Virtual semi-final (morning)

    - March 11, 2025: Announcement of the 10 finalist teams, that will advance to Phase 2

    - March 14, 2025: Access to Phase 2 of the curriculum and personalized mentoring

    - April 11-13, 2025: Finalists' expedition in the Rouyn Noranda region

    - June 13, 2025: AquaHacking Finals in person in Rouyn Noranda

  • The AquaHacking Québec Challenge lasts 8 months (from November 2024 to June 2025).

    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 Challenge.

  • If you'd like to find out more and browse through some of the solutions that previous AquaHacking participants have worked on, please visit https://aquaaction.org/eng/nos-programmes/alumni-card-eng/

  • Semi-finalist teams who are not selected to advance to Phase 2, and whose Challenge ends after the Semi-Finals:


    •     Receive a certificate of participation


    •    Are encouraged to continue developing their solution and startup with the support of the AquaAction team.


    Finalist teams who have completed the Challenge and pitched at the Finals on June 13, 2025:


    •    Receive certification and micro-credits


    •    Receive start-up funding (TOP 3 only)


    •    Join one of Quebec's top startup incubators


    •    Access personalized legal support


    •    Join AquaNation and benefit from visibility, networking, financing, and business development tools and opportunities.


    •    Ultimately, they will be eligible to join AquaAction's AquaEntrepreneur program to run pilot projects.

  • If you are interested in becoming a mentor, judge or partner, please contact the AquaAction team at info@aquaaction.org.