This is our largest challenge group ever, with over 300 participants working to develop innovative ideas to tackle four critical water issues.

It all comes to a head in a high energy, Shark Tank-style Grand Finale on November 5th at The Beacon in Detroit, where the top 10 teams will bring months of coaching and planning to the stage for their final pitch and a chance to win major seed funding.

This full-day event will feature thought-provoking panels with leaders from across the water innovation ecosystem, alongside dynamic networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration and drive real world impact. Meet the AquaHackers; the innovators behind these solutions, and discover the ideas and technologies shaping the future of water.

Can't join us in Detroit? The Grand Finale will be livestreamed for audiences everywhere, so you can follow the action from wherever you are, and on the platform that suits you best.

AquaHacking Finale 2026

NOVEMBER 5, 2026 | THE BEACON, DETROIT, MICHIGAN

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Guest Check-in & Registration

9:30 AM

Welcome & Housekeeping

Master of Ceremonies: Kenza Vandenbroeck, AquaHacking Program Lead

9:32 AM – 9:42 AM

Event Kickoff

Soula Chronopoulos & Co-hosts, President, AquaAction

9:42 AM – 9:50 AM

Opening Words

Frank Ettawageshik, Executive Director, United Tribes of Michigan

9:51 AM – 9:55 AM

Welcome

Jake Chidester, VP of Strategic Initiatives, Bedrock

9:56 AM – 10:11 AM
Opening Keynote
Carlos Del Toro
President & CEO, Del Toro Global Associates, and former U.S. Secretary of the Navy

10:11 AM – 10:13 AM

Run-Through of the Day

10:13 AM – 10:30 AM

Coffee Break

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Building the Blue Economy: Creating the Conditions for Water Innovation and Impact

Leaders from across the water innovation ecosystem will explore where early-stage innovators can make a difference and what's needed to create stronger pathways from promising ideas and pilots to real-world impact, offering practical insights for the next generation of water entrepreneurs.

Moderator

Oliver Anderson, VP Communications & Growth, AquaAction

Panelists

Collen Hau, Managing Director, NewLab
Mark Schrupp, Executive Director, Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority
Ashley Flintoff, Executive Director, Friends of the Rouge
Vito Figliomeni, Executive Director, Ontario Commercial Fisheries' Association (OCFA)

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

Lunch

12:45 PM – 12:50 PM

Welcome Back & Recap of the Challenge

12:50 PM – 12:55 PM

Introduction of Judges

12:55 PM – 2:10 PM

Pitch Competition – Part 1

Team Pitches: Teams 1–6.

2:10 PM – 2:20 PM

Quick Break

2:20 PM – 3:35 PM

Pitch Competition – Part 2

Team Pitches: Teams 5–12.

3:37 PM – 4:20 PM

Networking Break

4:20 PM – 4:30 PM
Concluding Keynote
Hilary Doe
President & CEO, MoveDetroit; Michigan's first Chief Growth Officer

4:30 PM – 5:05 PM

Awards, Wrap-Up & Close

5:05 PM – 7:00 PM

5@7 Networking Reception

Celebrate with the community and continue conversations with teams, industry leaders and partners.

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Panelists sit in patterned armchairs, smiling during the AquaHacking Prairies event. A camera operator with a headset stands behind them next to a professional broadcast camera. In the background, audience members sit in rows of white chairs in a bright, modern industrial space.

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From a high-angle view, participants network in a modern lobby during AquaHacking Québec 2023. Groups of people in professional attire and event lanyards talk near red and grey lounge seating. Large windows in the background look out onto a street at dusk.

Six panelists sit on white sofas during the AquaHacking Ottawa River 2015 event. Large vertical screens behind them display their names and portraits, including Caroline Brodeur and Nicolas Milot. A moderator stands at a glass lectern to the right, facing the engaged audience.

Why You Should Attend

See innovation in action — discover cutting-edge freshwater solutions developed by emerging young innovators.

Shape the outcome — cast your vote for the Public Choice Award and support your favorite team.

Connect with leaders — network with industry experts, community partners, funders, and top innovators in water tech.

Be inspired — experience the creativity and passion driving the future of water innovation.

Celebrate talent — support young change-makers committed to protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems.

Connect, Celebrate, and Be Inspired - after the competition, enjoy a celebratory cocktail, food, and drinks while connecting with innovators, industry leaders, and community partners.

Be part of an evening that showcases the creativity and determination driving water innovation across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence.