AquaHacking Finale 2026

NOVEMBER 5, 2026 | THE BEACON, DETROIT, MICHIGAN

9:00 – 9:30

Arrival & Welcome

Coffee & Tea. Connect with fellow attendees and sponsors.

9:30 – 10:00

Opening Keynotes

Welcome remarks, land acknowledgement, and alumni speeches.

10:00 – 11:15
Pitch Competition – Part 1
Team Pitches: Teams 1-5.

11:15 – 12:00

Economy & Innovation Panel

Crossing the "Valley of Death": From Pilot to Commercial Scale.

12:00 – 1:00

Lunch

Buffet lunch with time to connect and recharge.

1:00 – 1:45

Engagement Activity

Interactive Networking: Connect and Exchange Ideas.

1:45 – 3:00
Pitch Competition – Part 2
Team Pitches: Teams 5-10.

3:00 – 3:45

Science & Environment Panel

From Lab to Field: Turning Research into Real-World Impact.

3:45 – 4:00

Concluding Keynote

Final keynote to inspire action and close the day.

4:00 – 4:30
Awards & Wrap-Up
Celebrating our winning teams and audience choice winners.
First Prize: Warner Norcross and Judd

Public Choice: Atterx

4:30 – 7:00

5@7 Celebration

Cocktails, networking, and celebration with the community.

Photo Booth Station provided by Delta Dental

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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.

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 favourite 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.

📍	The Beacon, Detroit, Michigan
📅	November 5, 2026
🕘	9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (EST)

AquaHacking Binational Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Challenge Finale

Join us at the exciting Grand Finale for the 2026 AquaHacking Binational Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Challenge.

Where Water Innovation Meets the World Stage

300+ Participants

Top 10 Finalist

4 Water Challenges

Seed Funding Awards

AquaHacking Finale 2026

A Glimpse of What's to Come

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