Montreal, QC — July 7, 2026 — AquaAction has received a $2 million funding commitment from the RBC Foundation to support its programs over the next three years. Building on an established funding relationship that contributed to AquaAction’s recognition as one of Canada’s Clean 50 leaders in 2025, this major funding renewal will accelerate the development and adoption of clean water technologies that help strengthen climate resilience across Canadian communities.
Effective water management strategies are a key determinant towards Canada’s transition to a more resilient, low-carbon economy. Surging water and energy demands, the proliferation of pollutants, aging infrastructure and climate change are all contributing to a global water tech sector that is rapidly growing. Every added litre of water pumped, treated, and heated racks up more emissions and greater water scarcity from municipal and industrial systems, including forecasted AI data centres. However, many promising solutions in Canada continue to face barriers to scaling and commercialization.
RBC’s support will help AquaAction develop a pipeline of clean technology solutions in the water sector. Beginning with the education and mobilization of young people and water tech start-ups, the grant will be particularly vital to support the delivery of the AquaEntrepreneur program that scales up water tech SMEs.
RBC’s past support was vital to scaling over 120 water technology companies, with over 245 pilots, leading to over 95 billion litres of water saved and 5,100 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided. With this renewed grant, AquaAction projects the ability to achieve 120 billion litres of water saved or restored with over 12,000 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided.
“RBC’s continuing support gives us the tools to help build the clean economy we need for a sustainable future in our communities. This grant will lead directly to developing more effective water management technology enterprises and helping them succeed on the market. By funding pilots, support coaching, connecting startups with experts – all of these are what’s needed to pave the wave for those changemakers building the world we all want to see.”
— Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction
“Reaching a low-carbon future for Canadian communities doesn’t happen without more effective water management technologies. The carbon intensive demands being placed on our water systems are rapidly accelerating, and it’s key for us to accelerate the solutions that will meet those demands. Through our support, we are funding the ideas for a stronger and more sustainable future for Canadian communities.”
— Thea Silver, Senior Director, Environmental Impact
The timing of this contribution is particularly important as Canada enters a period of significant infrastructure renewal and climate-related investment. The need for solutions that deliver both environmental and economic outcomes has never been greater. AquaAction’s national network, proven programs, and decade-long track record uniquely position the organization to help drive this transition.
About AquaAction
At AquaAction, we develop leaders to protect and restore our most vital resource: freshwater. We empower people, from young innovators to community advocates, to protect and restore freshwater through innovation, advocacy, and conservation. By supporting entrepreneurship, advancing education and awareness, and driving policy change, we help communities build resilience and ensure access to clean water for generations to come. Our mission is simple yet profound: a generation of leaders safeguarding freshwater for the health of people and the planet.
Contact
Oliver Anderson
Vice president, Communications and Growth,
AquaAction Oliver.Anderson@aquaaction.org