Montreal, Quebec – October 7, 2025 – The AquaHacking Prairies Challenge has reached its semi-final milestone, with five teams of young innovators advancing to the Finale. In a region grappling with urgent water challenges, these emerging entrepreneurs are combining technology, mentorship, and Indigenous Knowledge to design solutions that are not only innovative but also sustainable and culturally relevant.
Held virtually, the semi-finals provided an opportunity to showcase practical solutions to a panel of judges with extensive experience in business, technology, innovation, water, and the environment. The projects address critical issues such as invasive species management, water use efficiency in agriculture, and community decision-making tools for extreme hydrological events.
“The Prairies are facing unprecedented water challenges, with 27% of the region experiencing drought conditions, including 23% of its agricultural landscape,” said Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction. “The need for innovative water solutions has never been more urgent. Through this AquaHacking Challenge, in partnership with Alberta Innovates, CIER, and PrairiesCan, we are mobilizing the next generation of innovators to develop cutting-edge water technologies. By fostering collaboration and integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, we are taking meaningful action to build a water-secure future for our communities and ecosystems. Congratulations to our semi-final winners!”
In November, the finalists will embark on the Expedition, a three-day retreat near Winnipeg. Immersed in nature, the teams will connect with water experts, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, and business coaches to deepen their understanding of water issues, strengthen collaboration, and develop the leadership and soft skills essential for entrepreneurial success.
The Challenge will culminate in February 2026 at the Grand Finale in Calgary, where the finalists will pitch their refined solutions for a chance to win part of the $35,000 seed fund and take their first steps toward building impactful ventures in the growing blue economy.
These pioneering solutions are not just concepts or ideas, they are actionable pathways to safeguard the Prairie's freshwater and foster a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Quotes
"On behalf of Alberta Innovates, I want to congratulate the semi-final winners of the AquaHacking Prairies Challenge 2025," says Vicki Lightbown, executive director, Environmental Innovation at Alberta Innovates. "The proposed solutions have the potential to address critical freshwater challenges in the Prairies. We look forward to seeing how your ideas continue to evolve in the next phase of the competition."
- Vicki Lightbown, Executive Director of Environmental Innovation at Alberta Innovates
"A big congratulations to all the finalists of the AquaHacking Challenge Prairies 2025! CIER is honoured to partner in this initiative and excited to watch your innovative startups grow. Your commitment, creativity, and thoughtful integration of Indigenous Ways of Knowing throughout your journey have been deeply motivating.”
- Shianne Thomas, Senior Project Manager at the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER)
Discover the finalist teams
CyanoBusters - Early Algae Detection – Genetic Testing for Safer Water
Using rapid genetic testing, this solution detects toxic blue-green algal blooms before toxins accumulate in the environment. Much like a COVID test, it’s designed to be simple and affordable for producers to use shore-side. By providing early warnings, it empowers landowners to better manage their water, protect livestock, and prevent costly contamination.
Consilience - Drift-Eye Swarm – Autonomous Detection of Invasive Species
Drift-Eye Swarm is a network of affordable, autonomous in-water devices that continuously monitor for invasive species. Compact and self-operating, these devices make large-scale aquatic surveillance accessible to local communities, helping prevent ecological and economic damage before it spreads.
Erilae - ReverBio – Listening to the Water to Detect Invaders
ReverBio uses bioacoustic monitoring—underwater microphones combined with AI—to listen for the unique sound “fingerprints” of invasive species like Prussian Carp, goldfish, and zebra mussels. By detecting these invaders long before they are visible, ReverBio provides real-time alerts to communities, governments, and Indigenous stewards, making early intervention faster, cheaper, and more effective.
Purus Aqua - Runoff Filtration Device – Cleaner Water for Prairie Farms
A passive filtration system designed to sit in prairie trenches and capture contaminants from runoff and snowmelt. This small-scale, low-maintenance solution supports sustainable agriculture by improving water quality and reducing pollution entering local waterways.
Tetra - Solar-Powered Water Purification – Clean Water, Off the Grid
This decentralized solar-powered purification system provides safe drinking water for small clusters of 30–40 families. By producing and delivering purified jar water door-to-door, it offers an affordable, sustainable model for clean water access in remote or underserved communities.
Quick Facts
About AquaAction
AquaAction is a charity registered in both the United States and Canada that is building a water-secure future through innovation, education, and collaboration. We support aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs to launch and scale water technology solutions to tackle the increasing economic, environmental and water security challenges we face. AquaAction works across sectors connecting innovators, policymakers, communities, and industries to empower the next generation of water stewards. We are a growing community of changemakers who are building the freshwater economy, one solution at a time.
Contact
Melanie Fontaine
Senior Manager, Media and Communications
melanie.fontaine@aquaaction.org