AquaAction's Launchpad Program
AQUAHACKING CHALLENGE
This certification program empowers the next generation of innovators with entrepreneurial skills to tackle pressing water issues across North America. You'll develop your idea as part of a business plan to launch an impactful water startup.
WHAT'S THE AQUAHACKING
CHALLENGE?
An opportunity to solve freshwater issues through the development of innovative technologies and start-ups.
This program is a meeting place for change-makers and offers unique pathways for personal and professional growth. It's the first step of an entrepreneurial journey with planet impact.
HOW THE CHALLENGE WORKS
Jump on board and make a difference for water! The AquaHacking team supports Challenge participants through skills building workshops, a robust online curriculum, mentorship and guidance from seasoned experts, as well as educational webinars.
| Register & create your online profile | |
| Pick a water issue & build your multi-disciplinary team | |
| Follow the curriculum & develop your solution | |
|
Pitch to expert judges & compete for the prize money! |
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO JOIN?
To participate in an AquaHacking Challenge, you should be over 18 years old, a resident of North America, and enrolled in a post-secondary institution or be a recent graduate.
You are: Creative, Passionate, Curious, Determined, Persistent, and you care about the future of the planet...
And interested in: Water Science, Engineering, Programming, Sustainable Development, Data Analysis, Marketing, entrepreneurship, and having a positive impact on the world!
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
LIFE SKILLS
Get real world problem solving skills and a meaningful resume boost: “AquaHacking Challenge competitor”
COMMUNITY OF PEERS
All participants can become part of the AquaNation, our community of innovators, a great way to expand your professional network
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES
Access curated business training, leadership and community building workshops, and enthusiastic experts that can mentor you and your team towards success.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Access seed funding, legal support, and a spot in a local Startup incubator through our multi-disciplinary network of like-minded experts and partners.
THE CHALLENGE AT A GLANCE
Are you ready to compete and start your water tech start-up? Sign up for new competition announcements below!
Month 0
KICKOFF
Online event to formally launch the Challenge
Month 1-5
PHASE 1
Teams are established, meet water issues leaders, develop their solutions and access on-demand workshops, and mentoring
Month 5
SEMI-FINAL
Teams pitch their solution to a panel of judges, and 5 finalist teams are selected
Month 6-9
PHASE 2
Finalist teams participate in leadership development workshop, access $2,000, entrepreneurship training, and pitch training
Month 9
CHALLENGE FINALE
Challenge Finale - Teams pitch to a panel of judges and vie for prize money
Month 10+
INCUBATION
Teams receive a spot in an incubator and teams join the AquaNation Community
The AquaHacking Challenge convinced me that what I want to work on is water.
ILOS
Finalist of the 2021 | Mille Îles River AquaHacking Challenge
Thanks to AquaHacking, we have avoided the single use of more than 1M plastic bottles
Rachel
Founder | Quartier-des-Spectacles
The AquaHacking Challenge convinced me that what I want to work on is water.
ILOS
Finalist of the 2021 | Mille Îles River AquaHacking Challenge
Thanks to AquaHacking, we have avoided the single use of more than 1M plastic bottles
Rachel
Founder | Quartier-des-Spectacles
GET INSPIRED
The AquaNation are at the forefront of freshwater solutions. They have successfully transitioned their concepts into operational startups. Discover their innovative solutions and see how far they’ve come since competing in our Challenge.
SCALE-UP
AquaEntrepreneur is a scale-up program for water companies ready to test their solutions or enter new markets. We provide tailored mentorship, strategic coaching and network opportunities within the municipal and industrial markets.
STAY INFORMED
Subscribe for updates on our journey towards a sustainable water future and get the latest news about our impactful programs!