Tuesday, February 3, 2026
AquaAction announced Feb 2. registration is now open for the AquaHacking Binational Great Lakes and St. Lawrence 2026 Challenge.
The innovation and entrepreneurship challenge, which spans seven months “serves as a launchpad for students and early-stage innovators from diverse backgrounds to launch water-focused ventures with real-world impact,” an AquaAction release said.
Teams participating int he challenge will develop solutions across four core water issue areas:
- Water Access & Community Resilience – including equitable access, flood management, and climate-ready infrastructure
- Efficient Industry & Energy – water-efficient cooling, hybrid energy systems, and water-smart agriculture
- Great Lakes Circular Blue Economy – including circular water use, fisheries innovation, and invasive species valorization
- Water Quality & Ecosystem Health – from microplastics reduction to data, monitoring, and green infrastructure
“The Great Lakes connect our economies, our communities, and our future.Through this program, we’re inviting students and innovators to challenge themselves, build real-world solutions, and help shape the future of freshwater, on both sides of the border. This is a life-changing experience for participants,” AquaAction president Soula Chronopoulos said.
Participants gain access to mentorship, access to industry leaders as well as technical and legal support, the release said. Additionally, they can compete for up to $70,000 in seed funding including a $25,000 top prize.
Registration for the event is here.
