Tuesday, July 8, 2025
As Canada faces a water crisis marked by increasing scarcity, the devastating effects of climate change and cross-border pressures, a bold response is required.
On July 8th, AquaAction unveiled 15 Quebec water technology companies at a ceremony marking the launch of the fourth edition of its flagship commercialization program, AquaEntrepreneur. This was the first event to showcase the province’s water technology ecosystem at Montreal’s brand-new Espace Ax.c, Quebec’s innovation hub.
The selected companies, representing several regions of Quebec, took the stage alongside Ax.c Founding Director Richard Chénier and Luc Sirois, Quebec’s Chief Innovator, to present innovations addressing pressing water-related issues. All participating start-up, scale-up and SME teams are now officially part of the 2025 edition of AquaEntrepreneur. They will engage in an eight-month program focused on commercialization, personalized coaching, implementation of early pilots, connections with technology adopters, as well as access to essential resources to help scale their businesses.
Each company will have the opportunity to make direct contact with potential customers adopting water technologies. AquaEntrepreneur’s goal is to help launch up to 36 contracts or pilot projects across the province, while securing export opportunities in international markets.
“All Quebecers have a connection with our water. Yet the pressures on our water systems are reaching a boiling point,” said Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction. “We’re here to give the tools and support to a new generation of water entrepreneurs in Quebec.”
AquaEntrepreneur is the only program in Quebec dedicated exclusively to the commercialization of revolutionary water technologies. It creates direct channels between start-ups, SMEs and municipal and industrial partners wishing to reduce their water-related impact on the climate. Earlier this year, the Quebec government pledged $1.5 million over three years to support AquaEntrepreneur’s expansion, as announced by Minister Christopher Skeete.
