AquaHacking is a flagship program of AquaAction, a binational U.S. and Canada registered charity and non profit organization founded in 2015 by the Fondation de Gaspé Beaubien. AquaAction is dedicated to building a water secure future by addressing the global freshwater crisis through innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

At a time of climate instability, geopolitical uncertainty, and economic volatility, the 2026 AquaHacking Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Program offers students and young professionals a meaningful way to take action. Now in its 10th year and 16th edition, AquaHacking focuses on one of the world’s most critical freshwater systems, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region, which supplies drinking water to millions of people and supports a significant cross border economy. Protecting this shared resource is essential to environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and community well being on both sides of the border.

DYK: The Great Lakes & St. Lawrence River waters sustain 110 million people with a regional economy valued at $9.3T USD. If it were its own country, it would be the third largest economy in the world, which contains 21% of our freshwater. Protecting this thriving region is critical for our economy and our health.

More than a competition, AquaHacking is a 7 month ideation and acceleration program that brings together participants from diverse disciplines to develop real world water solutions. Teams receive mentorship, tools, and support to turn bold ideas into early stage water technology ventures, culminating in a final pitch event where participants compete for seed funding to help bring their solutions to life. No prior experience in entrepreneurship or water technology is required, just curiosity, collaboration, and a desire to make a difference.

Join the AquaHacking Challenge, a free innovation program uniting students, researchers, and young professionals across Canada and the U.S. to safeguard the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence, one of our most critical shared freshwater systems.

Register now: https://aquaaction.org/en/our-programs/aquahacking-challenge/aquahacking-binational-2026