Freshwater innovation is making waves in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
Two ventures with strong connections to our region have been selected among just 12 finalists in AquaAction’s AquaHacking Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Binational Challenge. Windsor-Essex’s 100% Fish (Enactus Windsor) joins OriginEAUX, a Quebec-led venture proposing to establish its biorefinery in Wheatley, Ontario, highlighting the growing opportunities for freshwater innovation and investment across the region.
Chosen from more than 30 teams across Canada and the United States, the finalists represent a new generation of students and early-stage entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to protect one of the world’s most important freshwater ecosystems.
The seven-month challenge equips participants with mentorship, technical and legal guidance, strategic support, leadership development, and the opportunity to compete for $70,000 in seed funding, including a $25,000 grand prize at the Grand Finale in Detroit on November 5.
Regional Innovation on Display
100% Fish | Windsor-Essex
Developed through Enactus Windsor, 100% Fish is helping redefine the circular economy by transforming fish processing byproducts into value-added products, including Erie Eco Bites and collagen-based products, reducing waste while creating new market opportunities.
The team has already earned significant recognition, including:
- Top 7 finalist at the Hult Prize Canada
- Winner of the Bridge: Take Your Shot competition
- Recognition through multiple Enactus competitions
OriginEAUX | Proposed for Wheatley, Ontario
Led by a Quebec-based team, OriginEAUX is proposing to establish a regional biorefinery in Wheatley, Ontario, transforming freshwater fishery byproducts into renewable diesel, gelatin, and other high-value products. The venture envisions connecting commercial fishers, processors, agriculture, greenhouse operations, and regional markets through a circular blue economy model, demonstrating the growing potential for freshwater innovation and investment in Chatham-Kent.
A Growing Opportunity for Our Region
Bordering the Detroit River and Lake Erie, Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent are uniquely positioned to help shape the future of freshwater innovation.
As interest in water technology, the blue economy, and circular innovation continues to grow, our region is home to the expertise, research capacity, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to support the commercialization of new freshwater solutions. Institutions such as the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER) at the University of Windsor continue to advance world-class freshwater research, while entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners are finding new ways to protect, restore, and create value from one of our region’s greatest natural assets.
Adding to this momentum, AquaAction, a Canadian organization dedicated to accelerating freshwater innovation, has expanded its binational presence with a U.S. headquarters in Detroit, creating even greater opportunities for collaboration across the Great Lakes region. The AquaHacking Challenge is delivered in partnership with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers, underscoring the importance of cross-border collaboration in advancing freshwater solutions.
Congratulations to all 12 finalist teams advancing to the AquaHacking Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Binational Challenge Finale.
Want to learn more? Explore all 12 finalist teams and their innovative freshwater solutions on the AquaAction website: AquaHacking Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Binational Challenge finalists
