The AquaHacking Prairies Challenge 2025, organized by AquaAction in partnership with CIER and Alberta Innovates, is an eight-month innovation competition with a generous prize and is coming to the Canadian Prairies this year.

The AquaHacking Challenge is designed to inspire and prepare future water entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, technical training, and business development support. AquaHacking is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and young professionals, aged 18 years and older and residing in Canada, to develop real-world solutions to critical freshwater issues.

The AquaHacking Prairies Challenge 2025 brings the competition to Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The prairies are home to some of the most crucial and complex freshwater systems in North America, yet the region faces significant challenges and threats, such as wetland loss, agriculture fertilizer run-off, water contamination, and habitat degradation.

To address these issues, it is essential to work with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities and experts, the stewards of these lands. Indigenous peoples are able to share the knowledge and practices that will lead to sustainability for future generations. The competition is emphasizing the need to work with Indigenous groups and leaders and incorporate Indigenous Knowledge in order to drive positive change.

Over the span of the eight months, participants will join a passionate community dedicated to water stewardship in Canada’s prairie provinces. AquaHacking brings together students from multiple disciplines and backgrounds who will work together to innovate, inspire, and collaborate with local changemakers.

Through the AquaHacking Prairies Challenge, participants will gain access to mentorship, tools, and resources to transform innovative ideas into impactful startups that will benefit the environment, economy, and communities—both urban and rural.
Participants will compete for the following prizes:
• 1st place : $20,000
• 2nd place : $10,000
• 3rd place : $5,000
• People’s Choice Award: $1,000

Registration to participate ends June 2, 2025. There is no fee to register or participate. You may register as a solo or team participant. Participation spans eight months, from June 2025 to January 2026.

For more information and to register to participate in the AquaHacking Prairies Challenge, visit the AquaHacking website.