This is our largest challenge group ever, with over 300 participants working to develop innovative ideas to tackle four critical water issues.

It all comes to a head in a high energy, Shark Tank-style Grand Finale on November 5th at The Beacon in Detroit, where the top 10 teams will bring months of coaching and planning to the stage for their final pitch and a chance to win major seed funding.

This full-day event will feature thought-provoking panels with leaders from across the water innovation ecosystem, alongside dynamic networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration and drive real world impact. Meet the AquaHackers; the innovators behind these solutions, and discover the ideas and technologies shaping the future of water.

AquaHacking Finale 2026

NOVEMBER 5, 2026 | THE BEACON, DETROIT, MICHIGAN

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Arrival & Welcome

Soula Chronopoulos, AquaAction

Coffee & Tea. Connect with fellow attendees and sponsors.

Welcome Coffee Sponsored by Aurora Patents

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM

Opening Keynotes

Frank Ettawageshik

Welcome remarks, land acknowledgement, and alumni speeches.

10:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Pitch Competition – Part 1

Team Pitches: Teams 1-5.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Economy & Innovation Panel

Crossing the "Valley of Death": From Pilot to Commercial Scale.

Panel Sponsored by Coburn Family Foundation

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch

Buffet lunch with time to connect and recharge.

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

Pitch Competition – Part 2

Team Pitches: Teams 5-10.

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM

Science & Environment Panel

From Lab to Field: Turning Research into Real-World Impact.

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Networking Break

Interactive Networking: Connect and Exchange Ideas.

Sponsored by Xylem

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Concluding Keynote

Final keynote to inspire action and close the day.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Awards & Wrap-Up

Celebrating our winning teams and audience choice winners.

First Prize: Warner Norcross and Judd

Public Choice: Atterx

4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

5@7 Celebration

Cocktails, networking, and celebration with the community.

Cocktail Sponsored by KPMG

Photo Booth Station provided by Delta Dental

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Panelists sit in patterned armchairs, smiling during the AquaHacking Prairies event. A camera operator with a headset stands behind them next to a professional broadcast camera. In the background, audience members sit in rows of white chairs in a bright, modern industrial space.

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From a high-angle view, participants network in a modern lobby during AquaHacking Québec 2023. Groups of people in professional attire and event lanyards talk near red and grey lounge seating. Large windows in the background look out onto a street at dusk.

Six panelists sit on white sofas during the AquaHacking Ottawa River 2015 event. Large vertical screens behind them display their names and portraits, including Caroline Brodeur and Nicolas Milot. A moderator stands at a glass lectern to the right, facing the engaged audience.

Why You Should Attend

See innovation in action — discover cutting-edge freshwater solutions developed by emerging young innovators.

Shape the outcome — cast your vote for the Public Choice Award and support your favorite team.

Connect with leaders — network with industry experts, community partners, funders, and top innovators in water tech.

Be inspired — experience the creativity and passion driving the future of water innovation.

Celebrate talent — support young change-makers committed to protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems.

Connect, Celebrate, and Be Inspired - after the competition, enjoy a celebratory cocktail, food, and drinks while connecting with innovators, industry leaders, and community partners.

Be part of an evening that showcases the creativity and determination driving water innovation across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence.