What is aquahacking?
THE MOVEMENT
AquaHacking is a multi-generational, multi-sector and multi-stakeholder movement that aims to conserve the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Basin, and to foster the quality and responsible use of its waters.
WHAT WE DO
We bring together people and organizations from all sectors (e.g., government at all levels, First Nations, private sector, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations and the general public) to develop integrated strategies for water policy and governance.
We champion emerging clean-tech innovation and entrepreneurship in water.
We engage not just the decision-leaders of today but the leaders of tomorrow by raising awareness of water problems and fostering their commitment to solving them.
HOW WE DO IT
Ours is a two-pronged approach: a hacking challenge and a summit.
Hacking Challenge
• Format: Over several weeks, multi-disciplinary teams of water students, hackers and engineers work together to develop environmentally sustainable solutions (mobile apps, web platforms, hardware) for water issues affecting the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Basin.
• Expected outcome: Functional, marketable innovations that have true impact in solving water issues.
Summit
Format: A two-day conference featuring expert speakers, panelists, and representatives of all stakeholder groups to discuss critical issues affecting the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Basin.
Expected outcome: Increased collaboration and effectiveness in the development of common strategies.
OVERVIEW: AQUAHACKING 2016 - UNITED FOR THE ST. LAWRENCE
As part of our efforts to preserve the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, AquaHacking 2016: United for the St. Lawrence gathered more than 350 participants, 20 keynote speakers and expert panelists as well as all levels of government, last October at the Palais des Congrès, in Montreal.
WINNERS OF THE CHALLENGE
This past October 7, as part of the AquaHacking 2016 Summit: United for the St. Lawrence, the winner of the AquaHacking 2016 Challenge was announced, from a pool of five finalists. These teams have been working for several months on their technological solutions to help protect the St. Lawrence River.
Learn moreYOUTH DECLARATION
The Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Mr. David Heurtel and the Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Glen Murray announced the creation of a joint committee on the management of water for the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River and the water quality of the Ottawa river. A historic first!
Learn moreSTRATÉGIE QUÉBÉCOISE DE L'EAU 2017-2032
Public Consultation on the Quebec strategy water 2017-2032
Learn morePress room
Thursday, March 23, 2017
AQUAHACKING 2017 CHALLENGE COMES TO WATERLOO WITH $75,000 PRIZE - by Betakit
The Water Institute at the University of Waterloo and the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation have announced a three-year partnership that will combine water research and tech to control threats to Canada’s water resources.
To do this, the partnership will bring the AquaHacking 2017 Challenge to Waterloo.