#United States #Detroit #Water Innovation #AquaAction #AquaHacking

AquaAction Launches Expanded AquaHacking Program for Water Innovators

AquaAction has made a bold move to enhance innovation in the water technology sector by expanding its flagship AquaHacking program across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region for 2026. This initiative is set to attract over 1,000 participants and aims to empower innovators to tackle crucial water challenges. The announcement was made on August 26, 2025, during an open house for the newly established Urban Tech Xchange in Detroit, Michigan, which will soon house AquaAction's U.S. headquarters.

Soula Chronopoulos, the President of AquaAction, emphasized the organization's commitment to a water-secure future through cooperation and innovation. This expansion marks the program's 10th year and introduces its 16th edition, providing a rigorous 10-month course aimed at nurturing the next generation of water tech entrepreneurs. Support in the form of mentorship, technical guidance, seed funding, and strategic resources will be foundational to participants' success.

As the world’s largest freshwater basin faces alarming issues—ranging from extreme weather impacts to pollution—there's a pressing need for innovative solutions. The AquaHacking program will focus on various crucial themes, including:

• - Bridging the water access gap in underserved communities
• - Promoting drought-resistant crop farming and water-smart agricultural practices
• - Developing water-efficient cooling systems for data centers
• - Ensuring resilient municipal infrastructure
• - Creating hybrid energy systems with water-saving components
• - Exploring economic opportunities within the circular water economy
• - Maximizing the sustainable use of Great Lakes fisheries and aquaculture.

With the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region home to 110 million people and crucial to global freshwater supplies, collaboration is vital. The AquaHacking program aims to unite talent and resources across borders, ensuring that groundbreaking ideas translate into real-world implementations that benefit local communities.

AquaAction is actively looking for post-secondary institutions and major sponsors to support the program’s rollout. These collaborators will be instrumental in enabling the next generation of water innovators to contribute to a resilient, water-secure future.

The initiative has garnered support from several key figures in the region's governance and economic sectors. Jonathan Altenberg, President and CEO of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, stated that collaboration in innovation is necessary to build infrastructure that withstands the increasing stress from climate change and urban expansion.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers share this commitment, as noted by David Naftzger, Executive Director, emphasizing the necessity for fresh ideas to address water-related challenges.

AquaAction is known for its significant impact since its inception in 2016, aiding over 100 water tech companies, facilitating capital raises exceeding $65 million, leading to the creation of 400+ green jobs, and saving more than 95 billion liters of water. This systemic approach is crucial in fostering sustainable solutions that ensure safe and affordable water for all.

Additionally, AquaAction emphasizes that the challenges facing the Great Lakes region are urgent: toxic PFAS pollution, nutrient runoff triggering harmful algal blooms, invasive species jeopardizing biodiversity, extreme weather affecting natural cycles, and the industrial expansion disrupting water management systems. AquaAction's commitment is to build a community of changemakers, connecting innovators, policymakers, and communities to enhance the freshwater economy incrementally.

For further details on how to participate in AquaHacking and become part of this transformative journey, visit their official website at aquaaction.org.