Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your skills and network in the water technology sector? Interested in exploring the world of entrepreneurship but not sure where to start? This is your opportunity to join the 8-month AquaHacking 2021 Western Canada Challenge to design, develop, and pitch an innovative tech solution alongside teammates. Finalist teams will win a portion of the $58,000 CAD total in seed funding and a spot in a local incubator. Make a difference for Canada’s freshwater and join AquaHacking today!

Invite your friends and classmates to sign up and join your team. Don’t have any teammates in mind? We will help match you with other individuals to complement your skills and expertise to build a strong team. We’ll choose the top 4 Finalist teams at the Semi-Final competition presentation, who will then continue on to the Final and win amazing awards.

The AquaHacking Challenge is a fully virtual program. Get connected to your teammates and mentors through online platforms. The program is largely self-directed, with support from mentors and program organizers.

Who Should Apply?

  • Students, recent graduates, and early career professionals aged 18+ residing in Canada
  • People interested in water, environmental science, engineering, programming, sustainable development, data analysis, business, marketing
  • Individuals are are motivated, self-directed, creative and innovative 
  • Team players

Your Commitment

  • ~3-4 hours per week working with your teammates and mentors on virtual platforms
  • Written project submission due at the beginning of May 2021
  • Pitch your solution alongside your teammates at the virtual Semi-Final event

If selected to continue as a Finalist: 

  • Receive $2,000 / team to support the development of your solution/product until the Final
  • Attend weekend Virtual summit for Lleadership skills building bootcamp
  • Attend Entrepreneurship training sessions
  • Pitch your solution alongside your teammate at the virtual Final event

Term

  • Phase 1: team building and ideation – Ongoing until May 15
  • Semi-Final competition presentation: May 15
  • Phase 2 (if selected to continue as a Finalist): Product development, business plan development, prototype creation, prepare for funding pitch (May- September)
  • Final competition: September 11

The Awards (if selected as a Finalist)

  • $2,000 CAD bursary / team to support the development of your solution/product in Phase 2 of the program
  • $20,000 CAD seed funding to the 1st place team
  • $15,000 CAD seed funding to the 2nd place team
  • $10,000 CAD seed funding to the 3rd place team
  • $5,000 CAD seed funding to the 4th place team
  • All Finalist teams have the opportunity to boost the seed funding through a Mitacs partnership, if eligible
  • Secured spot in a local incubator to continue developing your solution after the program wraps up

The Benefits (Available to all participants)

  • Direct mentorship from water experts and business leaders
  • Access to online platforms to engage virtually with teammates, organizers, mentors
  • Webinars on design thinking, how to pitch, entrepreneurship, business development, and legal affairs for new startups
  • Access to a national professional network of water experts, business leaders, environmental startup founders
  • Opportunity to be part of the AquaHacking Alumni Community

How to apply?

Visit https://aquahacking.com/en/westerncanada2021/  to apply.