Winnipeg, Manitoba - March 31, 2025– The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), Alberta Innovates and AquaAction are pleased to partner and co-host the AquaHacking Prairies Challenge this summer.
The AquaHacking Challenge is a tech innovation program focused on developing innovative solutions to pressing freshwater issues within the Prairies region, including Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Co-designed to incorporate a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, the program will welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadian post-secondary students and young professionals eager to apply their skills and talent in a hands-on way to address the freshwater crisis. The solutions developed today will play a vital role in helping save our freshwater systems for generations to come.
Climate change, pollution, and overuse have all contributed to the freshwater crisis. By developing innovative and sustainable solutions, AquaAction, CIER and Alberta Innovates aim to not only address regional water challenges but contribute to global efforts to ensure water security for all.
Climate threats in the Prairies: Wildfire, Drought and Flooding
The Prairies region is one that is facing unprecedented climate threats, in the form of flooding, drought and wildfire - each carrying severe economic, environmental, and societal consequences.
Drought: Droughts in the Prairies cause devastating economic impacts felt across the whole country, due to the impacts on crop production and overall food prices and shortages. In 2021, due to severe drought, crop production in Saskatchewan fell by a record high of 47% (CCI).
Wildfire: Wildfires across the region are starting earlier, causing more damage and becoming more frequent. In 2024, Alberta reported 705,000 hectares burned, over 1210 wildfires, a 12% increase since 2023, including the Jasper wildfire which cost the province over $1.23 billion in insured damages.
Flooding: Flooding has been a threat to all Canadians, with the country experiencing five billion-dollar-plus flood events since 2011 (Insurance Bureau of Canada). In 2022, spring flooding in Manitoba generated nearly $200 million in costs due to severe increases in rainfall that caused flooding across multiple regions.
The Time for Innovation
The AquaHacking Prairies Challenge presents an opportunity for young scientists, entrepreneurs, innovators and thought leaders to create meaningful solutions to these challenges. Through expert mentorship, Indigenous ways of learning, technical training, and business development support, participants turn their ideas into market-ready solutions that can drive meaningful change in water sustainability. To see examples of past winners and their innovations, see here: https://aquaaction.org/en/portfolio/tech-solutions
Quotes:
“As long as the grass grows and the rivers flow, it is the responsibility of the leaders of today to help mentor and guide the leaders of tomorrow. With these innovative technologies that solve water issues, the water is being protected and honoured to sustain the next seven generations.”
Shianne McKay, Senior Project Manager – CIER
“Alberta Innovates solves some of the province's biggest challenges by supporting research and business growth. The 2025 AquaHacking Prairies Challenge embodies our commitment to growth, sustainability, and tackling critical water issues. Engaging game-changers early in their career, by giving them the tools to bring their ideas to life, is essential to creating a more sustainable and prosperous Alberta”
Vicki Lightbown, PEng, Executive Director, Environmental Innovation - Alberta Innovates
“The Prairies are facing unprecedented water challenges, with 27% of the region experiencing drought conditions, including 23% of its agricultural landscape. The need for innovative water solutions has never been more urgent. Through this AquaHacking Challenge, in partnership with Alberta Innovates, CIER, PrairiesCan, and the Canada Water Agency, we are mobilizing the next generation of innovators to develop cutting-edge water technologies. By fostering collaboration and integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, we are taking meaningful action to build a water-secure future for our communities and ecosystems. Indigenous leadership and participation are essential to this work, ensuring that solutions respect and align with traditional knowledge and stewardship practices.”
Soula Chronopoulos, President - AquaAction
Recruitment and registration for the Prairies AquaHacking Challenge will begin mid-April 2025 for the Challenge to start in July 2025 and run for 8 months, finishing with a grand finale in February 2026 where the Top 3 winners will share $35,000 of prizes in seed funding. Participants will receive mentoring and expert coaching, have access to a curriculum in freshwater, blue economy, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and be eligible for certification and digital badging.
The Prairies AquaHacking Challenge is proudly supported and funded by the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation, RBC Tech For Nature, Ovivo, Alberta Innovates, Canada Water Agency and Prairies Economic Development Canada.
For more information, or to be a Challenge partner or funder, visit: https://bit.ly/AHPrairies
About AquaAction
AquaAction is dedicated to restoring freshwater health by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Through programs like the AquaHacking Challenge and AquaEntrepreneur, it empowers young leaders to develop cutting-edge solutions to water issues. Learn more.
About CIER
The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) is a national Indigenous created and directed charitable organization that embraces diversity and collaboration for capacity building with Indigenous Nations to strengthen and support sustainable communities and a healthy environment. Learn more.
About Alberta Innovates
Alberta innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, it is Alberta’s innovation engine. Alberta Innovates fosters and accelerate research and innovation to benefit citizens and drive economic growth. It is currently managing a project portfolio worth $1.2 billion. Alberta Innovates works across sectors to fund, partner and enable entrepreneurship throughout the province. The corporation operates in 11 locations with more than one million sq ft of industrial testing and lab facilities and 600 acres of farmland. Alberta Innovates employs 589 highly skilled scientists, business and technical professionals and has an annual operating budget of $250 million. Learn how Alberta Innovates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Anne-Pascale Richardson
Program Director, AquaHacking and AquaNation
annepascale@aquaaction.org
