Fighting the freshwater crisis: AquaAction and Northwestern Michigan College team up to launch the first bi-national AquaHacking Challenge for the Great Lakes
Traverse City, MI – Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and AquaAction are pleased to partner and co-host a bi-national AquaHacking Challenge in 2023 to help restore and preserve the Great Lakes.
The AquaHacking Challenge is a tech innovation program focused on developing solutions to pressing freshwater issues within the Great Lakes watershed region. The program will be open to American and Canadian post-secondary students and young professionals looking for a hands-on way to apply their talent and fight the freshwater crisis. The solutions developed today will help save our freshwater systems for generations to come.
“We are very proud to have been invited by NMC to collaborate on this bi-national program for the Great Lakes. This immense watershed region is home to 27% of the population of Canada and the US, accounts for 28% of our combined economic activity, and holds 21% of the world’s freshwater. The business case for solutions is clear and we welcome a new generation of innovators to lead the way towards a clean and healthy freshwater future for us all and future generations – thanks to their innovative ideas”
- Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction.
“Innovation and development of the Blue Economy in the Traverse City region is a critical element of the NMC’s strategic plan. The partnership with Aqua Action and the AquaHacking Challenge – Great Lakes are key to meeting these objectives. We look forward to the launch of this innovation challenge and working with this outstanding partner”
- Jason Slade, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Northwestern Michigan College
The Great Lakes AquaHacking Challenge will start in September 2023 and run for 9 months. Participants will receive mentoring and expert coaching, have access to on demand content in innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and be eligible for micro-credits and digital badging. The 2023 AquaHacking Challenge is the first of three that will run sequentially from 2023 to 2026. For more information, or to be a Challenge partner or funder, visit: https://aquaaction.org/blog/challenge/great-lakes-2023-24/
Climate change, pollution, and overuse have all contributed to the freshwater crisis. By developing innovative and sustainable solutions, AquaAction and NMC aim to not only address local water challenges but also contribute to global efforts to ensure water security for all.
ABOUT
AquaAction is a Canadian registered charity established by the Fondation de Gaspé Beaubien in 2015, created to disrupt the status quo with innovative ideas and engage youth in the fight against the water-related climate crisis. AquaAction has developed three programs focused on water innovation and technology: the AquaHacking Challenge, AquaEntrepreneur and the AquaAction Alumni Community. Since its establishment, 28 innovative start-ups have been created across Canada. AquaAction is proud to count among its partners the RBC Foundation, Ovivo, IBM Canada, Lavery.
Northwestern Michigan College
Northwestern Michigan College was the first comprehensive community college chartered in the State of Michigan. Since its founding in 1951, NMC has provided quality, affordable access to higher education for learners of all ages and backgrounds. NMC is integrally woven into the economic, social and cultural fabric of the region, providing leadership and support for key initiatives that shape our communities and prepare our learners for rich and meaningful lives. Our mission is to deliver lifelong learning opportunities to transform lives and enrich our communities.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Northwestern Michigan College
Ed Bailey – Program Director
(231) 995-1215
ebailey@nmc.edu
AquaAction
Kayla Menu Courey – Director of Marketing, Communications and Fundraising.