AquaHacking Québec Challenge Finalists: Innovative Solutions Tackling Freshwater Issues Affecting Lake Osisko in Rouyn-Noranda
Excitement is building as we count down to the highly anticipated AquaHacking Québec 2025 Final, happening on June 13 at 2:00 pm! Ten outstanding teams will take the stage to pitch their cutting-edge solutions to the urgent challenges facing our precious freshwater resources.
But this is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of ingenuity, determination, and the shared commitment to protect our blue gold.
After months of intensive preparation, guidance, and support, the finalist teams are ready to unveil their solutions to a panel of expert judges, all vying for the $20,000 top prize in seed funding. Don’t forget to mark your calendar — your voice matters too! You will be able to cast your vote for your favorite team to help them win the $1,000 People’s Choice Award.
This edition, co-organized by AquaAction Québec, Regroupement des organismes de bassins versants du Québec (ROBVQ) and Réseau Environnement in partnership with Collectif Territoire | Projet lac Osisko, focuses on the rehabilitation of watersheds impacted by mining and industrial activity. With a special emphasis placed on Lake Osisko in Rouyn-Noranda — a powerful symbol of ecological resilience and the in-person host of this year’s Final.
And great news, the Final will be live-streamed, so you can join us virtually from anywhere.
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This blog is your chance to not only explore the brilliant solutions these teams have developed, but to meet the people behind them, their stories, their motivations, and their vision for the future of water.
Behind every solution is a story of students, young professionals, and changemakers who have chosen to put their skills to work in the name of freshwater protection.
Discover the solutions, but more importantly, meet the humans building a sustainable, water-secure future.
Invasive Aquatic Species and Contaminant Accumulation
Zostera
Their solution, Octobub, is a floating device that creates a curtain of bubbles to contain and collect fragments of invasive aquatic plants, making harvesting easier and safer for divers without heavy equipment.
Sulys
A service that detects invasive aquatic species through DNA analysis of water samples, combined with an AI-powered decision-making platform.
Urban Runoff
ÉcOsisko
Their Filtre Ec’O is a floating basin that filters water by capturing waste, absorbing contaminants, and using plants to naturally purify the aquatic environment.
AQUORA
Their intelligent biofilter, BioFintel, uses natural processes and sensors to optimize the purification of stormwater runoff by removing pollutants.
AquaPure Analytics
A connected platform that uses IoT sensors to monitor water quality in real time and predict pollution levels through artificial intelligence.
Citizen Science for Lakes and Rivers
Rezo
An interactive, collaborative platform that centralizes and shares lake data while engaging citizens and researchers in monitoring and protection efforts.
CADeau
An educational app called ÉduAction for students, combining an interactive map and a virtual terrarium game to raise awareness about lake protection.
Water and Sediment Quality
Eau-6 & co.
Their solution, BioMetus, is a mobile bioreactor that decontaminates lake sludge on-site using copper biolixiviation, and it’s designed to be visually pleasing for the public.
NAUTRYS
A process using magnetic beads to capture and repurpose toxic metals found in water contaminated by mining industries.
Eutrophication
Lacus Cras
Their floating island, FloteX, made with Quebec-sourced materials, uses native plants to naturally filter water and slow down the eutrophication of lakes.
The innovation showcased by these finalist teams reflects the urgency and collective will to tackle critical water issues. Their dedication and creativity are a powerful testament to the movement toward a more regenerative economy.
Join us on June 13 for a Final that promises to be truly unforgettable.
