The Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP) has announced a new collaboration with AquaAction to co-host the 2026 AquaHacking Binational, a 10-month accelerator programme bringing together 1,000 students, innovators and entrepreneurs from both the United States and Canada to develop cutting-edge technological solutions to the region’s pressing water issues. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative will also serve as a co-host. This new partnership represents a powerful call for innovation and cross-border cooperation to protect one of North America’s most vital shared resources.
The announcement was made at the GSGP Leadership Summit in Québec City, where Governors and Premiers gathered under the overarching theme of strengthening the region’s economy, transportation, energy and water resources.
The 2026 AquaHacking Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Binational builds on AquaAction’s strong track record of impact, having already supported the creation of more than 100 water-focused start-ups across North America, generating over 400 jobs and contributing more than $200 million (CAD) in revenues. Entering its 10th year, the 2026 binational event will be the largest AquaHacking programme to date, providing participants with intensive mentorship, technical expertise, seed funding and strategic guidance to turn promising concepts into impactful businesses.
The programme will address practical challenges including resilient water infrastructure, water-efficient agricultural practices and new circular economy opportunities such as the 100% Great Lakes Fish Initiative. Drawing participants from across the region, the AquaHacking Binational will ensure a wide range of voices and perspectives contribute to the solutions shaping the future of these critical waterways.
Why It Matters
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence sustain 110 million people and an economy valued at more than $9.3 trillion (US), while also supporting shipping, farming, manufacturing, energy, and recreation. Meeting the region’s water challenges with fresh ideas will help ensure these waters remain a competitive advantage for decades to come.
Visionary Partners
Backed by visionary partners including the founding partner of AquaAction, the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation, as well as Ovivo, RBC Foundation, and Glencore , AquaAction invites partners to scale this transformative initiative.
Quotes
“The water crisis is starting to hit home. Microplastics are in our water, droughts impacting our jobs, taps running dry. We must come together to fix these issues. If not now, when, and if not us, then who?”
– Francois de Gaspé Beaubien, de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation, Chair of AquaAction
“This is more than a program, it’s a powerful beacon of cross-border collaboration. We’re inviting post-secondary institutions, sponsors, and city leaders to join us in empowering the next generation of water innovators. Together, with GSGP and the Cities Initiative, we can build a future that’s resilient, inclusive, and water-secure.”
– Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction.
“The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence are central to our economy and way of life,. By partnering with AquaAction, we aim to give the next generation of innovators the opportunity to develop technologies that can create jobs, strengthen communities, and support responsible economic growth across our region.”
– David Naftzger, Executive Director of GSGP
“Innovation without borders is exactly what our freshwater demands. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is proud to stand alongside AquaAction in advancing solutions that cross geography and jurisdiction. Together, we are building a pipeline from university labs to municipal deployment—ensuring that brilliant ideas don’t remain prototypes but become real tools that communities can implement.”
– Jonathan Altenberg, President and CEO of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.]
“As a global leader in water treatment solutions, Ovivo is deeply committed to advancing technologies that ensure clean, reliable water for generations to come. The AquaHacking Binational 2026 Program reflects the kind of visionary thinking we need, uniting young minds across borders to tackle real-world water challenges.”
– Pierre-Marc Sarrazin, Vice-President, Corporate Finance, Development & Treasurer at Ovivo]
