Sponsor
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in partnership with the Privy Council Office’s Impact Canada program
Program
Aqualunar Challenge
Description
The Aqualunar Challenge is calling innovators to create innovative technologies for use on the moon to purify lunar water. These technologies may also contribute to novel water purification technologies here on Earth. The Challenge is a project of international collaboration between the United Kingdom and Canada, with joint but distinct tracks in the UK and Canada. In Canada, the Challenge is organized and delivered by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in partnership with the Privy Council Office’s Impact Canada program situated within the Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU).
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants to the Challenge include the following:
- Businesses or other for-profit organizations in Canada;
- Not-for-profit organizations in Canada;
- Indigenous organizations and groups located in Canada;
- Post-secondary/academic institutions located in Canada; and
- Individuals or groups of individuals based in Canada.
Individuals or groups of individuals are encouraged to submit an application to the Challenge, but in order to be eligible to receive prizes, they will be required to establish a Canadian legal entity (such as a corporation or a not-for-profit organization) capable of entering into binding agreements in Canada.
Applicants may be asked to provide confirmation of legal entity if they are successful at Stage 1 of the Challenge. Confirmation of legal entity can be a copy of the status certificate, incorporation documents, patent letters or articles of incorporation (as applicable). Note that in order for an applicant to receive a prize, it must be an eligible recipient under the applicable CSA program. This requirement can be completed after submission of the Application, but it must be prior to receiving any prizes.
Prize
Up to $1M CAD in total will be awarded in grant funding to Canadian semi-finalists (Stage 1 – 4 -month duration, up to 8 semi-finalists, $22.5K per semi-finalist), finalists (Stage 2 –10-month duration, up to 4 finalists, $105K per finalist), and grand prize winner (Stage 3 – 10-month duration, 1 grand prize winner, $400K).
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Internal Deadline | Stage 1- Signed OR-5 and copy of application and concept design due to research.services@uoguelph.ca. | |
External Deadline | Stage 1 - Application and concept design to be submitted via Challenge website. |
How to Apply
Only Canadian applications, submitted through the Impact Canada website via the designated Challenge Application Form, will be accepted. Applications must be submitted through the online form no later than 11:59 Pacific Time on April 8th, 2024.
For More Information
Please see the Applicant Guide on the Challenge website.