Oneka Technologies Qualifies for the XPRIZE Water Scarcity Challenge, a Global Desalination Competition

Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada – September 22, 2025 – Oneka Technologies proudly announces its qualification for the XPRIZE Water Scarcity Challenge, an international competition offering USD 119 million in prizes. This ambitious challenge, unfolding over three phases until 2028, aims to transform desalination technologies to deliver practical and sustainable solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our century: access to freshwater.

Global Recognition

Out of 143 registered teams, Oneka stands out among the 93 teams qualified for Track A: “Desalination: System-Level Innovation”. This recognition confirms the company’s place among the most innovative players in the water sector.

The XPRIZE, renowned for catalyzing technological breakthroughs in fields such as space exploration, healthcare, and artificial intelligence, is distinguished by its focus on measurable outcomes and rigorous judging. Teams must demonstrate that their solutions are efficient, scalable, sustainable, and affordable. The ultimate goal: to produce at least 1,000 m³ of freshwater per day for one year, with a 70% uptime, while meeting WHO water quality standards.

Water: A Global and Urgent Issue

Today, nearly 2 billion people already live in regions facing high water stress, a number expected to grow with climate change, population growth, and urbanization.

Desalination, which turns seawater into freshwater, has existed for decades. However, traditional approaches remain energy-intensive and polluting. To address the global water challenge, it is essential to develop new approaches adapted to diverse environments.

This is precisely the perspective behind Oneka’s technology: a 100% renewable-energy-powered solution that combines innovation, sustainability, and simplicity. This approach has attracted strong international interest, with inquiries coming from over 50 countries.

A Collaborative Vision

“The water crisis is so vast and complex that no single solution can address it. It requires the contribution of many innovators and complementary approaches. Being qualified for the XPRIZE Water Scarcity Challenge gives us a unique opportunity to leverage our expertise and collectively build a future where desalination is not only viable, but also sustainable and affordable,” said Dragan Tutic, Founder and CEO of Oneka Technologies.

A Window into the Future

Between now and the 2028 finals, Oneka intends to use this global platform to strengthen strategic partnerships, expand international deployments, and accelerate the development of solutions that reflect its core values.

About Oneka Technologies

Oneka Technologies is a Canadian company specializing in water technologies, with a growing international presence. Its mission is to make the oceans a sustainable and affordable source of freshwater. By harnessing only renewable energies, such as wave power, Oneka transforms seawater into drinking water, enabling coastal communities and industries facing water scarcity to adapt and fight climate change. Founded in Sherbrooke, Canada, in 2015, the company employs more than 40 people and operates in Canada, the United States, and Chile.

About XPRIZE

XPRIZE is the recognized global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. For over 30 years, our unique model has democratized crowd-sourced innovation and scientifically scalable solutions that accelerate a more equitable and abundant future. Donate, learn more, and co-architect a world of abundance with us at xprize.org.

Media Contact

Camille St-Pierre
Commercial Director – Oneka Technologies
camille@onekawater.com
819-485-0335 ext. 711