On October 23, 2025, the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau (C.I.EAU) proudly announced the return of its water management system at Réseau Environnement’s Symposium sur la gestion de l’eau 2025. The 2026 edition of the Prix de la relève EAU André Perrault Emerging Talent Award will celebrate young innovators, researchers and enthusiasts in the field of water. Inspired by the vision of C.I.EAU founder André Perrault, the award aims to highlight emerging talent and forward-looking initiatives in the water sector.
The Prix de la relève offers the winner a unique opportunity to develop his or her professional network, showcase innovative ideas and enjoy privileged visibility with experts and influential organizations in the water sector.
The prize highlights :
- The innovative and exceptional nature of the actions or achievements in the water sector;
- The dedication and exemplary work of the young up-and-coming generation;
- Quebec expertise in water management and protection ;
- Excellence in the development of best practices and water-related technologies;
- Young people’s commitment to resource-related jobs and research.
The 2026 edition of the contest features the following prizes! The winner will receive several benefits, including :
- A $2,000 bursary courtesy of the Fondation de Gaspé Beaubien;
- Admission to the Salon des technologies environnementales du Québec organized by Réseau Environnement;
- A mention with photo in Vecteur Environnement magazine ;
- An article dedicated to the winner in MAYA communication marketing’s Source Magazine;
- C.I.EAU media promotion;
- An emblematic water trophy ;
- New for the 2026 edition: an official awards ceremony at the Salon des technologies environnementales du Québec on March 18 and 19, 2026, organized by Réseau Environnement.
Photo: Winner Soureyatou Hamidou and André Perrault at the 2024 Emerging Talent Award ceremony.
A jury of experts
The jury is composed of professionals recognized for their expertise and commitment to the water and environmental sectors. It brings together Marie-Paule Jeansonne, Executive Director of the Gaspé Beaubien Foundation; Nicolas Fabre, Water Sector Coordinator at Réseau Environnement; Martine Lanoue, Water Management Engineer at the City of Terrebonne; Anne-Pascale Richardson, Director of AquaHacking and AquaNation at AquaAction; and Denise Cloutier, Chair of the Board of Directors of the C.I.EAU.
Through the diversity of their backgrounds and organizations, these members provide complementary and rigorous perspectives, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation of the quality, innovation and impact of the applications.
Valuing the next generation and inspiring change
With this award, the C.I.EAU reaffirms its commitment to protecting water and recognizing up-and-coming talent. The competition is an essential platform for showcasing young agents of change and raising public awareness of the importance of sustainable management of our most precious resource.
This project is made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Fondation de Gaspé Beaubien, Réseau Environnement and MAYA communication marketing’s Magazine Source. C.I.EAU thanks its partners for their ongoing support and commitment to youth and water conservation.
On the occasion of the Symposium sur la gestion de l’eau, organized by Réseau Environnement on October 23, 2025, Dominique Monchamp, Executive Vice-President of the Fondation Gaspé Beaubien and Mathieu Laneuville, President and CEO of Réseau Environnement, joined forces in a short video to officially announce the return of the Prix de la relève EAU André-Perrault for the 2026 edition, with the presence ofIsabelle Côté, Executive Director of C.I.EAU.
How to take part :
Young people aged between 18 and 35 are invited to submit their application via the registration form on the C.I.EAU website, from November 10, 2025 to February 1, 2026, presenting a project, initiative or achievement contributing to the protection and sustainable management of water.
Participants must demonstrate a keen interest in the water sector, whether in terms of business, research, technological development or scientific popularization.
About André Perrault, founder of C.I.EAU
André Perrault has extensive experience in the environmental field: water distribution and wastewater treatment. During his 32-year career with the City of Laval, he played an active role in drawing up the drinking water supply master plan, setting up the water purification program and participating, along with the Urban Planning Department, in the planning of Laval’s territory. His contribution to the Quebec community also includes participation in the management of several provincial organizations and on various environmental protection committees.
Contributing to water enhancement and conservation is at the very heart of the growing community he founded, which inspires the next generation of water enthusiasts.
Partners of the 2026 edition: Gaspé Beaubien Foundation, Réseau Environnement, Maya Communication Marketing
Media partner: CentrEau (Quebec Research Center on Water Management)
