Halt the Hitchhiker: Invasive Species Challenge
About this event
The Halt the Hitchhiker Invasive Species Challenge is a three-phase prize competition seeking innovative solutions to eliminate the risk of aquatic invasive species being transported in raw water entering and exiting watercraft ballast compartments. The goal is to identify novel approaches that can kill, exclude, or inactivate aquatic invasive species such as quagga, zebra, and golden mussels, protecting the Bureau of Reclamation’s water delivery and hydropower infrastructure. The competition is open to US-based individuals, academia, non-federal government entities, small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and other inventors interested in aquatic invasive species detection or decontamination technologies.
What to expect
- Three-phase prize challenge with cash prizes
- Focus on quagga, zebra, and golden mussel decontamination
- Open to US-based individuals, academics, small businesses, and start-ups
- Solutions targeting watercraft ballast compartment treatment
Date and time
1 June to 31 December 2026
Cost
Free to enter; cash prizes available