Tech Futures Challenge

What is MindFuel’s Tech Futures Challenge, or TFC?

It’s where ideas become possibilities —and possibilities become innovative, tech-driven answers to problems in our world.

TFC gives young innovators the opportunity to tackle to tackle issues that matter most to them using emerging technologies such as AI, biotechnology, robotics, and clean energy and renewable tech. Along the way, participants gain access to mentorship, research, prototyping, and entrepreneurial learning, while connecting with industry leaders, researchers, and innovators.

More than a competition, TFC is a launchpad where youth build skills, test ideas, and discover what they're capable of.

Because at MindFuel we believe that the future isn’t something youth should have to wait for.

They can start building it right now.

The 2026 Rogers Charity Classic has come to a close, but Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink isn’t finished just yet. There’s still time to support MindFuel.

When you donate through Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink, your gift will be matched by up to 50% —helping inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers.

Your support goes directly toward STEM and innovation learning for students across Alberta —from rural and remote communities and Indigenous communities to students in urban centres. In the past 12 months alone, MindFuel’s programming has reached more than 30,000 young people across the province.

By providing youth with access to hands-on STEM learning, tools, and opportunities, we’re helping them build the skills and confidence they’ll need to thrive in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world.

Thank you for helping us fuel curiosity, creativity, and possibility for Alberta youth!

Donations gratefully accepted until 31 August 2026. Follow the link to learn more and donate:

https://rogerscharityclassic.com/charities/the-mindfuel-foundation

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT!

The final putt has dropped at the 2026 Rogers Charity Classic, but there’s still time to support MindFuel through Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink.

When you give today, your donation will be matched by up to 50%, helping even more young people discover the excitement of STEM, innovation, and problem-solving.

Over the past year, MindFuel has reached more than 30,000 youth across Alberta, inspiring the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Your support helps make those opportunities possible.

Together, we can help more young people imagine what's possible —and give them the tools to build it.
If you've been meaning to donate, now’s the time. Donations accepted until 31 August 2026.

Donate today: https://rogerscharityclassic.com/charities/the-mindfuel-foundation

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Will You Help Prepare Youth for the Future?

As another school year ends, we're celebrating the young people who explored STEM, innovation, and entrepreneurship with MindFuel. In 2025–26, more than 30,000 students across Alberta —from K-12 through post-secondary— participated in MindFuel programs.

The impact speaks for itself:
- 77% of students who participated in community STEM programming such as Design Challenges, Genius Hours, and more, said they now know more about technology and coding, and want to continue learning.
- 87% of Tech Futures Challenge participants reported an increased interest in pursuing STEM studies, while 85% said they have a better understanding of the skills needed for future careers.

As technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape our world, helping young people build the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need has never been more important.

Every donation helps equip youth to become tomorrow's innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers.

Donate today: https://rogerscharityclassic.com/charities/the-mindfuel-foundation

Thanks to Rogers Charity Classic Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink, every donation will be matched by up to 50%, making your generosity go even further.

Happy Canada Day!

Today we celebrate the people, communities, and ideas that make Canada such an extraordinary place to call home.

At MindFuel, we're proud to help inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers who will help shape Canada's future.

Wherever you're celebrating today, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Canada Day.

Happy Canada Day from all of us at MindFuel!

A scholarship can do more than help cover the cost of education —it opens doors, creates opportunities, and gives aspiring innovators the confidence to pursue big ideas.

That's why MindFuel and Creative Destruction Lab – Rockies are proud to support the next generation of STEM innovators through the 2026 CDL-Rockies Opportunities Scholarships.

And there's good news: we've extended the application deadline to 11:59 p.m. on 18 July 2026.

If you're a Grade 12 student attending school in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba and planning to pursue a STEM program at an accredited post-secondary institution in one of those provinces, this opportunity is for you.

More than financial support, these scholarships are designed to help students build momentum as they take their next steps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It's an opportunity to be recognized for your potential and to connect with a community that believes in innovation, entrepreneurship, and discovery.

Canada's future will be shaped by young people with the curiosity to explore, the courage to experiment, and the determination to solve real-world problems. If that sounds like you —or someone you know—now is the time to apply.

Learn more and submit your application at: https://connect2innovate.ca/opportunity/creative-destruction-lab-rockies-opportunities-scholarship/

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with students, educators, families, and future innovators across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

As we reflect on the success of the Tech Futures Challenge 2026 Innovation Showcase, we want to extend our sincere thanks to the organizations and individuals whose support, leadership, and insights helped make the day possible.

To our Transformer Partners: thank you for your commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs.

TRANSFORMER PARTNERS
Hunter Family Foundation
Cenovus Energy
RBC Foundation

Because of your investment, young people from across Canada have the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions, strengthen critical skills, and gain hands-on experience in the innovation process. The projects showcased this year demonstrated not only creativity and technical ability, but also a deep commitment to addressing issues that matter to their communities, industries, and our country.

We’d also like to thank the outstanding speakers who shared their perspectives throughout the day:
-Dr. Ed McCauley, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calgary: Highlighted the importance of curiosity, research, and innovation in shaping the future.
- Mayor Jeromy Farkas: Welcomed participants on behalf of the City of Calgary – Your Local Government and celebrated the energy and potential of Canada's next generation of innovators.
- MP Corey Hogan: Spoke to the role young innovators will play in strengthening Canada's future prosperity and competitiveness.
- Guy Levesque, Executive Director of the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking: Helped connect innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world impact.
- Grant Sanden, CEO of GeologicAI: Shared insights from the front lines of technology commercialization and venture creation.
- Dr. John Froh, President & CEO of STARS Ambulance: Demonstrated how innovation, machine learning, and AI are transforming healthcare and emergency response.
- Melissa Power, Geologist-Technology & Innovation, Canadian Natural: Spoke on the role of technology, innovation, and continuous learning in industry. Shout-out to Canadian Natural Resources Limited for being a funding partner for the 2026 Innovation Showcase!
- Jim Gray, OC, Founder of MindFuel: Reminded us that innovation begins when people choose to engage with challenges and work toward solutions.

The future of Canada depends on talented young people who are prepared to think critically, adapt boldly, and lead with purpose. Your support helps create the environments where those skills can flourish —and where the ideas that shape tomorrow can begin today.

Thank you for helping make Tech Futures Challenge 2026 possible, and for investing in the innovators who will help build Canada's future.

We hope to see all of you again for the 2027 TFC cycle.

Sometimes innovation runs on curiosity, creativity… and a little caffeine.

A sincere Thank You to Tim Hortons for generously providing the coffee that helped fuel MindFuel’s Tech Futures Challenge 2026 Innovation Showcase.

From early-morning setup and team presentations to judging sessions, networking, and award announcements, it was a busy day filled with energy, ideas, and activity. Thanks to Tim Hortons, students, mentors, judges, volunteers, staff, and guests had plenty of coffee on hand to help keep the conversations flowing and the innovation moving.

We can’t say every great idea started over a cup of coffee —but we’re not ruling it out!

Thank you for helping keep our innovators, judges, and special guests caffeinated, focused, and ready for a day of big thinking.

Over this past Tech Futures Challenge cycle, we challenged our teams to share their journeys, insights, and innovations with the world through our social media competition. We’ve loved seeing the incredible content, behind-the-scenes moments, and passion from everyone!

While the competition was fierce... a massive congratulations to the winner of our draw, MIRRA CALL! 🏆

MIRRA CALL is doing vital work advancing age-tech and assisted living innovation ecosystems, and their dedication to sharing their story has been nothing short of inspiring. Thank you to the team for your incredible engagement, and to all the teams who participated and brought so much energy to this TFC cycle!

We can't wait to see you again soon!