The Tech Futures Challenge (TFC) is run by The MindFuel Foundation and supports teams across Canada in their innovation journey during the following time period: January 14, 2027 – May 29, 2027. The Tech Futures Challenge is a combination of online and in-person events, workshops, and mentoring support; and key dates and activities include: 

TFC Kick-Off, online: January 14, 2027, 5:00-6:30pm
TFC teams, mentors, and MindFuel team join in Kick-off event activities; including meeting the teams, networking with mentors, and immersing in the why of the TFC projects.  

Pitch Stage: January – February 2027
Teams work on their initial project pitch using the empathize, define and ideate stages of the design thinking process. Teams self-organize their in-person or online meetings and project work at their own pace and with the support of their team advisor. 

Pitch Competition: February 24, 2027
Teams submit their pitch video for judge feedback and awards.  

Prototype Development Workshop, online or in-person: March 6, 2027
Teams participate in hands-on workshops, presentations, and mentoring sessions in preparation for their team’s next steps in the prototype stage. Teams submit their project seed funding form. 

Prototype Stage: March – May 2027
Teams work on their project prototype using the iterative prototyping & testing stages of the design thinking process utilizing STEM. Focus areas may include AI, biology, coding, app development, and 3D printing. Teams self-organize their in-person or online meetings and project work at their own pace and with the support of their team advisor. 

Innovation Showcase, in-person: May 29, 2027
Teams share their project prototypes through a short project video, presentation, and Q&A, and sample model/prototype for the opportunity of awards and prizes, receive mentor judge feedback; and celebrate their accomplishments of the TFC cycle.