TypeShift Student Conference
The TypeShift conference will be the capstone of the program, a platform designed to showcase student-led innovation and foster a collaborative learning community. Its vision is to be more than just a showcase; it will be a "catalyst for change", inspiring attendees by demonstrating how students can apply creative and critical thinking to tackle complex, real-world problems.
Date
June 2026 (TBD)
Location
Calgary, Alberta & Online
Audience
Students, Mentors, Experts
Competition Tracks
Sustainable Energy & Climate Tech
This track focuses on using technology to create a more sustainable future.
Sample Challenge:
"Design an AI tool that helps urban residents monitor and reduce their energy consumption in real-time."
Supporting Experts:
TBD
Personalized Medicine & Biotech
This track explores how AI can revolutionize healthcare by tailoring solutions to individual needs.
Sample Challenge:
"Create a mobile app that uses AI to analyze a user's health data and provide personalized wellness recommendations."
Supporting Experts:
TBD
Mental Health & Digital Wellness
This track addresses the critical need for digital solutions that support mental health and well-being.
Sample Challenge:
"Develop a platform or game that uses AI to help students manage stress and build stronger social connections within their school community."
Supporting Experts:
TBD
Urban Tech & Sustainable Agriculture
This track is about applying AI to solve problems in urban environments and improve food systems.
Sample Challenge:
"Build a tool that uses machine learning to help local farmers optimize crop yields and reduce water usage."
Supporting Experts:
TBD
Conference Schedule
The day is split into two main sections: morning presentations by workshop stream and afternoon challenges.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PMMorning Sessions: Workshop Stream Presentations
Students will present their projects, demonstrating the knowledge and skills they've gained from the TypeShift workshops. Presentations will be grouped into the following streams:
AI Fundamentals
Showcase projects that explore core AI concepts.
AI in Audio and Video
Present creative projects using AI for media generation.
Contextual Prompts
Demonstrate how the C-P-C framework was used to achieve specific, high-quality results.
AI Agents
Exhibit multi-agent systems built from the ground up.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PMAfternoon Sessions: AI Challenges
Students will participate in a series of collaborative challenges designed to test their problem-solving and AI skills in real-time. These challenges will encourage teamwork and creative application of the concepts they've learned.
Prompt Engineering Challenge
Teams will be given a complex task and must use advanced prompting techniques to get the best result from an AI model.
AI Ethics Debate
Students will discuss and debate a controversial topic related to AI, such as bias in algorithms or the future of creative work.
Multi-Agent System Build-Off
Teams will compete to build the most efficient and effective multi-agent system to solve a predefined problem.
Creative AI Showcase
An open-ended challenge where students use generative AI to produce a piece of art, music, or video on the spot, based on a surprise theme.
Information for Students
In-Person Attendees (Calgary, Alberta)
Who should attend?
All students who participated in the TypeShift workshops and are presenting their final projects, as well as any other interested students, mentors, and parents.
What to bring?
Bring your laptop, any project materials you need for your presentation, and a positive, collaborative mindset.
Dress Code:
Smart casual. Feel free to represent your school or club!
Networking:
The in-person event provides an excellent opportunity to network with fellow students, industry experts, and our sponsors. Don't miss the chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
Virtual Attendees (Online)
Who should attend?
All students who participated in the workshops but are unable to attend in person. The virtual option is also open to anyone interested in the future of AI.
How to join?
A link to the virtual conference platform will be sent to all registered participants a week before the event. The platform will allow you to stream all presentations and keynotes.
Participation:
You can join the Q&A sessions, chat with other attendees, and vote in some of the challenges, just like the in-person audience.
Presenting Virtually:
If you are a student presenter attending virtually, you will receive specific instructions and a time slot to log in and present your project.
Presentation Structure
The morning presentations will be structured to give students the primary role in conveying their learning. Each stream will have a dedicated space, either physical or virtual, for presentations. The agenda will allocate a specific block of time for each student to present their project, followed by a Q&A session moderated by their expert mentor.
Expert Engagement & Mentorship
The expert engagement and mentorship framework is a core component of the program. Experts will be assigned to students based on their chosen challenge stream, providing both content and communication guidance.
Content Mentorship
Helping students "understand / build their ideas" by offering subject matter expertise and pushing them to consider new perspectives.
Presentation Coaching
Helping students "create and enhance their presentations" by focusing on the narrative, visual design, and delivery.
Experts - TBD
Additional expert mentors are currently being confirmed and will be announced as the conference approaches. These experts will provide specialized guidance in emerging areas of AI and education technology.
Ready to be part of the TypeShift Student Conference?
Apply Now