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Nova Scotia's Tech Entrepreneurship Sandbox
Know about our Events and Join Us
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Become a Volunteer
ShiftKey hosts dozens of networking events, workshops, information sessions and hackathons each year. We are looking for volunteers to help our staff and ambassadors during ShiftKey events.
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Work at ShiftKey Labs
There are currently no vacancies at ShiftKey Labs. Keep an eye on our social media or here on our website for future opportunities!
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A team of professionals, passionate about new technologies & progress

ShiftKey Labs is part of the Nova Scotia Sandbox Project, which was designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among post-secondary students across the province. 

est.

2012

A decade of expertise

50+

Events hosted in 2023

ShiftKey is the only sandbox devoted to computer science and technology, and we operate based on three broad goals. 

  1. Creating strong talent for the Nova Scotia technology industry
  2. Ensuring that computer science students gain innovation and entrepreneurship experience outside the classroom
  3. Developing deep connections between computer science students and the Nova Scotian tech startup community

We address these goals through our broad range of events and programs, offered to all students interested in computer science and technology.

Why JOIN us

Some fun facts!

180+

Volunteering opportunities in 2023

500+

Student and Industry community members

3500$+

Certificate Reimbursements for students

Meet The Team

Emily Fenton​

Manager

After receiving a Bachelor in International Studies from Leiden University, Emily spent many years working as a supervisor and manager at the Technical University of Delft, organizing events with and for STEM students. In 2020, she returned to her home-town Halifax to complete a Master’s in History, before spending a year working in Dalhousie Administration. Emily enjoys working with students, industry, and faculty partners to develop key connections and organize engaging events. If you want to get in touch, feel free to reach out to Emily through LinkedIn.

Allan Lavall

Program Co-ordinator

Allan Lavell is a programmer from Halifax whose passion lies at the intersection of creativity, people and technology. He’s known online for having produced a trio of art creation apps – Glitch X, Hyperspektive, and Glitch Wizard. He’s worked in the tech industry for over a decade, from Nova Scotia to Silicon Beach in LA. Now, as Program Coordinator for ShiftKey Labs, he continues his quest to help others achieve their creative, technical and entrepreneurial foals, with an emphasis on positive social impact.

Emily Fenton​

Manager

After receiving a Bachelor in International Studies from Leiden University, Emily spent many years working as a supervisor and manager at the Technical University of Delft, organizing events with and for STEM students. In 2020, she returned to her home-town Halifax to complete a Master’s in History, before spending a year working in Dalhousie Administration. Emily enjoys working with students, industry, and faculty partners to develop key connections and organize engaging events. If you want to get in touch, feel free to reach out to Emily through LinkedIn.

Allan Lavall

Program Co-ordinator

Allan Lavell is a programmer from Halifax whose passion lies at the intersection of creativity, people and technology. He’s known online for having produced a trio of art creation apps – Glitch X, Hyperspektive, and Glitch Wizard. He’s worked in the tech industry for over a decade, from Nova Scotia to Silicon Beach in LA. Now, as Program Coordinator for ShiftKey Labs, he continues his quest to help others achieve their creative, technical and entrepreneurial foals, with an emphasis on positive social impact.

Sahil Chawla

Senior Student Ambassador

I’m Sahil, a third-year Bachelor of Applied Computer Science student at Dalhousie University. Born in Mumbai, India, I grew up in Dubai, UAE, and Muscat, Oman. I’m deeply interested in emerging technology and am continually amazed by the progress in the tech world. My interests also include Web Development, Data Science, and Software Development.

Vansh Sood

Student Technology Coordinator

Hi! I’m Vansh, a second-year BCS student, TA, and Software Developer for Dal. I’m a Full Stack Developer aiding in engineering software platforms for startups and businesses. I’ve been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, Certified by AWS, and Global Top 50 for Google Code-In. I’m always looking for new ways to innovate and empower others in the tech space.

Sahil Chawla

Senior Student Ambassador

I’m Sahil, a third-year Bachelor of Applied Computer Science student at Dalhousie University. Born in Mumbai, India, I grew up in Dubai, UAE, and Muscat, Oman. I’m deeply interested in emerging technology and am continually amazed by the progress in the tech world. My interests also include Web Development, Data Science, and Software Development.

Vansh Sood

Student Technology Coordinator

Hi! I’m Vansh, a second-year BCS student, TA, and Software Developer for Dal. I’m a Full Stack Developer aiding in engineering software platforms for startups and businesses. I’ve been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, Certified by AWS, and Global Top 50 for Google Code-In. I’m always looking for new ways to innovate and empower others in the tech space.

Almasfiza Shaikh

Communications Assistant

Hi I am Almas. I am a graduate student at Applied CS at Dal and Communications Assistant for ShiftKey Labs. I am interested in front end web dev, data analysis and UI/UX. I love going on walks and watching movies.

Tobi Onibudo

Student Ambassador

I’m Tobi, a third-year computer science major at Dalhousie University, specializing in cloud computing, web, and mobile development. I’ve interned at NorthBay Solutions and hold certifications in Azure and AWS. Passionate about promoting tech in Halifax and Nova Scotia, I enjoy manga, anime, and music in my free time. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn for a discussion.

Almasfiza Shaikh

Communications Assistant

Hi I am Almas. I am a graduate student at Applied CS at Dal and Communications Assistant for ShiftKey Labs. I am interested in front end web dev, data analysis and UI/UX. I love going on walks and watching movies.

Tobi Onibudo

Student Ambassador

I’m Tobi, a third-year computer science major at Dalhousie University, specializing in cloud computing, web, and mobile development. I’ve interned at NorthBay Solutions and hold certifications in Azure and AWS. Passionate about promoting tech in Halifax and Nova Scotia, I enjoy manga, anime, and music in my free time. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn for a discussion.

Arlo Bannon

Student Ambassador

Arlo is a fourth year Computer Science student at Dalhousie specializing in Network Computing and Cybersecurity. In addition to his work at ShiftKey Labs, he is the President of Dalhousie’s Cybersecurity Society (DCyS) and a student programmer in Network Services for the Department of National Defence. His free time is spent doing arts and crafts, and playing tabletop games with friends.

Shreya Sharma

Student Ambassador

I am Shreya Sharma, a third-year Bachelor of Computer Science student at Dalhousie University. I have a deep passion for problem-solving, backend development, and database management systems. Along with my strong academic record, I really enjoy helping others and am always open to new learning opportunities and experiences.

Arlo Bannon

Student Ambassador

Arlo is a fourth year Computer Science student at Dalhousie specializing in Network Computing and Cybersecurity. In addition to his work at ShiftKey Labs, he is the President of Dalhousie’s Cybersecurity Society (DCyS) and a student programmer in Network Services for the Department of National Defence. His free time is spent doing arts and crafts, and playing tabletop games with friends.

Shreya Sharma

Student Ambassador

I am Shreya Sharma, a third-year Bachelor of Computer Science student at Dalhousie University. I have a deep passion for problem-solving, backend development, and database management systems. Along with my strong academic record, I really enjoy helping others and am always open to new learning opportunities and experiences.

Nishevitha Venkatesh

Student Ambassador

Hey there! I’m Nishevitha, a first-year BCS student at Dalhousie University. I’ve grown up in Dubai, India and Singapore and I’m passionate about AI and enterpreneurship. Feel free to reach out if you have shared interests~!

Nishevitha Venkatesh

Student Ambassador

Hey there! I’m Nishevitha, a first-year BCS student at Dalhousie University. I’ve grown up in Dubai, India and Singapore and I’m passionate about AI and enterpreneurship. Feel free to reach out if you have shared interests~!