ShiftKey Labs

IBM watsonx Education Challenge
2024-11-01 - 2024-11-03 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Join us for the IBM watsonx Education Challenge hosted by ShiftKey Labs in collaboration with IBM, where innovation meets education. This low-code/no-code event invites participants to tackle real-world challenges based on the United Nation’s Sustainability Goal #4: Quality Education. From empowering educators to build customized learning experiences using no-code platforms, enhancing student engagement and well-being in university life and bridging the digital divide to provide equitable access to quality education in underserved and remote communities. Whether you’re a student, educator or industry professional, come together to create impactful, scalable solutions that revolutionize how we learn and teach, fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all. The Quality Education Challenge will give participants unique access to IBM’s new AI tools.

IBM’s Watsonx is an advanced data and AI platform designed to help businesses harness the transformative potential of AI. With a robust suite of tools and capabilities, Watsonx empowers businesses to develop, deploy, and manage AI solutions that drive meaningful insights and enhancements. However, its capabilities extend far beyond this, making it an ideal solution for addressing complex challenges in various fields. Its scalability and adaptability enable it to be applied in diverse contexts, making it a valuable tool for organizations looking to optimize their operations and better serve their purpose. As AI tools continue to advance, Watsonx is well-positioned to drive innovation and address a wide range of business and social concerns.

The Quality Education Challenge is open to all fields and levels of expertise. Participants will have access to exclusive workshops leading up to the event to help you prepare. Register today to test your low-code/no-code skills, make valuable industry connections, and win cool prizes!
Read the schedule below and find out how to register!

📆 Date: Nov 1-3, 2024 ⏰ Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building
💰 Cost: FREE!
📌 Registration: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Ocean of Data Challenge: Coastal Clarity
2024-11-04 - 2024-11-18 | Virtual
Post-secondary students across Atlantic Canada, test your skills in the Ocean of Data Challenge! DeepSense, ShiftKey Labs, and COVE are thrilled to be hosting the 10th Ocean of Data Challenge: Coastal Clarity to explore how we can build coastal resilience 🌊.
Attend a live virtual panel to learn about the impact of climate change on coastlines and the need for coastal resilience on Monday, November 4th.
The Ocean of Data Challenge invites participants to dive into data at their own pace, showcasing their skills while competing for cash prizes! The challenge is divided into three streams: On the Water, In the Water, and Around the Water. Participants will select one stream and develop interdisciplinary ideas to enhance coastal resilience. Each stream offers a unique lens for exploring various types of data, encouraging innovative approaches to address coastal challenges.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference and win cash prizes!

📆 Date: Nov 4-18, 2024 ⏰ Location: Virtual
💰 Cost: FREE!
📌 Registration:https://www.tickettailor.com/events/deepsense/1429482

National Health Datathon
2024-11-09 - 2024-11-10 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
📣 Calling all CS and Medical students! 📣
Do you want to change the future of medicine? Do you want to compete nationally for a chance to win exciting prizes? Do you want a chance to win against students from across Canada?
Join the National Health Datathon on November 9th and 10th hosted by ShiftKey, Dalhousie Faculty of Computer Science, UBC and Toronto Health Datathon. Work together in teams and use real data to solve problems in the medical field through tech.
Each team will be composed of Computer Science and Medical students, and there will be a chance for team creation and networking on the first day of the event. You will also have a chance to work with and compete against teams from UBC and U of T!
This event is geared towards Dalhousie students, but it is open for any CS and Medical students in the province.
Read the schedule below and find out how to register!

📆 Date: Nov 9-10, 2024 ⏰ Location: Goldberg Computer Science, Room 134
💰 Cost: FREE!
📌 Registration: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

LaTeX Workshop & Competition
2024-11-19 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
LaTeX is a key skill for both budding and seasoned computer scientists alike. This workshop gives an interactive overview of using LaTeX for typesetting assignments, posters, presentations, diagrams, theses, and conference submissions through a series of typesetting challenges. No knowledge of LaTeX is required for this beginner friendly workshop but those experienced with LaTeX should expect to learn techniques that will increase their productivity. After giving an interactive tutorial, participants will be presented with a series of typesetting competitions to show off their newly learned LaTeX prowess. All participants must bring their own computer.
📅 Date: November 19th, 2024
⏰ Time: 5:30PM to 8:30PM
📌 Location: The Goldberg Computer Science Building
✍ Registration: bit.ly/shiftkey-events

AI and Mental Wellbeing Hackathon
2025-01-17 - 2025-01-19 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Calling all creative minds and problem-solvers! 🚀 ShiftKey Labs presents the ShiftKey GenAI Mental Wellness Hackathon, happening January 17–19, 2025. This three-day event invites students from across Nova Scotia and all faculties to innovate with Generative AI and develop solutions to support mental health. Explore how Generative AI can revolutionize mental health and well-being.
This year’s hackathon focuses on a single, unified stream, blending creativity, coding, and collaboration to design impactful solutions. Whether you’re an experienced coder or simply passionate about mental wellness, there’s a place for you to contribute and make a difference.
📅 Dates: January 17–19, 2025
📍 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building
What’s in store?
✨ Prizes for top-performing teams.
🎮 A chill zone with games and movies for downtime.
🌟 Opportunities to network, collaborate and make a difference.
Sign Up Here: Register Here
FAQ

What is Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)?

Popular tools such as CHAT GPT, Jasper Chat, Google Bard, etc., are some Gen AI tools. This is a type of AI technology that can produce several types of content.

Who can take part in this hackathon?

This hackathon is open to everyone regardless of their coding skill level and education background.

Participants can choose from the either stream –

Creation of a tool and demonstration (coding stream)
Potential idea presentation and pitch (non-coding stream)

Why should I take part in the hackathon?

Get an opportunity to network with other participants, experienced judges and mentors. Learn industry-based skills, gain valuable experience and show it off on your resume. Great food during the hackathon and amazing prizes valued up to $1000 for the winners.

Schedule
Friday:

Time
Program
Location/Room

18:30
Open Team Formation
Online

Saturday:

Time
Program
Location/Room

09:30
Doors open, Coffee & Tea
Goldberg Atrium

10:00-11:30
Presentation/Kick-off
Room 127

12:30
Hackathon 101
Room 127

13:00-14:00
Work time + QnA
Goldberg

14:00-15:00
Lunch
Goldberg Atrium

15:00-18:30
Work time + QnA
Goldberg

18:30
Submit Round 1
Online

19:00-20:00
Dinner
Goldberg Atrium

20:00-21:00
Work time
Goldberg

21:00-22:30
Entertainment
Multiple Rooms

– Board Games
Room 134

– Movies
Room 127

– Video Games
Room 143

Sunday:

Time
Program
Location/Room

09:00
Breakfast – Coffee, Tea
Atrium

09:30-13:00
Work time
Goldberg

13:00
Lunch
Atrium

13:30- 15:30
Work time
Goldberg

15:30
Final Submission Due
Online

16:00
Presentations
Room 127: CIBC Auditorium

17:30
Judging & Awards
Room 127: CIBC Auditorium

Don’t miss your chance to innovate for mental wellness! Mark your calendars, gather your team, and join us in shaping the future of mental wellness through Generative AI!

Global Game Jam 2025
2025-01-24 - 2025-01-26 | Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB) and Goldberg Computer Science Building
Are You Ready to Jam?
The Global Game Jam 2025 is here! Dive into a weekend of creativity, collaboration, and game-making magic hosted by ShiftKey Labs.
Sign up Here: https://bit.ly/40b5QTt
🎯 Build a game from scratch
🤝 Connect with fellow creators
💡 Discover new ideas and skills
This non-competitive event is perfect for anyone curious about gaming, whether you’re an artist, programmer, or dreamer.
📅 24th Jan – 26th Jan 2025
📍 Dalhousie University
Don’t just play games — create them!
Schedule

🚍 Truro Bus Information 🚍
This year it is possible to choose a ticket that will bring you to Halifax and back by bus. This ticket is open to anyone who can get to the Truro pick-up location (36 Arthur St., Forrester Hall). Folks who use this ticket are welcome to come and stay the whole weekend, but will need to arrange their own accommodation. If you can’t organize accommodation, you can take the return trip Friday and Sunday, and work remotely on the Saturday. See schedule below:
Friday, Jan 24
Departing Truro from 36 Arthur St. (Forrester Hall) at 3:00PM
Departing Halifax from 5793 University Ave. (CHEB) at 8:00PM
Saturday, Jan 25
Option to work remotely on projects. Our friends at NSCC will be hosting people in their building (stay tuned for more information). Mentors and support will be available online through our Discord channel.
Sunday, Jan 26
Departing Truro from 36 Arthur St. (Forrester Hall) at 9:00AM
Departing Halifax from 5793 University Ave. (CHEB) at 7:00PM
Thank you for your support!

Game Jam Next 2025
2025-01-25 10:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | The PIER, 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
On Saturday, January 25th, the Dalhousie University Computer Science outreach team will be hosting Global Game Jam NEXT 2025! This is a world-wide game creation challenge where students ages 12 to 17 come together to create their own games in a limited amount of time. The event will include an opening presentation, lunch, and the chance to play the games that everyone creates. Mentors and staff will be on-site to help with any questions you might have or if you want to learn something new. You can work with a team or as an individual to create a digital game, or a physical game! Board games, card games, anything you can think of. A limited number of laptops will be available, but please feel free to bring your own device if you’d like.
If you’re interested in joining us for a day of game creation and creativity, please register over on our Eventbrite page. Please only register if you plan on joining us, as we have a limited number of tickets available. There is no cost to join the event. Please note that all participants will need to have a parent or guardian sign a permission slip upon arrival. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at techhub@dal.ca with anything you’d like to talk about. We look forward to seeing you there! 👾🎮🍓

ShiftKey x WiTS: Breaking Barriers Hackathon
2025-06-28 - 2025-06-29
On June 28th and 29th, join ShiftKey and WiTS for the ShiftKey x WiTS: Breaking Barriers Hackathon! 👩‍🦱🧔‍♀️🧑👩
Through using tech, explore how to combat systemic barriers faced by women and nonbinary individuals in the workforce across Canada. You can build apps, webpages, or anything else you desire!
This hackathon is open to all who identify as a woman or nonbinary. No tech background is required, and you can come by yourself or create a team.
Why you should come:
✨ Win fantastic prizes
✨ Connect with other women and nonbinary students from Nova Scotia
✨ Develop your tech skills
📅 Dates: June 28th-29th (starts at 9 am each day).
📌 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building
💰 Cost: FREE!
Sign up here: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

FAQ
Who can participate?
Anyone identifying as a woman or non-binary individual, or allies passionate about gender equity in tech and social change.
Do I need to know how to code?
No! There will be both technical and non-technical tracks. Bring your creativity and passion.
Can I come without a team?
Absolutely. We will help with team formation and have a Discord server to connect.
How much does it cost?
Free! Food, swag, and resources are covered thanks to our collaborators.
Schedule

RBC HubHacks
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-18
You must have registered and attended the RBC Hub Hacks Team Building event to be eligible to join.

📅 Date: October 16th-October 18th
⏰ Time: All Day
📌 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building
💰 Cost: FREE!

Mission Accepted! Space Hackathon
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-26 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Join us for the Mission Accepted Space Hackathon, where students and early-career professionals are invited to create innovative solutions using Canadian satellite data. Over the course of 2 full days, teams will dive into challenges focused on space technology, satellite data, earth observation, data processing, and sustainability.
Participants will have access to both open- and closed-source Canadian datasets, mentorship from industry experts, and technical guidance to bring innovative solutions to life. This is your chance to make an impact, learn new skills, and connect with Canada’s space innovation community. This event is open to everyone, but you’ll get the most out of it if you have basic coding skills.
This event is proudly co-hosted by ShiftKey Labs and MDA Space, with the participation of the Canadian Space Agency.
All that’s left to say is — Mission Accepted!
✏️ Register Here

Schedule:

Cognizant BrAInstorm Challenge
2025-11-07 - 2025-11-09 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
The Cognizant BrAInstorm Challenge brings together students from diverse disciplines to explore how artificial intelligence can drive sustainable change. Over one high-energy weekend, participants will collaborate to imagine, design, and prototype innovative AI solutions that align with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal 13: Climate Action

The specific challenge statement will be revealed at the event kick-off — but expect to tackle questions at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community impact.

Event Highlights

Work in teams to develop creative, AI-driven approaches to real-world sustainability issues. Teams must be between 3-5 participants.

Gain guidance and insight from the many Cognizant mentors who will be present.

Compete for cash prizes!

1st place: $1500

2nd place: $1000

3rd place: $500

Strengthen your abilities in AI, data, and design thinking while contributing to meaningful global goals.

Schedule

Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building (6050 University Avenue)
Registration: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Global Game Jam 2026
2026-01-30 - 2026-02-01
Details coming soon!

📅 Dates: January 30th-February 1st
📌 Location: TBD
💰 Cost: FREE!
