ShiftKey Labs

Here We Code: Networking Mixer
2025-05-13 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The PIER, 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Calling all students who want to begin their careers in tech!
Join us on May 13th at the PIER for the Here We Code: Networking Mixer from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Lower and upper-year students, connect about your experiences and careers, and also get to know industry professionals in the tech field! Discuss your career and academic goals, listen to a panel of upper year students, alumni, and industry professionals, and much more.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, network, explore your options, and get to know the tech industry! 🧑‍💻🎓🤝
Thanks to Digital Nova Scotia and SuperNOVA for their ongoing support for the Here We Code initiative!
Click here to register: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Academy UP: Machine Learning Basics (2/4)
2025-05-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
Discover the Power of Machine Learning with ACENET!
Curious about Machine Learning (ML) and how it transforms industries? Join our engaging series of four sessions where you’ll explore the core concepts behind automation and intelligent decision-making, including some hands-on examples.
● Understand Key ML Principles – Learn about supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning and their real-world applications.
● Explore Essential Algorithms – Gain insights into Naive Bayes, Regression, Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, and Neural Networks.
● Learn the Fundamentals of Neural Networks and Deep Learning – Understand core concepts behind neural networks and deep learning, their components, and how to build a simple neural network.
● Explore Large Language Models – Build foundational knowledge of transformer architectures including types of LLMs and their evolution, pre-training vs. fine-tuning, and practical considerations.
Perfect for beginners and professionals alike, this series will equip you with the fundamentals to navigate the world of machine learning with confidence.
Register now and start your ML journey today!
Thank you to Cognizant for supporting the ShiftKey Academy UP program, making these courses possible.
📅 Dates: May 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📌 Location: Virtual
💰 Cost: FREE!
Register Here: https://bit.ly/4jh8b7E

Note: Attendance is required for 3 sessions to earn certification, as well as successful completion of assessment.

Academy UP: Fundamentals of Cloud Administration with Azure (2/4)
2025-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Take your Azure expertise to the next level with our deep-dive course on Microsoft Azure! This four-week program explores key cloud concepts, including identity and access management with Entra ID, scalable storage and compute solutions, and network architecture best practices. You’ll also learn how to automate infrastructure deployment and optimize monitoring, alerting, and compliance. Perfect for those with foundational Azure knowledge looking to expand their skills, this hands-on course will equip you with practical insights to design and manage Azure environments effectively.
Prerequisites:

Knowledge of Cloud Foundations , a Cloud Computing course at a university or equivalent. Basic familiarity with Bash and the command line.
Before Day 1: Students must decide on “pay-as-you-go subscription” (take the free course to set up their subscription) or do labs in Microsoft’s sandbox.

Thank you to Cognizant for supporting the ShiftKey Academy UP program, making these courses possible.

📅 Dates: May 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📌 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building, Room 143
💰 Cost: FREE!
Register Here: https://airtable.com/appkB4tLGaUIf7rIf/shrRXVDaYwEt6eTGg

Note: Attendance is required for 3 sessions to earn certification, as well as successful completion of assessment.

Academy UP: Machine Learning Basics (3/4)
2025-05-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Virtual

Encryption Foundations Workshop
2025-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Nova Scotia
(Now at 6-8pm!)
Dive into the essentials of data security with our Encryption Foundations Workshop! Master AES, RSA, SHA encryption, and Bcrypt, plus experience hands-on practice with CyberChef. Whether you’re new to encryption or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop will give you the tools to protect sensitive data effectively. Join us and take your cybersecurity knowledge to the next level.
🔗 Register Now: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Academy UP: Fundamentals of Cloud Administration with Azure (3/4)
2025-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Academy UP: Machine Learning Basics (4/4)
2025-05-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Virtual

Industry Showcase: Volta
2025-05-29 16:00 - 17:30 | Volta, 1800 Argyle St Unit 801, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3N8, Canada
📅 Date: May 29th, 2025
By Application Only

Academy UP: Fundamentals of Cloud Administration with Azure (4/4)
2025-05-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Build Fast / Ship Fast Workshop
2025-05-30 17:30 - 19:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Want to turn ideas into real projects in hours, not weeks? At the Build Fast / Ship Fast Workshop, you’ll learn how to quickly set up everything your app needs, from auth to analytics, so you can focus on building features and getting feedback fast.
This workshop is all about adopting a modern, lean approach to software development: validating ideas early 💡, iterating quickly 🔁, and using automation and AI 🤖 to move faster without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re hacking on a side project or launching a startup, this is your guide to building smart and shipping with confidence.
You will learn:
NextJS,
Shadcn,
Clerk,
Supabase,
Resend,
Posthog,
Cursor,
Github CoPilot
📍 Room 134, Goldberg Computer Science Building
🕠 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Registration open now: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Ocean of Data: AI in Action, featuring Building Bridges
2025-06-03 18:00 - 2025-06-17 23:59 | Virtual
Join this special edition of the Ocean of Data Challenge, featuring Building Bridges. Hosted by DeepSense, COVE, and ShiftKey Labs, this exciting challenge offers a unique opportunity to collaborate and develop innovative ideas! The free event kicks off on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6 pm AST with an introduction to the challenge, expert presentations, and a Q&A session to help fuel your creativity. Participants must submit video entries by 11:59 pm AST on Tuesday, June 17th. Judges will review submissions over the following two weeks, and winners will be announced on Thursday, July 3rd.
Who should participate?
Great ideas often emerge from diverse perspectives, so we encourage students from all disciplines to participate – whether that be computer science, engineering, biology, sustainability, business, or any other program! Participants must be current students (full-time or part-time) or recent graduates (within the past 12 months) of a post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada. You can choose to work solo or collaborate with a team of up to five members. Please make sure to review the Official Rules below.
The Rules

Competitors must either own the rights to all software used in their project or have written permission from the owner.
Submissions can be as simple as an infographic or as complex as a machine learning model for predictions. Surprise us! Projects will be judged on their clarity, creativity, and potential impact.
Competitors can participate individually or in teams of up to 5 members.
Submissions must not include any confidential information.
Each project must be based on data from the CIOOS Data Portal, with the source clearly cited in the presentation, infographic, visual, or slides (additional data sources can be used to supplement CIOOS data).
Competitors must currently live in Canada and have an active Canadian bank account.
Competitors must be a current part-time or full-time student at a post-secondary institution in Canada OR have graduated from one of these institutions within the past 12 months.

For more information, visit https://deepsense.ca/ocean-of-data-challenge/. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, reach out to info@deepsense.ca.

Academy UP: Intro to Algorithmic Problem Solving (1/4)
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Ready to kickstart your technical interview preparation and enhance your algorithmic thinking?
This four-week program with Yuhan Fu covers essential topics including fundamental data structures, time and space complexity analysis, sorting and recursion, graph theory, greedy strategies, and dynamic programming.
Each week combines algorithmic logic analysis with hands-on, Leetcode-style challenges to help you apply concepts through practical problem-solving.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to design, analyze, and optimize algorithms to tackle a wide range of algorithmic problems effectively.
Prerequisites:

Knowledge of at least one programming language

Thank you to Cognizant for supporting the ShiftKey Academy UP program, making these courses possible.

📅 Dates: June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📌 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building Room 127
💰 Cost: FREE!
Register Here: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Note: Attendance is required for 3 sessions to earn certification, as well as successful completion of assessment.

Academy UP: Intro to Algorithmic Problem Solving (2/4)
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Academy UP: Intro to Algorithmic Problem Solving (3/4)
2025-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Academy UP: Intro to Algorithmic Problem Solving (4/4)
2025-06-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

ShiftKey x WiTS: Breaking Barriers Hackathon
2025-06-28 - 2025-06-29 | Nova Scotia
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

Dal CTF 2025 Info Session
2025-07-02 17:30 - 19:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
📅 Date: July 2nd
⏰ Time: 5:30PM – 7:00 PM
📌 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building Room 127
💰 Cost: FREE!

Academy UP: Game Development Foundations with Unity (1/5)
2025-07-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
The Game Development Foundations course by ShiftKey Academy UP, led by Gabriel Savard, is your first step into the world of game design and development using Unity.
Tailored for beginners with basic programming experience, this course introduces core concepts in game mechanics, physics, and 2D/3D environments. You’ll learn how to navigate Unity’s interface, build interactive scenes, and bring your game ideas to life—all while gaining the foundational skills needed for future game development projects.
This course is open to participants from all disciplines. Basic programming experience is recommended. Please have Unity installed before the first session.
Thank you to Cognizant for supporting the ShiftKey Academy UP program, making these courses possible.

📅 Dates: July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📌 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building Room 134
💰 Cost: FREE!
Register Here: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Note: Attendance is required for 3 sessions to earn certification, as well as successful completion of assessment.

Dal CTF 2025
2025-07-05 09:00 - 18:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Ready to test your hacking skills?

Join us July 5th for an in-person Capture the Flag event hosted by ShiftKey Labs and the Dal CTF Society at the Dal FCS Goldberg building! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious about cybersecurity, there’s a challenge waiting for you. Grab your laptop, form a team (2-5 people), and dive into real-world security puzzles. No experience? No problem – mentors will be on hand to guide beginners. Prizes await the top hackers! Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and register now.

Let’s hack, learn, and have fun together. See you there!

📅 Date: July 5th
⏰ Time: 9:00AM – 6:00 PM (Hack is 10AM-5PM)
📌 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building
💰 Cost: FREE!

Registration is now open! https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Schedule:

Intro to Data Engineering
2025-07-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Come find out at our Intro to Data Engineering Workshop⚙️📊!
Whether it’s making product decisions, tracking user behavior, or powering internal tools, data engineers play a key role in designing the systems that move, clean, and structure data at scale 🌐📈.
In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll walk through the core components of the modern data stack and explore how data engineering fits into the broader world of software development 🧑‍💻.
No experience required. All you need is curiosity and an interest in how real-world systems are built.

📅 Date: July 9th
⏰ Time: 6:00PM – 7:00 PM
📌 Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building Room 143
💰 Cost: FREE!

Register Here: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Academy UP: Game Development Foundations with Unity (2/5)
2025-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Academy UP: Game Development Foundations with Unity (3/5)
2025-07-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Academy UP: Game Development Foundations with Unity (4/5)
2025-07-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Academy UP: Game Development Foundations with Unity (5/5)
2025-07-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Connections Under the Sun
2025-08-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Studley Quad, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
Looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of games, networking, and sunshine?
Join DeepSense, ShiftKey Labs, and SURGE Innovation for Connections Under the Sun on August 20th at 5 pm on Dalhousie’s Studley Quad.
Bring a blanket or chair, your favourite lawn games, and don’t forget the sunscreen — snacks will be provided!
Register for the event here: http://bit.ly/41tryTS

DevOpsDays Halifax 2025
2025-08-26 - 2025-08-27 | Rowe Management Building, 6100 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
🐯 Dalhousie students — this is your chance.
DevOpsDays Halifax 2025 is an international software and cloud engineering conference happening right here in Halifax.
🔎 Why it matters for you:

Companies attending are actively looking to hire local talent
30% student discount using the code GEN_STUDENT_DISCOUNT
Meet engineers, recruiters, and hiring managers from across North America
Learn about real-world DevOps, CI/CD, cloud platforms, and security
Conference meals and a networking social event with industry professionals are included.

Bonus:
Kick off with a full-day Google Cloud AI Workshop: Get hands-on with Vision, Translation, and Natural Language APIs.
Build real projects and earn a Google Cloud Skill Badge—all included with your student ticket. If you’re serious about landing a job in tech, this is the event to attend.

📆 Spots are limited — reserve yours now here:
If you’re in between jobs, or facing financial hardship, we’ve got you covered. The Inclusive Access Ticket is available for just $30 — no code needed. Find it directly at our ticketing page.
You can also find this event on Dal events calendar: https://events.dal.ca/event/4593-devops-days-halifax-2025-at-dalhousie-university
📣 But wait!! There’s more!!
Kick off with a full-day Google Cloud AI Workshop: Get hands-on with Vision, Translation, and Natural Language APIs.
Build real projects and earn a Google Cloud Skill Badge — all included with your student ticket.If you’re serious about landing a job in tech, this is the event to attend.

CODEChella Day 1
2025-09-01 | Dalhousie University
Note: These events are for Dalhousie Faculty of Computer Science students only
Pancake Social – CODEchella 2025 Launch!

About the session: Start your CODEchella Computer Science Orientation journey with stacks of pancakes, sweet syrup, and a dash of friendly competition. Explore fun mini games in the Atrium & Urban Garden hosted by your CS mentors and begin building your new community as Computer Science student at Dalhousie University!
Date & Time: Monday, September 1, 2025 at 10:00AM
Location: Meet in the lobby of the Goldberg Computer Science Building

Campus Tour & Scavenger Hunt

About the session: After University 101, join up with your CODEchella Team as your Stage Manager (Guide) leads you through some key places to know on Campus. Don’t forgot to keep on eye out for those “Check-Ins” to earn your team CODEchella stamps.
Date & Time: Monday, September 1, 2025 at 2:30PM
Location: Meet in the lobby of the Goldberg Computer Science Building

Walk this Wave

About the session: Follow your Stage Manager (mentor/guide) alongside your CODEchella teammates on a journey through the heart of Halifax—past iconic landmarks, lively streets, and the welcoming pulse of your new city. Along the way, enjoy a taste of a local delicacy and end your adventure at The Wave on the stunning Halifax waterfront, where your entire class will come together for a beloved CODEchella tradition: an iconic collective photo immortalizing the start of a new chapter!
Date & Time: Monday, September 1, 2025 at 5:00PM
Location: Meet in the lobby of the Goldberg Computer Science Building.

Find out more here

DSU Orientation
2025-09-01 | Dalhousie University
Note: These events are for first-year Dalhousie University students only
Academic Orientation Day

Time: There are 3 sessions available: 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1 PM.
Each session will have the same information. Pick one that works for you!
Location: McInnes Room, Student Union Building
Start your university journey strong with Academic Orientation Day! This two-hour event features University 101 and a guided tour of your faculty—designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready for the year ahead. We’ll cut through the confusion, showing you exactly how to navigate campus services and decode all that new lingo. Get the practical strategies you need to conquer your courses and make the most of your time here at Dal.

Writing Centre Cool Treat Drop-in

Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Location: Killam Atrium, 6225 University Avenue
Beat the heat and kick off your semester with a free freezie! Drop by the Writing Centre’s Cool Treat Drop-In to grab a sweet treat and discover how we can support you with university writing. Whether you’re looking for tips on essays, assignments, or just want to know where to start, we’re here to help you adapt and thrive. No appointment needed—just stop by, say hi, and enjoy a freezie on us!

Drop-In Schedule Building

Time: 3 PM – 4 PM
Location: Council Chambers Room – Second Floor, Student Union Building
After acing University 101, dive into a hands-on session with experienced counsellors where you’ll learn how to create your own class schedule. Get practical tips and step-by-step guidance to organize your courses, manage your time effectively, and set yourself up for a successful semester.
Build confidence in planning your academic path and take control of your Dal experience!

Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby

Time: 6 -7:15 PM
Location: Scotiabank Auditorium, McCain Building
A candid talk about sex, consent, and communication. This is your chance to anonymously ask Venus Envy all your questions about sex, hooking up, STIs, toys, and more!

Venus Envy is an education-based feminist sex shop and bookstore located in Kjipuktuk(Halifax), we are queer and trans owned and run. Since opening in 1998 Venus Envy has strived to be a safe space to explore desires and expand knowledge on topics surrounding sexual health, gender and sexuality, feminism, and social justice.

Capture the Flag

Time: 7 PM – 10 PM
Location: Wickwire Field
Join us on the Wickwire Field for a game of Capture the Flag! Jump in to the game to represent your building or cheer along your team!

Nostalgia Night

Time: 8 PM – 11 PM
Location: Assigned lounges in residence
Description: Do you miss your old family shows? Do the Dunkaroos, Kool-aid, and Gushers of the past call for your name? Are you looking for the perfect way to unwind after a long weekend of Orientation Activity? Look no further than Nostalgia Night. Bring your new friends, your comfiest clothes and blankets, and bask in the relaxed atmosphere watching your favorite shows, listening to music, and eating your favourite snacks that all scratch that nostalgia itch just right!

Find out more here

CODEChella Day 2
2025-09-02 | Dalhousie University
Note: This event is for Dalhousie Faculty of Computer Science students only
Teacher Tuesday

About the session: Your professors are more accessible than you think! Check the list of first-year profs provided on the DalU App and drop by during their office hours to put a face to a name and start building a connection with the teachers who are passionate about your education! Ask about their CODEchella challenge, crack the CODE and you’ll earn stamps towards your CODEchella Hunt. It’s low pressure, super helpful, and a fun way to meet the folks behind the lectures.
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 all day
Location: Meet in the lobby of the Goldberg Computer Science Building

Find out more here

DSU Welcome Fair
2025-09-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Dalhousie University
Note: This event is for Dalhousie University students only

Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Location: Studley Quad
The Welcome Fair is our big hello to you! Folks from across the universities in various roles will be on the Quad, representing the various resources and opportunities for you to engage with. So come say hi, grab some freebies, and learn more about what Dal has to offer you!

Find out more here
