Canada Youth Innovation Competition robotics projectHilton Markham Suites VenueVenture Capital Partners and AcceleratorYouth innovator with red safety goggles holding a computer motherboard
$100k
Total Prize Pool
7+
Tech Tracks
50+
Professors & VC Judges
1st Year
Free Cloud Hosting

Why Join Us

An ecosystem designed to elevate your trajectory.

[Cute retro robot with lightsaber]

Academic Endorsement

Earn a CCRPA credential validating your innovation for Ivy League and UofT applications.

Tech Incubation

Powered by Next Inc., top projects receive middle-tier architectural guidance and platform support.

Elite Networking

Gain direct access to renowned VCs and industry leaders at our exclusive Hilton Markham Suites Gala.

Past Gala Highlights

Moments of brilliance, leadership, and global impact captured live.

[Hilton Markham Suites Venue]
[Student Presenters]
[VIP Networking Cocktail]

AI Innovation Coach

Have a vague idea? Type or speak what you're passionate about, and our AI Coach will brainstorm a solid project direction for you.

AI Coach Circular Avatar image

Click to hear AI Coach's advice

Your AI-refined concept will appear here underneath the AI Coach. Use the input on the left to begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know to get started.

What is the maximum team size?
Teams can consist of 1 to 5 members. We encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration to bring diverse perspectives into your innovation.
Do we need a fully working prototype?
While a functional prototype significantly boosts your score, a highly detailed conceptual model with validated technical feasibility is also acceptable for the preliminary round.
Is registration completely free?
Yes, applying for the preliminary selection is entirely free. Our priority is breaking down barriers to unlock true youth innovation.

Competition Tracks

Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Systems

Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Systems

AI, Automation, Smart Decision-making. Exploring algorithms that optimize human life and productivity.

Focus Areas

  • LLM Applications
  • Computer Vision
  • Autonomous Edge Computing

Target Deliverables

AI ModelWeb/App PrototypePython Codebase
Biotechnology & Healthcare Innovation

Biotechnology & Healthcare Innovation

Health Tech, Diagnostics, Life Sciences. Focusing on technical solutions that elevate quality of life.

Focus Areas

  • Bioinformatics
  • Smart Medical Devices
  • Diagnostic Algorithms

Target Deliverables

Hardware SpecData Analytics ModelResearch PDF
Environmental Protection & Clean Energy

Environmental Protection & Clean Energy

Renewable Energy, Circular Economy, Carbon Reduction. Sustainable and practical applications.

Focus Areas

  • Renewable Grid IoT
  • Carbon Capture Software
  • Circular Economy Models

Target Deliverables

IoT SchemaSimulation DemoSustainability Plan
Social Innovation & Public Welfare Technology

Social Innovation & Public Welfare Technology

Education, Communities, Public Welfare. Leveraging technology to solve societal challenges with a humanistic approach.

Focus Areas

  • EdTech Platforms
  • Civic Engagement Tools
  • Accessible Hardware

Target Deliverables

Mobile AppOpen-Source ToolCommunity Blueprint

Grand Jury

Meet our Grand Jury Committee supported by CCRPA. A panel of esteemed academics, industry leaders, and visionary investors evaluating the next horizon of innovation.

[Academic Excellence Placeholder]

Academic
Excellence

Global Standard

Frank Ye

Frank Ye

Founder and CEO of Acentury Inc.

Frank Ye is the Founder and CEO of Acentury Inc. and SynMatrix Technologies Inc. With over three decades of experience in wireless technologies, he has built and led technology companies specializing in AI-enabled network products for design, testing, monitoring, and analysis automation. Frank has guided both Acentury and SynMatrix from startup ventures to companies with international reach, serving customers across global wireless, telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and advanced technology markets. His leadership combines deep technical expertise with strategic business development, enabling the successful commercialization of innovative network automation solutions.

Wireless TechNetwork AutomationStrategic Leadership
Dr. Alan Zhang

Dr. Alan Zhang

U of T Computer Science Professor

Renowned researcher in artificial intelligence and machine learning. His work focuses on neural network architectures and their applications in solving complex real-world problems.

Machine LearningAIAlgorithms
Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Managing Partner at NextGen Capital

Seasoned tech investor with a keen eye for disruptive technologies. She specializes in funding early-stage startups and driving sustainable growth in the tech sector.

Venture CapitalTech InvestingStartups

About the Organizers

The 2026 Canada Youth Innovation Competition is structurally supported by a premier ecosystem of non-profit leadership, digital infrastructure experts, and academic authorities.

Presenting Host

Canada AXCD Foundation

$100,000 Prize Pool. Empowering youth leadership globally.

Academic Support

CCRPA

Joint Committee forming the Grand Jury & evaluation standards.

[Partnership Ecosystem]
[Youth Collaboration]
[Tech Infrastructure Lab]
[Academic Committee Meeting]

2026 Event Roadmap

JUN – AUG

Preliminary Review: Concept assessment and initial screening.

SEP

Innovation Pitch: Semi-finals with Prototype & Demo defense.

OCT 04 (PM)

Forum: Leadership & Tech strategy at Hilton Markham Suites.

OCT 04 (EV)

Grand Gala: Award ceremony and high-level networking.

Final Venue: Hilton Markham Suites Conference Centre.

Grand Champions & Awards Wall

Winners' Gallery

Showcasing the most visionary youth projects pushing the boundaries of technology and social impact.

NovaMind AI
GOLD
Artificial Intelligence

NovaMind AI

A decentralized AI system optimizing urban traffic flow using real-time edge computing.

Project Leader

Alex Thompson

HemoScan Diagnostics
SILVER
Biotechnology

HemoScan Diagnostics

Low-cost, point-of-care blood analysis device for remote community health management.

Project Leader

Sarah Lin

OceanGuard Pro
BRONZE
Clean Energy

OceanGuard Pro

Autonomous solar-powered interceptors designed to clear plastic waste from ocean currents.

Project Leader

Marcus Chen

EduBridge IoT
EXCELLENCE
Social Impact

EduBridge IoT

Bridging the digital divide via low-latency IoT satellite networks for rural education.

Project Leader

Emily Watson

Evaluation Criteria

The 5 core pillars upon which all projects will be evaluated by our Grand Jury.

Innovation (20%)

Originality and insight into real-world problems.

Technical Depth (20%)

Rigor of logic, feasibility, and execution.

Application (20%)

Practical effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Business Potential (20%)

Market scalability and commercial viability.

Social Impact (20%)

Contribution to community and sustainability.

Entry Requirements

Ensure your team and project adhere to the official hackathon rules.

Youth innovators collaborating

Age

Open to youth aged 13 to 20.

Team Size

Individuals or teams of up to 4 members.

Originality

Must be 100% original work with no IP disputes.

Submission

Requires an English PDF proposal and a cloud link for videos.

Submit / Apply Now

Please login your google account, if you can't see the form.

If the embedded form does not appear or you encounter issues, please use the button below:

Open Form in New Tab

Scan to Register

Scan this QR code with your smartphone camera, WeChat, or a scanner app to complete registration.

Google Form Registration QR Code
Download PosterWith Logo & Event Title
Click card to save poster

Youth Innovation Blog

Read deep-dives on tech trends, competition directives, expert columns, and the stellar achievements of our worldwide laureates.

No articles found.

@ Copyright 2026, Created With Next Inc.