Companies are invited to submit real-world challenges they are experiencing related to the theme of Emerging Technologies: AI, Big Data and Cyber Security to be explored collaboratively with academic experts.

Submitted challenges will be reviewed by the organizers and matched with researchers from post-secondary institutions across the Edmonton region. Selected questions will form the basis of the event’s collaborative workshops.

Questions should be:

Specific and clearly formulated
Supported by brief background context
Suitable for open discussion
Questions must be discussable without a Non-Disclosure Agreement

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU SUBMIT

February 13
Challenge submissions close.
Week of February 16–20
Submitted challenges are reviewed by the PSI Sub-Committee, and a shortlist of challenges is selected for AIM Day. Successful companies are notified and asked to save the date.
Week of February 23–27
Selected challenges are distributed to participating post-secondary institutions (PSIs).
March 2–6
Researchers review the available challenges and indicate which one(s) they would like to work on (selections due by March 6).
March 9–13
Academic teams are matched with companies, workshop teams are developed, and schedules are finalized.
March 19 - Event Day
Selected challenges are workshopped in a facilitated, collaborative setting with academic and industry participants.
March 21 - Academic responses are due
Within 24 hours of the event, academic teams provide a high-level, one-page response outlining insights, potential approaches, and next steps.
Following the event
Selected responses are viewed by the companies and the Post-Secondary Institute Sub-Committee determines eligibility for and amount of an award to support continued collaboration and further exploration.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Industry challenge submissions are due February 13 2026

SUBMIT AN INDUSTRY CHALLENGE