Be a Catalyst

A three-day tech innovation sprint connecting emerging talent with Canadian businesses and nonprofits to solve real-world challenges.

Connect about Catalyst 2027
150+

Students competing in a 3-day tech sprint, solving real problems with real prototypes

50+

Industry pros, mentors & company leaders in attendance

7

Challenges presented by real companies looking for innovative solutions

Catalyst 2026 was made possible by our sponsors and supporters

Northeastern University USSTM Backstretch Trans Ontario Express PS43 Foundation Fandrop SE Health JUNE Ontario Volleyball CAIL Chipotle Mexican Grill GRUVI Lovable

Congratulations to our 2026 winners!

In just 48 hours, top-tier student teams will go full sprint on a selection of challenges, building early-stage prototypes and exploring solutions to problems pitched by real companies.

Three Catalyst 2026 winners holding the first-place cheque

First Place Prize

$4,000

to support the development of your solution.

6 month internship

paid internship opportunity at Speer.

Macbooks

to kickstart your technology career from Apple.

3 months of Lovable credits

to support building your next project

The larger Catalyst 2026 group with the first-place cheque
Second Place Prize 2 months Lovable Credits
Third Place Prize 1 month Lovable Credits
Students working together at Catalyst 2026
A mentor speaking with a team at Catalyst 2026
Teams collaborating during the sprint
Participants gathered at Catalyst 2026
A student team at work
Catalyst 2026 builders in conversation
The Catalyst 2026 crowd

A look at the energy, collaboration and ideas behind the sprint.

View the full gallery

Speaker spotlight

Catalyst 2026 will host panels and fireside chats, giving you the opportunity to connect with leaders and experts in tech.

2026 Case
Study Challengers

Students present their innovative solutions directly to the CEOs and executives of our challengers, Speer and Northeastern, fostering valuable connections and enduring relationships.

Building Bridges to Education

How might we use appropriate technology to help PS43 Foundation identify educational needs, connect resources and trusted partners, and more effectively deploy educational infrastructure across communities in Cameroon?

A mentor and a student high-fiving in a gym
A speaker presenting to a seated audience
Two people greeting a child on a basketball court
Connecting Cameroon’s schools with the support they need

A portal that helps PS43 Foundation identify educational needs in Cameroon and match schools with local partners for resources. Educators submit requests via simple forms that work offline, and the platform matches requests with partners and flags gaps.

See YouNext Year

Interested in attending one of the Catalyst 2026 events or collaborating on Catalyst 2027? Reach out to learn more about partnership opportunities, event attendance, and ways to get involved.

[email protected]