Imagine a solution
Start with a problem that matters to you—education, accessibility, the environment, your community or something entirely new.
LINUX ASSOCIATION OF CANADA · OPEN SOURCE WEEK 2027
Student Innovation Challenge
Innovation without barriers. Ideas without limits.
September 3–4, 2027 · Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
A NEW NATIONAL PROGRAM
Your ideas. Your future.
Great ideas do not always begin in research labs or large companies. They often start with a question, a spark of curiosity and the determination to build something useful.
The Linux Association of Canada’s Student Innovation Challenge invites young people across the country to design, develop and showcase projects using Linux, open-source software and open technologies.
Discover how to participate →MORE THAN A COMPETITION
Learn. Build. Share.
This program celebrates creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning. Participants can demonstrate their skills, receive constructive feedback and connect with people working in open technology.
Build with open technology
Use open-source tools, document your approach and show how others could learn from what you create.
Showcase your work
Share your project, explain your decisions and discover new possibilities through conversations with the community.
A CHALLENGE FOR DIFFERENT STAGES
A place for every stage of your journey
Four divisions help ensure projects are considered in the context of each participant’s educational journey. Individual entries and teams of up to four are planned.
Junior Innovators
Grades 7–12 or equivalent.
College & Polytechnic Innovators
For students in colleges, technical institutes and polytechnics.
University Innovators
For undergraduate, master’s and PhD students.
Emerging Innovators
For recent graduates, subject to final eligibility requirements.
HOW PROJECTS ARE EVALUATED
Good ideas deserve thoughtful evaluation
Independent evaluations consider originality, open-source contribution and licensing, technical execution, usefulness, and how clearly a project is presented. Full details are available in the official rules.
Read the rules and judging criteria →SEPTEMBER 2027 · SASKATOON
A national showcase at Open Source Week
The Challenge is part of Open Source Week 2027, with a student-project showcase planned for the closing flagship event on September 3–4 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Selection and presentation details will be announced as they are confirmed.
BE PART OF THE CHALLENGE
Find your way to get involved
Participate
Explore the divisions, participation steps and registration information.
How to participate →Become a sponsor
Support emerging talent, collaboration and open innovation across Canada.
Sponsorship opportunities →Projects & winners
Selected projects and results will be featured once their release is authorized.
Explore projects →INNOVATION STARTS WITH AN IDEA
What if the next one is yours?
Whether you are a student, educator, mentor or potential partner, there is a way to get involved.
Land Acknowledgement
The Linux Association of Canada respectfully acknowledges that our home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. These lands have been home to First Nations peoples for thousands of years, including the Cree, Dakota, Nakota, and Saulteaux, who maintain deep and enduring relationships with the land and the South Saskatchewan River.
We are grateful to the First Nations and Métis peoples who have cared for these lands for generations. We honour their enduring relationship with the land, their cultures, histories, and contributions, and we offer our respect and sincere gratitude as we live, work, learn, and build community here.