2026 Inter-University Big Data Challenge
Equitable Health Technologies: Overcoming Biases and False Inferences in AI Diagnostics and Drug Discovery
This four-month experiential inquiry is designed for undergraduate and graduate students ready to tackle real-world health challenges through data science and AI.
Develop AI and data skills by solving real-world challenges in diagnostics and drug discovery
Receive expert workshops and mentorship from experienced academic and industry leaders
Get published in a peer-reviewed SF Journal and the Underline platform
Attend national conferences at the University of Toronto or the University of Calgary
Connect with top industry and academic professionals
IUBDC
National Inter-University Big Data & AI Challenge is a unique project-based inquiry and science communication program that brings together students from diverse academic backgrounds and research interests. It empowers students to apply computational thinking to real-world problems, and culminates in three conferences that invite students to present their work to peers as well as academic and industry leaders from the technology and health domains.
The Program
IUBDC is a national, interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven program designed to foster computational and innovative thinking to drive new ideas that aid and advance public health research across Canada.
Scholarly Publication
At the end of the program, each team will submit their project’s abstract, manuscript, and digital poster. All abstracts will be compiled and published in the open-access, peer-reviewed STEM Fellowship Journal published by Canadian Science Publishing, with your videos and full manuscripts in Underline.
National in-person conference
Additionally, all participants are invited to attend the national in-person conference, where they will be expected to present their team’s research in two formats: a research poster and a three-minute thesis presentation in front of leading academia and industry experts.

These deliverables are designed to help students develop and showcase their research, communication and presentation skills in a professional setting.

Participants will deliver an oral presentation and be given the opportunity to present their posters to peers and experts from industry and academia. Students can network with dignitaries, sponsors, and academic and corporate leaders.
Eastern Canada Conference
Hosted at the University of Toronto under the Honorary Patronage of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Western Canada Conference
Hosted at the University of Calgary’s Hunter Hub under the Honorary Patronage of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
NEW! | Francophone Conference
First Francophone conference hosted at INRS Headquarters (Québec City)!
Program Awards
Our program recognizes outstanding student work with the following awards at each regional conference
All participants are invited to submit their manuscripts to the STEM Fellowship Journal. Submissions are subject to a standard publication fee and undergo double peer review for acceptance.
Top Posters
Two monetary awards for the best posters
Top Presentations
Two monetary awards for the best oral presentations
Top Manuscripts
The top-rated manuscript, as determined by reviewers, earns a publication fee waiver in the STEM Fellowship Journal.
This year’s program tasks students to uncover evidence-based solutions for the
The Topic
Equitable Health Technologies: Overcoming Biases and False Inferences in AI Diagnostics and Drug Discovery
As AI transforms healthcare, ensuring reliability is critical. However, systems learning from existing data often reflect gaps or inconsistencies, leading to false inferences, diagnostic errors, and unequal performance across patient groups.

Open Data is pivotal for transparency and accountability. Biases emerging from unrepresentative datasets or flawed assumptions can perpetuate health disparities.

Leveraging public data on genomics, clinical trials, and social determinants allows researchers to audit and mitigate these risks effectively.
We task undergraduate and graduate students to harness data science to:

• Detect, reduce, and prevent bias in diagnostics and drug discovery;

• Develop data-driven tools that increase fairness and inclusivity;

• Innovate bias-aware model evaluation techniques to build trustworthy AI systems.
Choose Your Path
We have a few options on how you can participate, so you can choose the fits you.
Early Bird Price
before Sep. 30
$200
Self-Paced Registration
Team-based, flexible learning
Register a team of up to 5
Access STEM Fellowship resources on data science, AI, and science communication
Explore open-access datasets and work at your own pace
Present your completed project at the conference and publish your findings in the academic journal
*All prices in Canadian dollars
$250
per team
Apply Now
Early Bird Price
before Sep. 30
$1300
Instructor-Lead Registration
Structured program with expert support
Register a team of up to 5
Access STEM Fellowship resources on data science, AI, and science communication
Explore open-access datasets and work at your own pace
Present your completed project at the conference and publish your findings in the academic journal
*All prices in Canadian dollars
$2100
per person
Apply Now
Program Schedule
April 24, 2026
Registration Deadline
Oct 1, 2025 @ 7 PM ET
Student Q&A Session
April 25, 2026
Research Begins
June 20, 2026 (11:59 PM PT)
Abstract and Manuscript Submission Deadline
Jan 9, 2026
June 27, 2026, 11:59 PM PT: Video and Poster Submission Deadline
July 3, 2026
Conference at Hart House, University of Toronto (Toronto)
July 10, 2026
Conference at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, University of Calgary (Calgary)
July TBH, 2026
Francophone Conference at INRS Headquarters (Québec City)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register for IUBDC?
Students and parents can register individual students for Instructor-led program. Student groups of up to 5 (or their member), parent, or teacher can register a team for the Self-paced participation.
Do I need previous programming experience?
You do not need any previous experience with programming. We welcome all students who are eager to put effort into learning and expanding their skillsets, as well as those who show any level of interest in data science or the challenge topic. Additionally, we will provide you with access to resources and webinars to learn everything you need to succeed!
How do I form or join a team?
For the Self-paced program, we encourage students to team up with their peers.  You may form a team of students at the same or different high schools. It is also recommended to make interdisciplinary teams given the nature of our data challenge topics.
Do I need to have an idea for my project?
Think about what interests you the most in the field of the provided topic. Read the internet and research articles. In challenges like this one, many teams come up with their topics in the first few days of the challenge, rather than beforehand.
Is this challenge only open to Canadian students?
No, students from any country can sign up. Please note that the final conferences will be held in Calgary and Toronto.
Can students from different high schools form a team?
Yes, students do not necessarily have to represent the high school at which they are studying.

Reach us

Questions? We've got answers!

bigdata@stemfellowship.org
General Inquiries
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Choose your path

Lead with Purpose

Take the lead in advancing your skills in data science, scholarly communication, and leadership while driving impactful solutions to global food security challenges!