Equitable Health Technologies: Overcoming Biases and False Inferences in AI Diagnostics and Drug Discovery

2026 Inter-University Big Data Challenge

This four-month, inquiry-based experiential learning program empowers high school and CEGEP students to create impactful, academically recognized, real-world solutions

Hands-on experience in AI detection of chronic diseases

Big Data-driven personalized care for the elderly

Studying social determinants of aging with AI

AI-powered drug discovery for age-related conditions

Tech and data solutions for healthy aging

HSBDC

Inter-University Health Data and AI Inquiry Program is a unique project-based inquiry and science communication program that brings together students from diverse academic backgrounds and research interests. It empowers you to harness data science and artificial intelligence to develop data-driven solutions that support aging populations and improve chronic disease management.

The Program

Participating students form teams and select their topic within this year’s focus on food security. They conduct open data and AI research using proprietary data science, AI, and science communication workshops by leveraging open-access datasets and industry-level tools.

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.

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.

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.

These conferences provide rare opportunities to build academic credentials, network with professionals, and experience real-world scholarship.

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 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

Aging Powerfully: AI Blueprint for Chronic Disease Management and Social Determinants of Longevity

Canada’s rapidly aging population demands effective, inclusive strategies to enhance quality of life and promote long-term independence.

The 2025 challenge empowers students to leverage open data sets, machine learning, and predictive modeling to: 

Advance early detection and monitoring of chronic diseases in aging populations; Personalize medicine and treatment using big health data;

Analyze social determinants shaping the aging experience;Develop AI-driven solutions for health systems and communities.

Researchers may draw from public health databases, genetic datasets, environmental indicators, and socioeconomic statistics to inform new interventions.

Choose Your Path

We have a few options on how you can participate, so you can choose the fits you.

Self-Paced Registration

Team-based, flexible learning

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

Instructor-Lead Registration

Structured program with expert support

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

Sept 10 - Oct 8, 2025

Registration Period

Oct 1, 2025 @ 7 PM ET

Student Q&A Session

Oct 6, 2025 @ 7 PM ET

Teacher/Parent Q&A

Oct 13, 2025 - Jan 23, 2026

Program Period

Jan 9, 2026

Manuscript Deadline

Jan 23, 2026

Poster & Slide Deadline

Feb 11, 2026

Eastern Canada Conference (Toronto)

Feb 20, 2026

Western Canada Conference (Calgary)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can register for HSBDC?

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.

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