SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE 2026

The 18th Canadian MindShare Learning Schools of the Future:AI For Student Wellbeing Challenge This year’s challenge invites students to innovate solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health and Well-being and 4: Quality Education, with a focus on enhancing student wellbeing through the power of AI.
Students & Teachers are challenged to explore creative ways to leverage AI to improve student wellbeing. This can take the form of building a functional tool, developing a prototype, or presenting a compelling proposal that addresses real-world challenges within their schools or local communities.
Students are encouraged to submit a 2-3 minute video showcasing their ideas, demonstrating their process of innovating, critical thinking, and problem-solving while making a meaningful impact.
Quote from Robert Martellacci, “We are thrilled to launch the 18th edition of the Schools of the Future Student Innovation Challenge. This year, we are empowering students to become digital architects of a healthier, smarter world, specifically focusing on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). By tackling these ‘wicked challenges,’ our students will design the SMART, sustainable systems needed to ensure every individual can thrive and every mind can grow.”
WIN awesome tech prizes for your school
So, what are you waiting for? This is your chance to make a difference and show the world what you’re capable of. We wish all participants the best of luck and can’t wait to see your amazing innovations!

Now entering its 18th year, with over $1 million in prizes awarded to support student learning, the Canadian Schools of the Future Innovation Challenge continues to inspire excellence in teaching, learning, and innovation across K-12 publicly funded schools in Canada.
Be inspired by the incredible video submissions from our Hall of Fame winners, they represent the very best in creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Beyond recognition, our mission remains focused on equity: ensuring all publicly funded schools have access to the tools, knowledge, and resources needed so every student can thrive.
This year’s AI For Student Wellbeing Challenge focuses on empowering students to design innovative solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health & Well-being and 4: Quality Education. Students are encouraged to explore how AI can be leveraged to enhance student wellbeing, whether through building a tool, developing a prototype, or presenting a thoughtful proposal or concept.
Our goal is to help Canadian K-12 students become real-world problem solvers while developing future-ready skills. This project-based challenge supports the development of the 7 C’s of C21 Canada, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Research continues to show that technology-infused learning transforms education. By combining student-centered learning with AI and digital tools, we can create deeper, more meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

Challenge Rules, Format & Submission Details

Teams of 3-5 students, guided by a teacher mentor, are invited to identify real-world challenges within their school or local community, with a focus on student wellbeing. Submissions should align with SDG 3 and/or SDG 4 and demonstrate how AI can be used as part of the solution.
All entries must include a 2-3 minute student-created video showcasing their innovation, whether it is a tool, prototype, or proposal.

17 UN Sustainable development goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals Watch video.

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Concepts to Consider Including in Your Video

• Student choice and voice
• Global competencies, The “7Cs”
• Equity, diversity, and accessibility
• Student wellbeing and mental health
• Inquiry-based learning
• Project/problem-based learning
• AI-powered tools or solutions that support student wellbeing
• Prototypes, GPTs, apps, or proposals that address real challenges in schools or communities
• Design thinking applied to improving learning environments (classrooms, learning commons, makerspaces)
• Connections to UN SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education

Example Project Ideas

• AI Mental Health Check-In App
• Smart Study Planner
• AI Chat Support Buddy (School-Safe)
• Focus & Distraction Tracker
• AI Anti-Bullying Detection Tool
• Wellbeing Dashboard for Schools
• AI-Powered Break & Wellness Reminder
• Inclusive Learning Assistant
• Exam Stress Support Tool

Success Criteria for a Great Video

• Clearly explain how your idea uses AI to improve student wellbeing
• Show your solution in action (tool, prototype, or concept/proposal)
• Capture authentic student learning and collaboration
• Ensure good lighting so your visuals and technology are easy to see
• Speak clearly and confidently, we want to hear your ideas
• Keep your video engaging and within the 2-3 minute time limit

Submission Deadline is Midnight PST, Friday, May 15, 2026

Over $50,000 in tech prizes up for grabs!

MindShare Learning along with lead sponsor, Dell Technologies, and other valued sponsors including C21 Canada, Spectrum Educational Supplies, Lego Education, Nelson, Edwin, Steelcase, Logics Academy, and Team Board, are pleased to announce the launch of the 16th Annual Canadian Schools of the Future Challenge.
Winners will be announced in the June 2026 Top 10 Canadian EdTech MindShare Report

How Will Prizes Be Awarded?

The official announcement of the three (3) 2026 grand prize national winners will be shared in the June edition of the MindShare Learning Report. Sponsors will ship prize packages directly to the winning schools. Prizes are intended for use at the respective winning schools and are not considered the teacher’s personal winnings.

Judges

The judging panel will include: (1), A MindShare Learning Report representative (2), A MindShare Learning Board member (3), Last year’s contest winners (4), Special guest judges from Dell Technologies. Judges will evaluate submissions using criteria based on C21 Canada’s 7 C’s of 21st Century Learning, with additional consideration for innovation, impact on student wellbeing, and creative use of AI. The full judging rubric can be found below.

Standards

C21 Canada 7C’s Global Competencies (Watch inspirational video )
Critical & Computational Thinking
Creativity & Innovation
Collaboration
Communication
Character
Culture and Ethical Citizenship
Computational & Digital Technologies
Source: 7 C’s of 21st Century Learning Page 10

Rules

• Open to full-time educators and students in K-12 publicly funded Canadian schools.
• Teams must consist of 3-5 students and a teacher mentor.
• All videos must include the MindShare Learning logo and the contest name: AI For Student Wellbeing Challenge.
• Teachers submitting videos must obtain parental/guardian permission for any minors (under 18) featured in the video.
• Principal approval is required before participating.
• Teacher-led, student-driven submissions are encouraged.
• Video submissions must be uploaded to YouTube.
• Videos should be 2-3 minutes in length and must not include copyrighted material.
• Ensure all submissions include the MindShare Learning logo and contest badge.
• By entering, participants agree that prizes must be accepted as awarded (no cash value) and winners may appear in virtual award ceremonies and have their photos published.
• Please secure all necessary approvals from participants if your video is selected to be showcased.

For further information: contact robert@mindsharelearning.com

Please incorporate the provided logo and Contest Badge into your video.
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2025 National Winners!