Learn New Skills. Build New Things.

natIgnite 2025 is a semi-annual 40-hour competition that matches teams of students and recent grads with community partners to build solutions to real-world challenges.

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How It Works

Curated Teams

Teams are intentionally formed across disciplines — blending tech, design, healthcare, and business — to fuel bold, collaborative problem-solving.
Real-World Relevance

Every team tackles a challenge from a Problem Provider, a clinician, researcher, or industry expert who mentors the team throughout. Projects are grounded in real needs with clear paths to impact.
Structured Prep

Before the event, teams complete three Development Reports with their Problem Provider to align goals and build momentum.
Hands-On Innovation

Participants build with advanced hardware (biosensors, motion detectors, remote sensing) and powerful software tools (AI, ML, data analytics) to develop functional, future-facing prototypes.
Educational Supports

Participants have access to expert mentorship, hardware, and a full day of interactive, in-person workshops during the pre-hackathon weekend, designed to build both technical and entrepreneurial skills.
Seed Funding and In-Kind Support

Over $10,000 in seed funding and in-kind resources are available for winning teams to create pathways to continue developing their projects after the event.

The Details

Skill-Up Saturday: Hands-on workshops to learn key tools and concepts

Pitch Day: Problem Providers pitch real-world challenges; teams form around the ones that inspire them
Development Phase: Teams begin early planning
Hackathon Weekend: Build, test, and present your solution

Format: In person

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Why Join?

👩‍💻 Gain hands-on, project-based experience
⚙️ Build technical and soft skills with 20+ hours of workshops
💬 Make friends & network with professionals
🤝 Receive mentorship and support to help you get started
🌱 Compete for $10,000+ in seed funding and in-kind support for your project

natIgnite’s 2025 Theme:

AgeTech

Focused on enhancing the quality of life for aging populations, this track challenges participants to design technologies that promote independence, improve care, and address the unique needs of older adults and their caregivers.

Other Ways to Participate

Sponsor natIgnite

Explore the wide range of benefits available through our sponsorship packages.

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Provide a Problem

Submit your real-world challenge and guide your team in developing a tech-based solution.

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Become an Advisor

If you are a tech or business professional, you can support project teams through a mentorship role.

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Become a Judge

If you are a professional in industry, academia or healthcare, evaluate projects on their technical or business prowess.

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Become a Volunteer

Make new friends and add meaningful experience to your resume.

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Become a Community Partner

Spotlight your organization by involving your team in mentoring, judging, or volunteering at natHacks.

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