NSCC students rise to AI challenge at province-wide event
Each fall, NSCC students across the province take part in Challenge Nova Scotia, a one-day event that brings learners together to develop creative solutions to real issues facing Nova Scotia and a chance to win cash prizes. For many, it’s an opportunity to try something new, work with other students and test their skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Nearly 300 students participated in the 2025 Challenge Nova Scotia competition on Friday, November 14. This year’s question, issued by Premier Tim Houston, asked teams to explore how Nova Scotia could become a leader in responsible artificial intelligence (AI) while protecting jobs, ensuring equity, maintaining integrity and supporting environmental sustainability.
An inside look at Challenge Nova Scotia
The day began with a short video introducing the topic and exploring the opportunities and challenges AI presents for Nova Scotians. At the Institute of Technology Campus, 12 teams had just eight hours to brainstorm, plan and deliver their projects, filling rooms with energy and ideas. Later, mentors from the campus and local community joined in, offering guidance and fresh perspectives that helped teams refine their solutions and think bigger.
For students, the experience was both eye-opening and worthwhile. Many said it gave them a chance to reflect on how AI is already part of everyday life and to rethink how they use it. One participant shared: “Sometimes I shy away from things like this, but when I learned we had to find a solution to a real problem, I said, ‘Why don’t I try it?’ It’s been a good experience, challenging, but that’s the point.”
Others highlighted the value of teamwork under pressure and the importance of using AI responsibly, skills they see as essential for their future careers.
Top prize goes to Burridge Campus team
While every campus delivered thoughtful solutions, Team 8 from Burridge Campus took home first place with their concept, Hightide AI. Their idea focuses on helping Nova Scotians reduce energy usage through smart monitoring tools that track patterns, optimize consumption and support sustainability across homes, businesses and institutions.
The team, Jenna Comeau, Hilary Stone, Brenden Deveau and Alexander Parsons, proposed a transparent, privacy-conscious approach to data collection and outlined how smart utility devices could cut household energy costs by up to 30 percent. They also explored integrating renewable sources like solar and hydro to offset future AI-driven infrastructure needs. Their solution earned them the $2,000 top prize and will be shared with Premier Houston for further consideration.
Over a decade of impact
Challenge Nova Scotia is organized by NSCC’s Entrepreneurship team, which provides students with hands-on learning, mentorship and opportunities to explore new ideas and businesses. For more than a decade, the event has been a defining part of the College experience, bringing students together to address issues that matter to their communities.
Senior Manager of Entrepreneurship Sheri Williams says its evolution reflects the growing impact of student-driven solutions:
“Challenge Nova Scotia has grown over the past decade into one of NSCC’s signature events. It’s more than a competition, it’s an opportunity for students to innovate, tackle real challenges and create solutions that matter to them and their province. Its continued growth shows the power of collaboration across our college and gives students a real voice in driving change.”