The Youth Science Canada (YSC) Challenges are big topics that connect science, technology and innovation to real issues that matter to young people, communities, Canada, and the world. They reflect how Canadian science and innovation are tackling today’s most important problems and opportunities—locally, nationally, and globally.

The challenges are designed to inspire you to think beyond the classroom, ask bold questions, and use your STEM project to make a difference. No matter what topic you’re interested in exploring on your STEM adventure, your project can fit one of these challenges.

Youth Science Canada is the charity that runs mySTEMspace and the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Learn more about our organization and how we’re supporting youth in STEM here.

Which of these challenges inspires you?

Aerospace

A project helps advance atmospheric or space science, aviation or aerospace technologies, or enables humans to explore and live in space, on the Moon, or beyond. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.

Agriculture, fisheries and food

A project helps ensure food security, sustainability or competitiveness in agriculture, fisheries or food production. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.

Curiosity and ingenuity

A project helps improve our understanding or address a problem in an area of STEM not covered by the other challenges. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.

Digital technology

A project helps improve our quality of life or transform existing products and services through digital devices, methods or systems. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.

Disease and illness

A project helps enhance our diagnosis, treatment or understanding of disease, or the management of physical or mental illness. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.

Energy

A project helps improve our use of current energy sources, enable the transition to alternative energy sources, or reduce our energy footprint. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.

Environment and climate change

A project helps ensure the quality of water, air, soil or the diversity of living things, or manage the impact of climate change. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.

Health and wellness

A project helps prevent disease or promote physical, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, or intellectual wellbeing. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.

Natural Resources

A project helps ensure the sustainable management, use, reuse or recycling of Earth’s finite or renewable natural resource. Spark ideas about this challenge and check out past projects here.