Students take on real-world mining challenges at SIGMA 2026 Mining Hackathon

Hosted by USask Engineering’s SIGMA program, the Hackathon introduces students to entrepreneurial thinking, mining and industry-focused problem solving. Working in multidisciplinary teams with a variety of experiences, students spent the day brainstorming ideas, refining concepts and presenting solutions for Saskatchewan’s mining sector.

“The Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development started the hackathons to inspire students to consider entrepreneurship,” said David Yee, Engineer in Residence for USask Engineering and organizer of the Hackathon. “The hackathons are a safe sandbox for students to engage with industry and practice the skills of entrepreneurship as it relates directly to industry problems.  It is a vehicle to mix students with industry and display their leadership and teamwork capabilities to tackle challenges and create solutions.”

In advance of the event, students took part in an information session hosted by the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII), which introduced teams to the industry problems they would explore during the hackathon. The session helped ensure the students arrived prepared and ready to tackle the challenges.

Throughout the day, industry professionals provided mentorship, answered questions and offered feedback as teams developed their ideas. Students also presented their work to a panel of industry judges, gaining experience communicating their technical ideas to an audience.

“IMII is happy to partner and participate in the SIGMA Mining Hackathon, an event which ties directly with IMII’s core focus to ignite innovation and promote workforce development in the mining sector.  The event builds understanding of mining sector challenges while developing and applying innovative problem-solving and business skills that help equip students to be future leaders in the sector,” said Lesley McGilp, executive director of IMII. “From forming connections between mentors and students, to hearing the great ideas in the student pitches, the event has a great energy that IMII is proud to support.”

The winning team, USask computer science students Kate Wright and Shruti Kaur, addressed a challenge focused on monitoring air contaminants in an underground potash mine.

Their solution modernized the monitoring process through automation, creating a model that streamlines data collection and uses predictive analysis to identify potential air quality concerns before they arise. By shifting from manual monitoring to a more proactive approach, the model allows risks to be identified earlier and addressed more effectively.

Judges highlighted the team’s ability to clearly define the problem, apply creative thinking and deliver a well-structured presentation that demonstrated both technical understanding and real-world relevance.

Their solution was recognized for its potential to reduce the manual workload and reliance on individual judgment of workers, while improving safety for mine workers through earlier detection and mitigation of air quality risks. Its emphasis on ease of use and practical application reflected the industry-informed thinking SIGMA Hackathon is designed to foster.

"The event was filled with like-minded individuals who came together to find a solution a mining-related challenge,” said winning student Shruti Kaur. “The hackathon’s industry professionals and mentors really helped us navigate and refine our ideas. I am very grateful for the opportunity and the experience."

As winners, Wright and Kaur were invited to present their solution at IMII’s 2026 Strategic Update and Scholarship Reception, providing them with an opportunity to share their work with industry leaders from across Saskatchewan’s mining and minerals sector. In the weeks following the hackathon, the students will also connect with sector leaders and take part in mine site tours, gaining insight into industry operations and future career options.

“Having industry mentors at the hackathon was particularly helpful,” said winning student Kate Wright. “Having the chance to speak one-on-one with industry professionals helped our team to more thoroughly understand pain points and hone in on the problem. Presenting our winning project at the IMII Reception, Shruti and I gained so many new professional connections who I am sure will be helpful as we navigate the future of our careers.”

IMII, Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Supplies Association (SIMSA) and Innovation Saskatchewan were key sponsors of the 2026 Hackathon, supporting the event and helping connect students with real-world perspectives.

“Innovation isn’t just about new technology; it’s about the fresh perspectives these students bring to the table. By supporting student-led innovation, we are fostering a culture of creative problem-solving that is essential for the evolution of our mining supply chain,” said James Bulmer, manager of member services at Saskatchewan Industrial & Mining Suppliers Association.

The one-day format created an energetic environment that encouraged creativity, teamwork and critical thinking. For many students, the event offered a first look at how classroom learning connects to real-world engineering and technology challenges.

USask Engineering continues to create opportunities that connect students with industry, support experiential learning and foster innovation through the SIGMA program.

View the SIGMA Hackathon event photographs: https://flic.kr/ps/3Yrz7z