Real Challenge. Real Skills. Real Impact.
Work on a real-world challenge. Build something meaningful. Compete for cash prizes.
IMPAC is a province-wide competition that challenges post-secondary students to solve complex problems facing small and medium sized enterprise. This year's focus will be on commercial and institutional kitchens. Whether you're interested in analytics, artificial intelligence, software development, business, entrepreneurship, or operations, IMPAC gives you an opportunity to apply your skills to a challenge with real industry relevance. The competition features two streams: Insights and Innovation.
No classroom assignments. No case studies.
Just a real problem, real data, and the chance to create something that matters and delivers real impact.
Why Participate?
IMPAC is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, giving students the opportunity to create solutions that deliver measurable value and meaningful impact.
Discover What's Happening. Predict What's Next.
Use data, analytics, modelling, forecasting, visualization, artificial intelligence, or other evidence-based approaches to better understand a problem and generate actionable recommendations that can drive measurable impact.
Examples include dashboards, machine learning models, forecasting systems, optimization tools, simulations, and business intelligence solutions.
Build the Future.
Develop a product, service, technology, business concept, or operational innovation that addresses the competition challenge and has real-world implementation potential and the capacity to create lasting impact.
Examples include applications, digital platforms, smart technologies, prototypes, business ventures, and operational innovations.
At least three teams from each stream will be selected from the submission round and invited to present their solutions to the judging panel.
In addition to cash prizes, finalists gain valuable presentation experience, industry exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to demonstrate the real-world impact of their ideas.
A concise overview of:
A report describing:
Teams may also submit:
Participants will submit a project that addresses the competition challenge.
Complete challenge details and submission requirements will be released during the Challenge Launch.
Registration Open Now
Build your team, choose your stream, and start developing the skills needed to make an impact through IMPAC.
Challenge Launch | November 6, 2026
The competition challenge, datasets, judging details, and submission requirements will be released. Until then, participants can register, form teams, and prepare to tackle a real industry problem with real impact potential.
Submission Deadline | November 20, 2026
All project submissions must be received by the submission deadline.
Finalist Selection
A panel of judges will review submissions and select at least three teams from each stream to advance to the final round based on innovation, analysis, feasibility, and potential impact.
Finalist Presentations & Awards | December 4, 2026
Finalists will present their solutions to the judging panel, answer questions, and compete for prizes in their respective streams. Winners and runners-up will be selected based on the strength of their solution and its potential for real-world impact.
IMPAC is open to students currently enrolled at Prince Edward Island post-secondary institutions. Participants will be required to prove current enrollment before being selected as a finalist. Teams may consist of one to three students, and interdisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged. Students from all programs and backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Bring your ideas. Build your skills. Create impact.