MindFuel

MindFuel MindFuel - (The MindFuel Foundation), is a non-profit organization committed to providing quality science learning experiences to youth.

For over 25 years, MindFuel has been creating unique STEM learning resources that spark a child’s curiosity and ignite a lifelong passion for science. Established in 1990 as Science Alberta Foundation, (since rebranded as The MindFuel Foundation) MindFuel is a registered charitable organization committed to developing and distributing captivating hands-on and online science programs that ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in youth of all ages and inspire them to become knowledge workers, leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow. By encouraging exploration of real-world science and technology, we enhance science literacy and inspire a lifelong appreciation for science learning. Since 1990, our award-winning programs have continued to fuel curiosity, critical thinking and imagination in youth in Alberta and beyond.

Big discoveries begin with curious minds.This World Space Week, we’ve been celebrating “Rocket Revolution” —and the crea...
10/09/2026

Big discoveries begin with curious minds.

This World Space Week, we’ve been celebrating “Rocket Revolution” —and the creativity, collaboration, and STEM learning that help turn ambitious ideas into extraordinary achievements.

Behind every launch there are people asking questions, testing designs, solving problems, and learning from setbacks. Those skills take root when young people have opportunities to explore, experiment, and bring their own ideas to life.

At MindFuel, we help youth build the skills and confidence to become tomorrow’s innovators. Whether their ideas reach into space or address challenges here on Earth, the journey begins with curiosity —and the opportunity to see where it can lead.

Happy World Space Week!

A sincere Thank You to ATB Community Foundation for its continued investment in Alberta’s next generation of innovators!...
10/08/2026

A sincere Thank You to ATB Community Foundation for its continued investment in Alberta’s next generation of innovators!

With the generous support of ATB Financial, MindFuel is helping young Albertans build STEM and innovation skills while strengthening self-efficacy among Indigenous youth and communities across the province.

Through hands-on learning in science, coding, robotics, and other emerging technologies, youth are building much needed skills, confidence, and a passion for a prosperous future.

Together we’re Powering Possibility by helping to remove barriers to STEM learning, and empowering more young people to see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders.

Thank you, ATB Community Foundation, for continuing to invest in Alberta’s youth —and in the possibilities they’ll create.

MindFuel staff were pleased to attend Calgary Economic Development’s 2027 Economic Outlook at the BMO Centre, joining bu...
10/07/2026

MindFuel staff were pleased to attend Calgary Economic Development’s 2027 Economic Outlook at the BMO Centre, joining business, community, government, and innovation leaders for conversations about the forces shaping our city and province.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas spoke about the challenges and opportunities ahead as Calgary’s population approaches two million people. Mark Parsons, CFA, Chief Economist at ATB Financial, offered positive insights into Alberta’s economic outlook, using entertaining cycling and mosquito metaphors to help illustrate the road ahead. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, former premier Jason Kenney, and Calgary Economic Development CEO Brad Parry also spoke to the promising economic outlook achievable when we work together.

And we were delighted to reconnect with Raffay I. from Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (Calgary Economic Development.)

A panel moderated by journalist and The Line co-founder Jen Gerson explored two consequential questions: “What if Alberta stays?” and “What if Alberta leaves Canada?” Bringing perspectives from public policy, entrepreneurship, and business, the panel featured Martha Hall Findlay, Director of the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy; Sandi Gilbert, CEO of InterGen; and Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. What emerged was a clear perspective: we are stronger together.

These conversations underscored the importance of looking ahead, adapting to change, and creating the conditions for a strong, resilient economy. Innovation plays a vital role in that work, turning ideas into solutions and opening new opportunities across industries, and critically developing the much-needed talent to drive innovation growth.

At MindFuel, we help young people develop the STEM skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial thinking to help build that future. Thank you to Calgary Economic Development for bringing the community together for these important discussions.

MindFuel staff in attendance included: Cassy Weber, Brent Bawel, Freeda Mulenga, CPA, CA, Lisa Kindree

Why should innovation matter to you?Because young people don’t just inherit the challenges of the future —you’re already...
10/01/2026

Why should innovation matter to you?

Because young people don’t just inherit the challenges of the future —you’re already bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and bold thinking to the challenges we face today.

When you’re given the tools, mentorship, and opportunity to explore an idea, build something, test it, learn from what doesn’t work, and try again, you develop much more than technical skills. You build confidence, creativity, resilience, and the ability to turn curiosity into action.

That’s at the heart of MindFuel’s Tech Futures Challenge (TFC.)

Through TFC, young Canadians just like you take on meaningful challenges in areas such as clean technology, biotechnology, agri-tech, and energy and sustainability. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies while learning to collaborate, problem-solve, and think like innovators.

Your innovations matter because the ideas developed today can become the solutions, ventures, and breakthroughs of tomorrow.

When we invest in you, we’re not simply preparing you for the future. We’re giving you the opportunity to help shape it.

Learn more here: https://connect2innovate.ca/opportunities/tfc/

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to honour Indigenous Peoples, the children who never returned...
09/30/2026

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to honour Indigenous Peoples, the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, and the families as we reflect on our connections to the land and to one another, and recognize the importance of walking the path together.

Today is an opportunity to listen with care, learn from Indigenous voices, and renew our commitment to building respectful relationships with the communities around us. That work continues beyond this day, through the choices we make, and the ways we show up for each other.

What is a Genius Hour? MindFuel’s Genius Hours are free, one-hour virtual workshops that bring hands-on STEM learning in...
09/29/2026

What is a Genius Hour?

MindFuel’s Genius Hours are free, one-hour virtual workshops that bring hands-on STEM learning into classrooms across Canada.

In our first session, Vibe Coding 101, students will blend storytelling, AI, and coding, using Canva AI to create interactive stories and websites. It’s a chance to experiment with new tools, bring their ideas to life, and discover what they can make in just one hour.

One hour. Big ideas. Endless possibilities.

Learn more and sign up here: https://connect2innovate.ca/opportunity/vibe-coding-101/

Members of MindFuel’s Programs team were pleased to attend the annual Indigitech Summit at TELUS Spark Science Centre y...
09/24/2026

Members of MindFuel’s Programs team were pleased to attend the annual Indigitech Summit at TELUS Spark Science Centre yesterday in Calgary.

Now in its fifth year, the Summit brings together Indigenous leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals to share knowledge, build connections, and explore the role technology and innovation can play in strengthening Indigenous communities and creating new opportunities.

For our team, it was a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with people working at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, technology, and innovation.

A note of sincere thanks to Indigitech Summit founder and organizer Art Proctor, a longtime friend and supporter of MindFuel’s youth innovation programs. Over the years, Art has generously shared his time and expertise as a judge and mentor with both Tech Futures Challenge and Founders Fundamentals. Most recently, he served as a judge at the TFC 2026 Innovation Showcase.

We’re grateful for Art’s continued commitment to supporting and encouraging the next generation of innovators, and congratulate him on five years of bringing people together through the Indigitech Summit.

At MindFuel, we believe young people should have opportunities to explore STEM, develop their ideas, and see themselves as innovators and leaders. Events like the Indigitech Summit reinforce the importance of ensuring those opportunities are inclusive, community-driven, and informed by the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Thank you to Art and everyone who helped make this year’s Summit such a meaningful opportunity for conversation, learning, and connection.

Investing in Alberta’s innovation ecosystem means making sure that young people have a place in it.MindFuel is proud to ...
09/19/2026

Investing in Alberta’s innovation ecosystem means making sure that young people have a place in it.

MindFuel is proud to support 100 Youth Memberships with Technology Alberta, helping young innovators connect with Alberta’s technology community and gain greater access to the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping our province’s future.

As we join Technology Alberta and members of the innovation community at the 37th Annual ASTech Foundation Awards Opening Ceremony, we’re especially proud to help create opportunities for youth to see themselves not simply as the next generation of innovators, but as contributors to Alberta’s innovation ecosystem today.

Because when youth are welcomed into the conversation, given opportunities to build meaningful connections, and encouraged to pursue their ideas, the entire innovation community benefits.

We’re excited to see where these 100 memberships —and the young people behind them— will lead.

MindFuel is proud to be part of the 37th Annual ASTech Foundation Awards Opening Ceremony tonight at Mount Royal Univers...
09/19/2026

MindFuel is proud to be part of the 37th Annual ASTech Foundation Awards Opening Ceremony tonight at Mount Royal University, bringing together innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and community partners from across Alberta’s technology and innovation ecosystem.

Our COO Brent Bawel took the stage this evening to share how, through Connect2Innovate and programs such as the Tech Futures Challenge, MindFuel helps young people build connections between STEM, innovation, and entrepreneurship —creating pathways for the next generation of Canadian innovators. Joining Brent on stage were MindFuel Board member Peter Kinash & Board Chair of Technology Alberta Mehadi Sayed.

And there’s more: We’re sponsoring 100 Technology Alberta Youth Memberships --giving young people opportunities to connect directly with Alberta’s technology community, expand their professional networks, participate in industry events and conversations, and explore future career opportunities.

MindFuel is proud to support Technology Alberta and the ASTech Awards and very pleased to help young innovators find their place in Alberta’s thriving tech ecosystem.

MindFuel team members in attendance:
Cassy Weber
Brent Bawel
Freeda Mulenga
Ric Resch
Sabina Bauer Lewis
Lisa Kindree
Ben Nakaska
Alma Abugov

What is MindFuel’s Tech Futures Challenge, or TFC?It’s where ideas become possibilities —and possibilities become innova...
09/15/2026

What is MindFuel’s Tech Futures Challenge, or TFC?

It’s where ideas become possibilities —and possibilities become innovative, tech-driven answers to problems in our world.

TFC gives young innovators the opportunity to tackle to tackle issues that matter most to them using emerging technologies such as AI, biotechnology, robotics, and clean energy and renewable tech. Along the way, participants gain access to mentorship, research, prototyping, and entrepreneurial learning, while connecting with industry leaders, researchers, and innovators.

More than a competition, TFC is a launchpad where youth build skills, test ideas, and discover what they're capable of.

Because at MindFuel we believe that the future isn’t something youth should have to wait for.

They can start building it right now.

Address

Suite 260, 3512/33 Street NW
Calgary, AB
T2L2A6

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:15pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:15pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:15pm
Thursday 8am - 4:15pm
Friday 8am - 4:15pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when MindFuel posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category