INNOVATION NEWS BY BRILLIANT LABS

March 2026

Children are diving into hands-on STEAM projects, building robots, coding, and exploring creative challenges at our March Break camps. Every experiment, prototype, and discovery turns curiosity into action, sparking skills that will last far beyond the classroom.

With the 2026 Brilliant Blue National Challenge just around the corner, team registrations are closing soon. It’s the perfect moment for students to come together, brainstorm, and prepare for a competition that inspires innovation in marine renewable energy, autonomous systems, and healthy marine life.

We’re grateful for the ongoing support of educators, partners, and funders, including the Government of Canada through the CanCode program, as we dive into another month full of curiosity, creativity, and meaningful action.

April 17–18 may still be a few weeks away, but preparation starts now. Across Canada, students are already developing ideas, refining prototypes, and exploring bold solutions to protect our oceans.

The Brilliant Blue National Challenge invites young innovators to tackle real-world problems with creativity and purpose. 

If your team has been considering participating, this is the moment to act. Team registration closes on March 15, and we don’t want anyone to miss the opportunity to take part in this national showcase of student innovation.

The journey begins with a single step!

We’re excited to share a testimonial from Firdaus Bhathena, teacher and mentor at Halifax Grammar School - NS, who guided students working on autonomous vehicle projects through the Brilliant Blue Challenge.

Hear how this extracurricular experience brought robotics, AI, and real-world problem-solving together, reinventing learning beyond the classroom and helping students develop skills like collaboration, communication, and resilience.

Samantha, Parker and Rachel ready to welcome campers at the Moncton Public Library Camp

March Break is well underway, and students are already diving into hands-on STEAM. From capturing the perfect shot in photography to exploring cybersecurity, AI, and robotics, kids are experimenting, collaborating and turning curiosity into action.

• Moncton - Brix Experience

 

At the Photography Camp, Students are exploring the art of photography, learning how to frame and capture the perfect shot, experiment with lighting, and bring their creative visions to life through editing.

 

Every session encourages imagination and teaches practical skills they can use to tell stories through their images.

• Moncton Public Library

 

At the Moncton Public Library, young learners are discovering the exciting world of AI, robotics, and motion detection.

 

Using tools like micro:bits, students can train AI to recognize objects or actions, whether it’s different shapes, sizes, or gestures like a thumbs up or happy face.

 

Hands-on experiments allow them to see their ideas in action, develop problem-solving skills, and understand how technology can interact with the world around them.

Virtual Introduction to Scratch March Break Camp: From 1:00-2:00pm (ADT) on March 16th to 20th

Join us for this virtual March Break, all you need is a laptop or tablet and an internet connection!

In this program you will get an introduction to the basics of Scratch programming.

Ages 8-12 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm (ADT) | Register Here

Virtual 3D Design in Blender March Break Camp: From 10:30-11:30am (ADT) on March 16th to 20th

Join us for this virtual March Break Camp, all you need is a computer and an internet connection! In this program students will get an introduction to one the biggest 3D design platforms, Blender that can be used for everything from animation to VFX to even designing video games!

Please note: Campers will need to install the free Blender software before the camp.

Ages 10-14 | 10:30 - 11:30 am (ADT) | Register Here

International Women’s Day on March 8th is a time to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and inspire the next generation to break barriers in STEAM and leadership. This year, we’re highlighting opportunities for young people to learn from women who are shaping the future of science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

As part of this celebration, Grace Totten, Founder of 17 by Seventeen, will host a Women’s Day Webinar on March 11th at 5:00 pm. Guest speakers Tiffany Fields, Burke-Gaffney Observatory Technician at Saint Mary’s University, and Jennifer McGill, entrepreneur and co-chair of We Worthy Women, will share their experiences, challenges, and advice for young women pursuing careers in STEAM and leadership.

Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly but its environmental impact is a growing concern.

 

The Cost of Intelligence: AI, Energy, and the Path to Sustainability, Written by Cassidy Cole, Grade 11 student at Sackville High School and Brilliant Labs Magazine Co-op Student, examines how data centres consume energy and water, and explores ways to make AI more sustainable.

Support Brilliant Labs in empowering youth through hands-on learning, creativity, and innovation! We provide students with tools and opportunities to solve real-world challenges, integrating technology and the UN Sustainable Development Goals to inspire the next generation of leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

 

Your donation helps bring sustainable, experiential education to classrooms and communities, fostering skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Together, we can create a brighter, more innovative future.

 

Donate today to make a difference by clicking here.

DONATE MENTOR VOLUNTEER CONNECT

Bring the power of creation to your classroom or makerspace with the b.Board, proudly designed and built in Dieppe, New Brunswick. This open-source prototyping platform lets students experiment with coding, electronics, and design, whether they’re just starting out or tackling real-world challenges linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

From fun coding projects to hands-on problem-solving, the b.Board sparks curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, all with a uniquely Canadian touch.

Get your b.Boards and classroom kits today and let your students make, learn, and invent!

As digital tools become part of everyday learning, understanding cybersecurity is more important than ever. Our cybersecurity resources help students and educators explore online safety, responsible digital behaviour, and the basics of protecting information, through hands-on, age-appropriate activities.

Designed to spark discussion and critical thinking, these tools support classrooms in building digital confidence while developing essential skills for today’s connected world.