INNOVATION NEWS BY BRILLIANT LABS
|
|
|
|
|
A month of building, learning and momentum
|
May brings together learning, creativity, and real-world making across all Brilliant Labs programs. From immersive educator experiences to student-led innovation challenges, this month is about turning ideas into action and strengthening the connections between creativity, technology, and community impact.
Across schools and communities, we continue to see projects evolve from early concepts into meaningful prototypes, shaped by collaboration, curiosity and purpose.
|
|
|
|
A look back at the 2026 Brilliant Blue National Challenge
|
|
|
|
“Young innovators leading real-world solutions for our oceans”
|
|
|
|
We closed the month of April with the 2026 Brilliant Blue National Challenge, bringing together 17 teams from 5 provinces at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, around a shared mission: protecting our oceans through innovation.
Young innovators presented bold ideas and real-world solutions across ocean technology, autonomous systems, and clean energy. The event drew a strong audience and marked our most impactful edition to date, with an exceptional level of creativity, collaboration, and engagement across all teams.
We are proud to recognize this year’s winning teams:
• Bluenose Builders (Nova Scotia) – Healthy Marine Life
• Team l’Héritage (Ontario) – Marine Autonomous Systems
• Team Maurice-Lapointe #2 (Ontario) – Marine Renewable Energy
• Grammar Gryphons (Nova Scotia) – Excellence Award, overall winner of the challenge
This national event would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners and sponsors: the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Office of Sustainability Dalhousie University, the UN Ocean Decade, the Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO), and EY.
Thank you to our judges, mentors, and volunteers for their essential role in making this event a success.
As we move into May, selected teams will continue developing their projects and preparing for the next stage, the Brilliant Blue Global Challenge taking place this fall! Stay Tuned!
|
|
|
|
Highlights: Natural Making Teacher Retreat
|
|
|
|
Three days of making, exploring, and reconnecting with creativity.
|
|
|
|
The Natural Making Teacher Retreat at Mactaquac Provincial Park brought educators together to slow down, learn through hands-on experiences, and explore new ways of bringing creativity into their classrooms.
From working with natural materials to sharing ideas and perspectives, the retreat created space to experiment, reflect, and build meaningful connections.
A reminder that learning can be simple, grounded, and deeply impactful.
|
|
|
|
Cardboard for Kitty 2026 is Back!
|
|
|
Cardboard For Kitty 2026 invites students to design, build, and give back, all at the same time!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join Cardboard For Kitty 2026 and help design cardboard cat homes while supporting two local organizations doing important work in the community.
In teams, participants will have two hours to create a cardboard cat home, combining creativity, sustainability, and teamwork. This year introduces a new category: Sustainable Snuggles, encouraging the use of recycled materials!
All proceeds support RedHead Strays and First Steps Saint John.
Event date: May 30, 2026 | Market Square Atrium, Saint John
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
“Made in Canada innovation for classrooms”
|
|
|
|
The b.Board is a hands-on learning platform designed to bring creativity, coding, and physical computing into the classroom in a simple and accessible way.
Created and developed in Canada, the b.Board supports educators and students in exploring real-world STEAM learning through building, experimenting, and problem-solving.
|
|
|
|
Cybersecurity tip: Watch out for fake password reset emails
|
|
|
|
Cybercriminals often send fake “password reset” emails that look like they come from trusted platforms (Google, Microsoft, social media, etc.).
These messages usually create urgency, asking you to click a link and log in immediately. The goal is to steal your credentials.
Before clicking:
• Check the sender’s email address carefully
• Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails
• Go directly to the official website instead of using email links
• When in doubt, don’t log in
Stay alert and protect your digital identity!
|
|
|
|
|
