Advanced Manufacturing

Rebuild the Future. One Smart Idea at a Time.

Advanced Manufacturing

Join the Advanced Manufacturing Challenge and help revolutionize manufacturing through robotics, automation, AI, and sustainable production.

Open to Young People, group ages 13-17 and 18- 29 

What is the Advanced Manufacturing Challenge?

This challenge focuses on reimagining how things are made in Canada. From smart factories to sustainable processes, you’ll propose ideas that use tech like robotics, AI, IoT, and automation to solve real industry problems.

Powered by NGen, Canada’s advanced manufacturing supercluster.

Why This Challenge is Important for Canada?

Advanced manufacturing is key to Canada’s economic growth and competitiveness. The challenge develops young talent to contribute ideas that can boost productivity, reduce waste, and keep Canada’s industries ahead in the global market.

What’s In It For You?

  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

  • Entrepreneurial Mindset

  • Tech Skills in Sustainability, Robotics & AI

  • Pitching & Presentation Skills

  • Certificate of Participation

  • Cash Prizes & Awards

  • Mentorship by Ocean Tech Experts

  • Impactful Community Recognition

Whether you win or not, you’ll walk away with skills that matter, connections that help, and confidence that lasts.

Why is NFTEC Organizing This Challenge?

NFTEC (Network Fostering Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Canada) is dedicated to cultivating a global mindset of innovation and resilience. By bringing this challenge to Canada, we aim to:

NFTEC seeks to ignite innovative thinking in Canadian Young People and empower them to address major shifts in industry. This challenge helps build the next generation of makers, coders, and manufacturing leaders.

This is not just a competition—it’s a movement toward sustainable futures.

What You’ll Learn by Competing

  • How to build a scalable tech-based manufacturing solution

  • How AI and robotics are reshaping industries

  • Startup strategies in the hardware sector

  • How to pitch a prototype or concept


Timelines

Challenge Opens: April 30th, 2026
Last Day of submission: August 30th, 2026
Judging period: August 31st,2026  – September 30th , 2026
Resulted Released: October 1st ,2026 

Steps to Participate

  1. Brainstorm Your Idea
    Think about how ocean health can be improved with tech or innovation.

  2. Select Your Challenge
    Choose BlueTech Builders – Innovations for a Healthy Ocean.

  3. Create a Pitch Deck (PPT or PDF)
    Showcase your idea, the problem, the solution, and its impact.

  4. Record a 2–3 Min Pitch Video
    Upload to YouTube as unlisted and save the link.

  5. Fill Out the Registration Form
    Include all your info and upload files/links.

  6. Submit Before Deadline
    Late entries won’t be accepted, so don’t wait!

 

Unlisted Video on Youtube?

If you havent uploaded an unlisted video to youtube, Do go through this video to help you out. An unlisted video makes it easier for you to showcase your content and at the same time it stays private to you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQs section provides quick and clear answers to common questions about the challenge, making it easy for you to find the information you need. Designed to enhance your experience, this section saves you time and helps you understand the challenge.

Youth between 13–30 across Canada interested in reimagining the future of manufacturing.

Automation, robotics, 3D printing, clean manufacturing, supply chain digitization, or sustainability in manufacturing.

Not necessarily. You can bring creative ideas or partner with someone with technical skills.

Your solution can be conceptual or practical—as long as it clearly addresses a challenge in the manufacturing sector.

 

Absolutely! AI, IoT, and other advanced tech are encouraged where appropriate.

You’re encouraged to outline how your idea could be developed, sustained, and used in real-world manufacturing.

Cutting-edge insights, innovation training, certificate of completion, and a chance to win recognition and prizes.

Land Acknowledgement

We would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize and deeply respect the historic connection of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples to this land. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and contributions of Indigenous Peoples to this land and to Canada.