About

An annual challenge showcasing the best Canadian digital innovators in post-secondary institutions.

The Catalyst Challenge is based on real-world problems faced by sponsors and experts in industries across Canada. Throughout the 10 days, the challenge will empower students to identify and build solutions to real world problems.

Learn more about the Catalyst Challenge 2022.

August 10-20, 2021

Digital Solutions for Rural Canada

With 60% of the population in rural communities being Indigenous Canadians, having an Indigenous lens is important when exploring and implementing new innovation and technology solutions. There are three main focus areas that need to be considered when developing new solutions – health, talent and education.

🏥 Healthcare

The life expectancy in the Indigenous community is 4 - 6 years shorter than other community members who live in these rural areas. Improving access to healthcare services is a high priority to provide better care and support for these communities.

👩🏽‍💼 Talent Retention

Rural communities face challenges in attracting and retaining residents.  For example, Ontario’s rural communities will be losing 130,000 working age adults by 2025 which represents 50% of their working adult population (Bakhtiar, 2015). 

📚 Education

Canada’s workforce has a significant urban-rural gap when it comes to educational attainment levels. Higher secondary school dropout rates and the low average in levels of education in rural Canada contribute heavily to this gap (Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation, 2015).