CDCL HACKATHON2027 · CDL · Laurentian · GDG Sudbury
2027

CDCL Hackathon.

Announced Nov 28, 2026 Sudbury → PDAC 2027

One challenge. Real core scan data.

Use AI and data to take on a real mineral exploration problem, built on the open CDCL dataset. Co-hosted by Creative Destruction Lab and Laurentian University, in partnership with GDG Sudbury. The challenge is announced at DevFest Sudbury on November 28, 2026.

How it works Who can take part

53 days to the announcement · November 28, 2026

Presented by

  • Co-hostCreative Destruction Lab
  • Co-hostLaurentian University
  • PartnerGDG SudburyGDG Sudbury
  • Announced atDevFest Sudbury 2026

01 / The hackathon

Challenge coming soon.

One industry-relevant problem in mineral exploration, developed with the CDCL Steering Committee and built on the initial CDCL dataset of industry-donated core scan data. The data is open under a Creative Commons 4.0 licence, so teams across Canada and internationally can take part.

  • Teamsup to 5 people, at least half students
  • DataReleased January 15, 2027
  • Prize$5,000 top prize
Creative Destruction LabLaurentian UniversityGDG Sudbury
$5,000top prize
5people per team, at least half students
Jan 15the CDCL dataset opens
PDACthe winners present at PDAC 2027 in Toronto

02 / The road to March 2027

From the first reveal to your next build.

View the full timeline

From the announcement at DevFest Sudbury to the winners presenting at PDAC 2027 in Toronto. Dates marked TBC are not confirmed yet.

  1. 01Confirmed

    November 28, 2026

    Challenge announced at DevFest Sudbury

    The problem statement, prizes and eligibility are announced, and early registration opens.

  2. 02

    January 4 to 15, 2027

    Formal registration

    Register on your own or as a team of up to 5. At least half of each team must be students.

  3. 03

    January 15 to February 19

    Data released, five weeks to build

    Registered teams get the CDCL dataset and the full challenge package. Submissions are due February 19.

  4. 04

    February 22 to 26

    Qualifying round

    Teams demo their approach to the judges in 15-minute virtual sessions. The winners are announced March 1.

  5. 05

    March 2027 · PDAC · date TBC

    Winners present at PDAC 2027

    The winning teams present their work at PDAC, the world’s largest mineral exploration convention.

03 / Where it starts

Challenge announcement

The challenge is announced on November 28, 2026 at DevFest Sudbury, with the problem statement, prizes and eligibility. Early registration opens the same day.

View the DevFest event

DevFest Sudbury 2026

Nov 28

  • WhereCollège Boréal, Sudbury
  • Address21 Lasalle Boulevard, Sudbury, ON
  • Challenge launch3:15 PM
  • Doors8:30 AM–5:30 PM ET

04 / Before you ask

Event details

When is the challenge announced?

November 28, 2026, at DevFest Sudbury. Early registration opens the same day.

What is the challenge?

One industry-relevant problem in mineral exploration, built on the initial CDCL dataset of industry-donated core scan data. The full problem statement is announced at DevFest.

Who can take part?

Anyone, in Canada or internationally. At least half of each team must be students, and at least one student from each winning team presents at PDAC. Shortlisted teams provide proof of enrolment.

How big can a team be?

Up to 5 people.

How do we get the data?

Registered teams get access on January 15, 2027 through a CDL-managed data environment. The data is released under an open Creative Commons 4.0 licence, so no data sharing agreement is needed.

How does judging work?

Teams demo their approach to the judges in 15-minute virtual sessions from February 22 to 26. The top 3 are announced March 1, and the winning teams present their work at PDAC 2027 in Toronto.

Does it cost anything?

No. Registration is free.

CDL · Laurentian University · GDG Sudbury

Your next build starts with the challenge.

CDCL Hackathon 2027 · Announced November 28, 2026 at DevFest Sudbury

Attend the announcement Get to know NODE