The AI Centre for Decision Analytics (AI4DA) hosted SCOPE 2026 (Student Conference on Operations) at the University of Alberta, bringing together students, faculty, and industry professionals for a weekend focused on real-world, data-driven problem solving. The conference continues to be a space where students can apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to practical challenges and present their work in a more professional, industry-facing setting.
The event began with a networking session that gave students the chance to connect with industry professionals, faculty, and peers before moving into a full day of presentations. This year featured eight student presentations, each tackling complex business challenges across areas such as forecasting, process optimization, and decision-making under uncertainty. Across all presentations, there was a strong emphasis not only on technical ability, but also on clearly communicating insights and recommendations in a way that reflects real workplace expectations.
A highlight of the event was a guest talk from James McLean (PwC), who shared insights on the role of analytics in industry and the importance of translating data into actionable business decisions. His talk provided students with valuable perspective on how the skills they are developing can be applied in real-world professional environments.
One of the most valuable aspects of SCOPE is the direct interaction between students and industry professionals. Judges and attendees provided thoughtful feedback on each project, offering students practical insights that go beyond the classroom. This experience allows students to better understand how their analytical and problem-solving skills translate into real organizational impact, while also building confidence in presenting and defending their ideas.
Congratulations to this year’s winning teams: 1st place, Glow Mode (University of Calgary); 2nd place, Store Spaces (University of Calgary); and 3rd place, Automating Triage (University of Alberta). Each team stood out for their creativity, depth of analysis, and ability to approach complex problems with thoughtful, data-driven solutions.
All in all, SCOPE 2026 highlighted the importance of experiential learning in preparing students for careers in analytics and operations. Events like this not only strengthen the connection between academia and industry, but also give students the opportunity to build meaningful connections, gain confidence, and see the real impact of their work beyond the classroom.
