The Brock Solutions Airport Innovation Challenge is a 3-day Hackathon designed and offered in collaboration with Brock Solutions, a leading airport integrator.
The fall 2026 challenge (November 6-8) is set in the context of Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), where participants will explore how connected systems support the safe and efficient movement of passengers, baggage, aircraft, and staff. Challenge topics may include Airport Traffic Control, Baggage Handling Systems, Departure Control Systems, and Gate Management Systems, while also encouraging students to pursue related ideas that improve airport operations.
Throughout the event, students will learn from Brock Solutions professionals and gain insight into the complexities of airport systems, including how data, automation, and operational decision-making intersect. Participants will be introduced to industry concepts, provided with starter code and hardware for prototyping, and challenged to think like airport systems engineers by considering factors such as incomplete data, safety, privacy, accessibility, and operational constraints.
Teams will ideate, develop, and refine their solutions over the weekend, creating functional prototypes that demonstrate both technical feasibility and real-world impact. The challenge concludes with team presentations to a panel of judges, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their work, receive feedback from industry experts, and compete for prizes.
Open to undergraduate students from all faculties and years of study, the Brock Solutions Airport Innovation Challenge offers a unique opportunity to develop technical and professional skills, build industry connections, and gain experience solving complex challenges in a critical infrastructure sector.
Event Schedule & Details:
- Friday, Nov. 6 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Introduction to airport operations, challenge briefing, and team formation.
- Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM): Team development, workshops, mentoring, and prototyping.
- Sunday, Nov. 8 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM): Final prototyping, team presentations, judging, and awards.
- Where: Ideas Clinic, PSE-1427
Join us to explore the world of airport automation, develop innovative solutions to real operational challenges, connect with industry professionals, and compete for exciting prizes.
Registration will open soon.