In a creative partnership bridging academia and industry, Carleton University students are diving into the world of artificial intelligence and financial analytics through the inaugural MindBridge Data Science Challenge (MDSC). Launched on May 25, this eight-week competition invites graduate and undergraduate students from technical disciplines to apply their knowledge to real-world financial data problems.
Real-World Experience
MindBridge, an Ottawa-based leader in AI-powered financial decision intelligence, teamed up with Carleton University’s Institute for Data Science to offer students a chance to analyze complex financial irregularities using advanced data science techniques.
The MDSC gives students the opportunity to move beyond textbooks and classroom theory by applying their skills to real datasets—similar to the work performed by data scientists in professional finance and auditing environments.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s industry leaders,” said Robin Grosset, Chief Technology Officer at MindBridge. “Through this challenge, we’re offering aspiring data scientists a chance to engage with meaningful, real-world problems, demonstrate their ingenuity, and accelerate their path into the AI and finance sectors.”
Financial Analytics Meets Practical Learning
The challenge began with a MindBridge-hosted lecture on outlier analysis, a key technique used to detect anomalies in financial data. Participants then received access to a financial dataset and related materials to begin building solutions aimed at uncovering potential irregularities—mirroring the kind of analytical work done in high-level financial audits.
Dr. Olga Baysal, Director of Carleton’s Institute for Data Science, noted the unique opportunity this represents for students: “This initiative allows our students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to complex, real-world problems. Partnering with an industry leader like MindBridge gives them a direct connection to practical applications of data science and helps build the confidence and skills they’ll need to lead in the tech and finance sectors.”
Rewards for Innovation
In addition to gaining real-world experience, participants have the chance to win top prizes:
1st Place: MacBook Pro 2nd Place: iPad Pro 3rd Place: iPad
Winners will also be offered guaranteed interviews for paid internships at MindBridge’s Ottawa headquarters, opening doors to careers in financial technology and AI.
Investing in the Future
The MDSC reflects MindBridge’s broader commitment to investing in Canada’s academic community and supporting the next generation of innovators. The company views talent development as key to addressing the evolving challenges in financial analytics and risk assessment.
As the competition unfolds, students aren’t just sharpening their technical skills—they’re contributing to the future of financial decision-making. Initiatives like this help solidify Ottawa’s role as a growing hub for innovation, where the lines between education, research, and industry continue to blur in productive and meaningful ways.
Photo: iStock
