Compete. Trade. Innovate. Win.
Take on an action-packed day of problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world finance.
Ever wondered what it feels like to be a stock market pro? Curious about how fintech is reshaping the way people save, spend, and invest? Think you can outsmart the market? Here’s your chance to prove it.
The Department of Finance in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University invites high schools across the province to participate in the High School Finance Competition (HSFC 2026) on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hosted on campus, this full-day event gives talented high school students an exciting, hands-on introduction to finance through a live stock-trading competition and a fintech innovation challenge.
This year, a total of $3,500 in cash prizes will be awarded, generously sponsored by the Douglas C. Mackay Chair in Finance.
Teams from across the region will compete in two exciting challenges:
1. Fintech Innovation Challenge
Solve real-world financial problems faced by youth, families, or communities. Design a simple fintech tool that helps people manage, save, or grow their money. This challenge builds creativity, teamwork, structured thinking, and clear communication.
2. Stock Trading Challenge
Feel the adrenaline of the markets as you respond to breaking news and rapid price swings. Decide which stocks to buy or sell—and see if you can stay calm under pressure to make the winning moves.
Each school may register one team of five students. To encourage gender inclusion and increase participation from individuals who are often underrepresented in competitions of this kind, we encourage teams to include gender-diverse representation where possible. This guideline is intended to promote broader representation and does not exclude teams of any gender composition
Registration is now closed.
No prior knowledge is required.
Every team will receive the learning materials they need, along with mentorship and support throughout the day.
Students will dive into a virtual stock market using real data, make fast-paced decisions, and learn the key skills real investors and innovators use every day—research, analysis, strategy, and smart decision-making—all with zero risk.
Participation will be capped at a maximum of 10 teams. Seats are limited, and the Organizing Committee reserves the right to close registration once capacity is reached.