Program Overview
SFU Invent the Future is a three-week immersion into the world of artificial intelligence. Scholars will meet online every day to engage in various fun and thought-provoking activities to offer them a glimpse of what it's like to be a researcher in an AI-related field. Through a blend of lectures, discussions, code-along sessions and group projects, students will earn AI concepts, hone their programming skills, and gain exposure to different areas of AI including robotics, computer vision, natural language processing, and computational biology. Students will truly feel like a part of the AI community by connecting with guest speakers, participating in team-building exercises and networking with their peers and AI researchers.
Topics
Robots
Robotics is a blend of engineering and computer science. Humanoid robots, self-driving cars and robot waiters are already a reality in some countries.
Computer Vision
Computer vision enables computers to use visual information. This is how smartphones are able to recognize your face with high enough accuracy to unlock the phone.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Chatbots like Amazon Alexa or Siri are able to understand our words and even converse! NLP is letting us do great things like translate automatically from one language to another, or type by using our voice instead of our fingers.
Computational Biology
Biology meets computer science! Computational biology uses biological data to develop models and patterns such as human genome sequencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the program?
A: The core programming runs the majority of July from 9am to 12pm PST. There will be optional office hours from 12pm to 1pm PST for students to connect with the program instructors and mentors for additional support.
Admitted students will also participate in an online, asynchronous Python workshop in early July. This workshop will equip students with the Python skills they need to be successful in the program.
Q: Who can apply?
A: The mission of our program is to achieve proportionate representation in the AI community through encouraging and empowering persons of genders historically excluded from AI. We welcome high school students (Grade 9-12) who identify as trans and non-binary, two-spirit, and cis women and girls to be part of a female-identified learning environment.
Grade levels refer to a student’s grade level at the time of application.
Q: Is programming experience necessary?
A: No, all you need is a curiosity about AI and a desire to learn! Selected students will participate in an online, asynchronous Python workshop prior to the program. This will provide students with a foundation in Python to be successful in the program.
Q: Will equipment and tools be available for online learning?
A: Yes, SFU will provide access to tools and resources to complete the program. Participants can also rent laptops from SFU to participate in the program if needed.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Applications are accepted online. Please see Apply Now page for details!