Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

As the global economy moves toward clean energy and advanced technologies, Canada faces a critical question: Should we boost investment in minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements?

In November, over 20 teams of students from across Canada tackled this question during UNB’s 2025 Data Challenge, a cross-disciplinary competition turning classroom learning into industry-ready strategy.

Hosted by the faculty of management’s International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (IBEC) and the Centre for Financial Studies (CFS), and sponsored by Vestcor, the event asked students to do what business leaders do daily: analyze complex data, weigh trade-offs, and recommend strategies that balance economic growth with climate goals.

Using open-source data, teams explored ripple effects across mining, manufacturing, renewable energy, and transportation. They were challenged to connect data to decisions and decisions to real-world outcomes, drawing on finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, operations, analytics, and sustainability.

Ten teams were short listed - nine from UNB and one from Ontario Tech - and they came together on Nov. 28 to present posters of their findings. While most agreed Canada should increase investment, strategies varied widely.

The three top teams included:

First place: Epsilon

Team members: Mahin Iqbal Chowdhury, Akansha Vishnoi, Fanelie Zedde (MBA)

Recommendation: Position Canadian medals as green commodities; invest in refining, processing and battery-grade value chains; expand Canada’s seabed and offshore medal exploration; and diversify with “second wave” critical minerals.

Second place: Rockside Consulting Group

Team members: Aditya Shah, Chirag Rohilla (BBA)

Recommendation: Canada has a unique opportunity to strengthen its mineral sector by leveraging Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich resources, expanding midstream and downstream capabilities to capture greater economic value, and capitalizing on its low-carbon advantage to attract investment and lead in sustainable supply chains.

Third place: Data Transformers

Team members: Mahsa Yadegari, Gagandeep Kaur, Rittwik Mukherjee, Sundus Taj Hyder (MBA)

Recommendation: Canada should strategically invest in critical minerals through a dual-track approach: strengthening domestic production and processing while maintaining diversified overseas partnerships, balancing economic, environmental, and Indigenous commitments to capitalize on long-term demand from EVs and clean-tech industries.

When Mahin Iqbal Chowdhury joined UNB’s MBA in Management Analytics program last year, he says he had “zero knowledge of data analysis.” Two consecutive wins in the Data Challenge, including this year’s first-place finish, reflect how far consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to learn can take you. “It’s still just the beginning,” he said, “and I’m grateful for the journey.”

For teammate Akansha Vishnoi, the experience was just as meaningful. “We supported, trusted, and motivated each other throughout this journey,” she said. “This win truly feels like a celebration of team spirit, learning, and shared effort.” Their success underscores how integrated business learning sharpens insights and decisions—and how partnerships like IBEC, CFS, and Vestcor create experiential opportunities tied to Canada’s economic priorities.

More than presenting posters, the Data Challenge prepared students to operate at the intersection of data, strategy, and execution, and exercise skills in high demand across mining, manufacturing, energy, and finance. It showed how evidence-based decisions can drive competitiveness while honouring climate commitments.

Want to partner or participate in our business programs? Contact us to learn how your organization can help shape the next challenge, and how UNB students can help shape Canada’s future in critical minerals and beyond.

Photo: MBA students Fanelie Zedde, Mahin Iqbal Chowdhury (left to right) and Akansa Vishno (far left) accept the first prize award for the 2025 Data Challenge from Dr. Joseph DeCoste, Director of UNB’s Centre for Financial Studies.

Media contact

Ryan Reid
ryan.reid@unb.ca