MindFuel

Jim Gray is speaking, and people are listening.

A mentor, a builder, a connector --and someone who’s spent decades turning ideas into action. From the early days of Alberta’s energy sector to helping launch organizations that support communities across Calgary, Jim’s impact shows up in more places than you might expect.

He’s been a university student and an oilpatch entrepreneur, and now he’s a philanthropist and a connector of people and ideas. And his fingerprints are on a surprising number of undertakings in Calgary --whether it was chairing the first Petroleum Show --now known as Global Energy Show Canada-- in 1966 to connect Albertans to the energy sector, serving as chairman of the Canada West Foundation, being a director of the Calgary Stampede, or as the impetus behind numerous local organizations, including Momentum, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter, the Calgary Native Friendship Centre, Bow Valley Wildfire, and, of course, MindFuel.

The message he’s sharing is simple:
Don’t stop at identifying a problem.
Ask yourself —What am I going to do about it?

It’s a mindset that helped spark what would become MindFuel, rooted in a belief that access to science, technology, and opportunity should reach every community.

You can draw a straight line from that vision to today —youth innovators, ideas on display, and a room full of people asking what comes next.

If there’s one takeaway from Jim’s time on stage, it’s this:

Progress begins when someone decides to act. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing from our youth innovators today —ideas backed by action, and the willingness to take the first step toward something bigger.

We can’t wait to see where these teams go next.

Guy Levesque, Executive Director of the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, is now leading a panel with Dr. John Froh, Grant Sanden, and Melissa Power.
“Where Innovation Meets Impact” is the theme of the moment.

How do you prepare for a future that’s anything but predictable?
What actually set you up for success early on?
How much do networks matter?
Failure and pivots: What do you do when things don’t go to plan?

This is where curiosity meets expertise —where youth innovators get an unfiltered look at the paths behind the ideas.

Looking to show your support for MindFuel in style?

Whether you're a longtime champion of youth innovation or just looking for a great new hoodie, tee, or polo shirt, our MindFuel Merch Store has something for you.

Every item helps celebrate the curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving spirit that drives the next generation of innovators.

From the classroom to the boardroom —and everywhere in between— it's an easy way to carry the MindFuel mission with you wherever you go.

Take a look, find a favourite, and help spread the word about the power of STEM learning and innovation.

Browse the collection here: https://urstore.ca/group/mindfuel

Get yours while supplies last!