荔枝视频

Electricity markets need to respond to constant change including shifting weather conditions, price volatility and world events. The first , hosted by the 荔枝视频鈥檚 , introduced students to these realities.

The Feb. 7 competition ran over six short trading rounds, giving the 51 participants repeated opportunities to test strategies, react to new information and learn from each shift in the market. Cash prizes were awarded to the top performers.

The event, held at Haskayne鈥檚 trading lab, placed students in fast-moving scenarios. Working with power generated from solar, wind, hydro and hydrocarbon sources, they gained a practical look at how the electricity industry responds to change.

A simulation grounded in industry experience

Capital Power collaborated with Haskayne faculty to develop the scenarios and data used in the competition. The company provided insights from its real-time trading desk, helping shape simulations that reflect decisions traders make every day.

The design followed real trading patterns, said Alexandra Eremenko, a summer student with , who supported scenario development. 鈥淪tudents start their shift at seven in the morning and end at seven in the evening in the simulation. While simplified, it comes very close to the structure and pace of an actual shift,鈥� she said.

The event鈥檚 goal was to offer students a meaningful look at how real-time decisions unfold within energy markets and the type of thinking the industry requires, added Rafal Krzywicki, BComm鈥�03, vice-president of Trading and Origination at Capital Power.

Industry perspectives highlight essential skills

Throughout the competition, Capital Power employees connected with students to offer guidance and share insight into their roles. Participants valued the chance to learn directly from professionals who work in fast-moving trading environments.

The experience exposed students to the unpredictability of the job, said Michael Rowbotham, BA鈥�05, manager of Real Time Trading. 鈥淛ust when you think you have figured it out, something changes. This gives students a feel for how quickly markets can shift,鈥� he said.

Krzywicki added that the competition is a helpful way to identify students with strong analytical and communication skills. 鈥淭he students that are competing in the lab have gone through a lot of thought processes, a lot of sacrifices to be here; they want to be here,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just the money; they want to develop that skill set and showcase it.鈥�

Faculty insight strengthens experiential learning

An energy鈥慺ocused event like this gives students the chance to work with concepts that behave differently from traditional financial assets, , PhD, faculty lead for the competition, says in a post-event interview. Electricity markets respond directly to physical conditions like weather, operational limitations and demand patterns, he adds.

Alexander says the competition reflects Haskayne鈥檚 commitment to experiential learning. Furthermore, 鈥淐apital Power provided perspectives on career paths, the profitability of the industry and skills that students should focus on more closely,鈥� which are invaluable pieces of information, he says.

Students navigate fast decisions, uncertainty and new tools

Competition winners were determined by ability to manage their portfolio and make profit across all three trading simulations, while managing supply, demand, news events impacting markets and transportation of goods. The scores came from their algorithm's ability to trade on their behalf, risk mitigation, profitable trades, controlled inventory/exposure, and used strategy across all cases.

Participants described the competition as an intense learning experience that pushed them to think differently than they do in coursework.

For business analytics student Paris Rizopoulos, the day demonstrated how sensitive markets can be to even small pieces of information. 鈥淚t can influence the markets so much and you have to pay attention to either short the market or buy,鈥� he said.

Each student took away something valuable from the experience. Finance student Jon Hawkins saw his Python computer coding run for the first time, which he said relieved his pressure of trying something new.

Computer science and biological sciences student Bishesh Khanal shared that, 鈥渋t was interesting getting to know how these external factors affect the market.鈥� He also noted that the open-ended format pushed him to rely more on instinct and adaptability.

Matthew Marchidan, another finance student, found the algorithmic market making case particularly competitive, since many participants were running strategies at the same time. And Master of Management student Marium Sheikh said the competition strengthened her interest in energy and finance, adding she valued the chance to explore unfamiliar challenges and learn more about potential career paths through conversations with Capital Power professionals.

Connecting students with 荔枝视频鈥檚 energy economy

The competition reflects Haskayne鈥檚 commitment to offering applied-learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to industry practice. Capital Power鈥檚 partnership supports hands-on learning that prepares students for future careers in energy, finance and analytics. The competition is expected to become an annual event.

Winners

Prizes were awarded to the top individual traders:

• 1st Place: Axel Han Kin Sang
• 2nd Place: Rylan Laplante
• 3rd Place: Soumik Sarkar