‘An exercise in putting human potential into concrete action.’
That’s how George Burton, Canadore President and CEO describes the college’s inaugural Innovation Challenge this week.
More than 150 students took part in the one-day event, with 28 teams pitching innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
“This event highlights a strategic approach to experiential learning, career development, and the fundamentals of research and entrepreneurship,” says Burton. “It is designed to promote innovative thinking while addressing key issues that impact sustainability and development in Northern Ontario communities.”
There were five winning teams, one in each of the competition’s focus areas:
- Mobilizing Clean Water: The winning team proposed a rainwater and snow collection system as a pilot project to provide clean water to Indigenous communities.
- Community Revitalization and Sustainable Development: This team developed a digital community app that helps newcomers connect with local people and services.
- Food Security: The team suggested building a campus greenhouse to supply fresh food for students.
- Health and AI: The team introduced an AI-powered app aimed at promoting health and wellness.
- Affordable Housing: The winning team designed a modular housing plan incorporating shared and personal green spaces.
Student teams were given just a few hours to develop and refine their ideas before presenting them to a panel of judges representing various sectors of the business and entrepreneurial community, then the larger group.
Roger Rai, Vice Chairman of the Toronto Blue Jays and Senior Vice President at Macquarie Group helped to judge the proposals.
“Challenges like this help put fuel on their fire to think more. And I think that’s the beauty,” says Rai. “I always say, the risk takers are usually young because when you get older you get worried about getting hurt or you worry about the financial implications. I think these forums are great for motivating and getting [young people] to push harder.”
One participant was Michael Komsa, a second-year student in the Mechanical Engineering Technological program.
“This is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and harness our collective creativity to tackle pressing issues,” Kosma says.
Each team won $5,000 for their project and will now receive support to develop full business plan proposals.
