The BCIT School of Business + Media hosted the 2024 Student Innovation Design and Technology Showcase on December 6 at the BCIT Burnaby Campus. The annual event highlighted projects from Digital Design and Development (D3) and Full-Stack Web Development (FSWD) students, showcasing AI-driven solutions with potential for addressing real-world challenges in underrepresented communities.
This year’s theme focused on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to develop web and mobile solutions for organizations which serve these communities. The initiative aims to address the unique challenges these organizations face by reducing mundane work and streamlining workflows through innovative AI-driven solutions in order to:
- enhance organizational efficiency
- empower workers to focus on impactful activities
- reduce burnout
- improve overall quality of life
A total of 10 student teams participated in the showcase with the following teams’ prototypes finishing in top places:
Gold: Relay – A ridesharing app designed to help parents coordinate transportation for their children within trusted communities. It offers features like real-time GPS tracking, route matching, and seamless in-app communication to ensure safe and efficient carpooling.
Silver: Harmony – An eldercare app designed to help navigate the complexity, emotions, and collaborations of elder care. It offers features like autonomous generation on events, journals, summaries to alleviate caretaker burnouts.
Bronze: Beep – A mobile application designed to enhance safety for women, especially when traveling alone at night. It offers features like real-time alerts, simplified safety actions, and trust-building transparency to ensure personal security.
See the full list of the showcased projects. Congratulations to all students and participants.
Henry Leung, Program Head for Digital Design and Development shared, “Our students’ drive and professionalism are inspiring. I hope that they take pride in their work and develop into leaders shaping the future of digital solutions.”
The showcase was made possible by dedicated faculty and staff, from both the BCIT School of Business + Media, and BCIT School of Computing and Academic Studies, including faculty members Darinka Aguirre, and Tomoko Okochi. Special thanks to the BCIT Alumni Association, including to Lisa Jung and Heesu Joo, for sponsoring the event. Also, thanks to judges Aaron Stuart, Crystal Carson, and Roland Tescon for providing valuable feedback that inspired students to refine their ideas.
Several dignitaries attended to celebrate and support student achievements, including: Anne Kang, BC Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills; Paul Choi, MLA; Hendra Halim, Indonesia’s Consul General, and Syafran Haris, Consul for Economic Affairs; Mike Hurley, Mayor of Burnaby; and Richard T. Lee and Maita Santiago, Burnaby City Councillors.
Let BCIT students solve your industry challenges
Digital Design and Development student internships
BCIT Digital Design and Development (D3) students graduate with in-demand technical skills and a strong problem-solving mindset. Most of the projects showcased could evolve into real-world solutions with further industry partnerships. Employers looking for fresh talent to bring innovative thinking to their teams can do so by hiring BCIT students as interns. The Digital Design and Development (D3) program includes a 240-hour practicum for over eight weeks, providing students with hands-on experience while helping companies advance their digital projects. Interns bring expertise in UI/UX design, frontend engineering, content design, and AI-driven solutions, making them valuable assets for businesses that are looking to enhance their digital presence.
Timing to work with BCIT D3 students
Before March 15: Applications submitted to BCIT
Before April: Student applications and interviews
April – June: Internship duration
Employers benefit by gaining access to skilled, motivated students who are eager to apply their knowledge to real business challenges. Hosting an intern is an opportunity to mentor the next generation of digital professionals as well as gain fresh perspectives on projects. While internships are for academic credit, offering compensation is encouraged to attract top talent. Interested companies can contact Henry Leung or Darinka Aguirre.
Computing students and Industry Sponsored Student Projects
Computing students work on industry sponsored projects multiple times per year. Learn more about Industry Sponsored Student Projects (ISSP).
Learn more about the two-year, full-time diploma programs: Digital Design and Development (D3) and Full Stack Web Development (FSWD)