Canadore Innovation Challenge FAQ

Join us on October 22nd, during Reading Week, for the Canadore Innovation Challenge.

This one-day event will feature student teams tackling real-world challenges presented by our city and industry partners. Participants and guests will have the opportunity to engage in workshops, explore the trade show, and watch as our students pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed judges.

This event exemplifies a strategic approach to experiential education, career development, and the fundamentals of research and entrepreneurship.

The Canadore Innovation Challenge is a competition designed to inspire and engage students in innovative thinking. The Challenge is designed to sustainability and development in our Northern Ontario communities. Participants will work in teams to develop creative solutions to real-world problems, with opportunities to win prizes and gain valuable experience.

The challenge is open to all Canadore College students and Alumni. Participants can come from any program or year of study.

Students may register using the provided link: https://forms.office.com/r/ENvr74qf14

Canadore Faculty and Staff may register here:

If you need further assistance, you can email Melissa Roffey at melissa.roffey@canadorecollege.ca.

No, participation in the Canadore Innovation Challenge is free for all eligible students.

Team Formation

Teams can consist of 5 to 6 members, with up to 4 students/alumni and 2 external members such as industry experts or employers. It is recommended to have a diverse team with different skill sets to enhance creativity and problem-solving.

Yes, if you do not have a team, you can indicate this during registration. We will help match you with other participants looking for team members.

No, the event is in-person only, as it involves hands-on activities and direct engagement.

Challenge Details

Teams will aim to create solutions in 4 key areas:

  • Affordable Housing
  • Community Revitalization and Sustainable Development
  • Food Security
  • Health Challenges and AI
  • Mobilizing Clean Water

Teams will tackle challenges such as: designing energy-efficient tiny homes, building self-sustainable communities, ensuring year-round food production, revolutionizing healthcare with AI, and exploring new clean water solutions. Our tiered approach allows participation at any stage, whether pitching a new concept, refining a prototype, or seeking to implement a fully developed innovation.

Upon registration, teams will receive a collection of inspiring project proposals and suggestions from our academic planning team, based on in-depth discussions with city officials and industry leaders, to spark creativity and guide project development.

Examples:

Affordable Housing: Innovate with modular designs, energy-efficient tiny houses, and off-grid living. Consider district heating for Northern Ontario to cut costs and improve living conditions.

Community Revitalization & Sustainable Development: Build self-sustaining communities with energy-efficient infrastructure and smart technologies. Focus on partnerships to boost economic growth and resilience in Northern Ontario.

Food Security: Develop solutions for year-round food production in extreme climates using hydroponics, modular farming, and community grow plots to ensure fresh, local food.

Health Challenges & AI: Use AI to improve healthcare by analyzing patient data, personalizing treatments, and streamlining systems for better outcomes and accessibility

Mobilizing Clean Water: Expand on existing water health solutions in Indigenous communities across the country, fostering a more sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient journey toward Indigenous water sovereignty.

Solutions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation: Assesses originality, creativity, and the use of innovative technologies or methods. This carries the most weight.
  • Impact and Feasibility: Evaluates the potential effects and practical implementation of the solution.
  • Sustainability: Focuses on environmental impact and long-term viability.
  • Economic Viability: Looks at budget planning and economic potential.
  • Community Engagement: Measures the improvement in residents' quality of life.
  • Presentation: Judged on clarity, thoroughness, professionalism, audience engagement, visual elements, and responses to judges.

For detailed evaluation criteria, refer to the rubric here.

There are no mandatory tools or resources. However, teams are encouraged to utilize resources provided by Canadore College, including mentorship and workshops.

Presentations

Yes, all teams will be required to present their solutions to a panel of judges. The presentation is a key part of the evaluation process and will give teams the opportunity to explain their ideas and demonstrate their impact.

Each team will have exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds to present their solution using the PechaKucha format, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session with the judges. Make sure to clearly communicate your ideas within this structured time frame.

The presentation should be structured as a PechaKucha, with 20 slides automatically advancing every 20 seconds. The slides should cover the problem introduction, an overview of your proposed solution, its feasibility and impact, and a conclusion summarizing key points. Be prepared to answer questions from the judges during the Q&A session.

Timeline and Deadlines

The Canadore Innovation Challenge is scheduled for October 22nd, 2024, during Fall reading week. A detailed agenda for the event will be released soon.

The deadline for registration is September 26th, 2024. Be sure to register early to secure your spot.

Support and Resources

Participants will have access to:

  • Labs and Mentors: Teams will receive support through access to labs and guidance from industry experts serving as mentors.
  • Innovation Zones: Dedicated spaces for each challenge area to foster creativity and collaboration.
  • Materials: Any other necessary materials for developing and implementing solutions. Teams should promptly communicate their needs to the college to ensure they have all the resources required for success.

You can reach out to the challenge organizers via the following email addresses:

Feel free to contact any of them for more information or assistance.

Prizes and Recognition

Participating in the challenge gives students the chance to showcase their skills, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable experience to enhance their resumes. This experience will help prepare you for a successful career in a stronger, more resilient economy.

Each of the four key challenge areas will have one winning team, with each team receiving a $5,000 prize. Additionally, winning teams will receive support after the event to develop full business plan proposals.

All students who participate in the challenge will also receive a $100 stipend.