Conestoga news

January 23, 2020 4:14 PM

IT Pitch Night connects students to industry projects

On January 16, close to 30 businesses pitched technology needs to students in Conestoga’s School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology with the hope of having their challenges addressed through capstone projects.  

Conestoga College_IT Pitch Night 2020.jpg
Close to 30 businesses pitched technology needs to students in Conestoga’s School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology with the hope of having their challenges addressed through capstone projects.

Hosted at the college’s Waterloo campus, IT Pitch Night pulled companies from the region and beyond to propose projects to teams of students from the Computer Application Security, Computer Programming, Computer Programming & Analysis, IT Innovation & Design and Mobile Solutions Development programs.

Representing a variety of industries, companies had seven minutes to pitch projects that would allow students to apply the skills learned throughout their programs to address real-world issues. Technology needs included e-commerce interfacing, immersive virtual reality, business-to-business website design and an internal time management system. Teams interested in developing specific projects for their capstones were invited to connect with company representatives at the end of the night to collect further information to prepare and submit a bid.   

The event also offered an opportunity for students across college schools of study to collaborate. Students in Conestoga’s Graphic Design program pitched design thesis projects in hopes of finding technical support to bring their designs to life.

“We really value the relationship we have with industry,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits to those gathered for the event. The college relies on partnerships with industry and community leaders drawn from top businesses and organizations to contribute to the quality of Conestoga programs through Program Advisory Committees, as well as project-based and work-integrated learning opportunities.

“These particular projects provide students with a living lab,” Tibbits continued. “I thank you for not only working with us to try to strengthen your company, but also strengthen our students’ education and our communities.”

Students will showcase capstone projects developed from IT Pitch Night at Demo Day at the Waterloo campus on April 22.

Conestoga’s School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology offers leading-edge programs that prepare graduates for an exciting career in the innovative world of information and communications technology. Programs feature experiential and hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong connection to local industry provides project-based learning focused on real-world problems and new technologies.