Conestoga news

May 20, 2022 10:12 AM

IT Pitch Night connects students to real-world projects

On May 16, students in Conestoga’s School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology gathered at the college’s Waterloo campus to hear technology needs from industry partners. 

IT Pitch Night pulled organizations from the region and beyond to propose projects to teams of students in the Computer Applications Development (CAD) and Mobile Solutions Development (MSD) programs to have challenges addressed through capstones.

Representing a variety of industries, 13 organizations had 10 minutes each to pitch projects that would allow students to apply skills learned throughout their programs to address real-world issues. Technology needs included website development, inventory tracking solutions, cross-platform mobile applications, addressing cybersecurity risks, and e-commerce interfacing. Student teams interested in developing pitch projects into capstones were invited to connect with clients at the end of the night to collect further information to prepare and submit a proposal.

“Tonight, you heard from industry partners passionate about their businesses and projects,” said Randall Kozak, CAD program coordinator. “The fact that they are looking to Conestoga to help address challenges says a lot about the trust they have in our students, the quality of our programs and the strength of our relationship with industry.”

Conestoga relies on partnerships with industry and community leaders to contribute to the quality of programs through Program Advisory Committees, as well as project-based and work-integrated learning opportunities.

Students will showcase capstone projects developed from IT Pitch Night at Demo Day at the Waterloo campus in August.

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.