Innovative Solutions – Trinitians in IT  

Chaniru Senhas, Rehan Anandakumar and Nahidh Naseem report. 

We are thrilled to share our experience as participants in the “Creating Solutions for Impact,” a competition co-organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and the University of Queensland, Australia (UQ). 

The 2023 edition unfolded over four weeks, starting on the 5th of October, featuring a series of workshops and concluding with the Grand Finale on the 2nd of November at the SLIIT Campus in Malabe. Our journey was graced by the presence of various professors from the Engineering and IT faculties of the University of Queensland, along with some from SLIIT, who served as the judges of this competition. 

The kick-off was marked by an insightful masterclass on “How to sell an idea to an investor,” presented by a UQ professor. Following this, armed with newfound knowledge and individualized assistance, we dove into the competition. 

From the get-go, we were tasked with identifying an environmental problem and crafting a sustainable solution with a positive impact on the planet. Guided by weekly workshops, facilitated by seasoned professionals, we navigated each step of the programme, gathering knowledge that we believe extends far beyond the competitive context. The culmination of our efforts took place at the Grand Finale, where we pitched our idea to the judging panel as if we were seeking investment. 

We picked a common student problem: Teachers struggle to find students with the right skills for school club activities.  

Our solution? A website application called “Edu-Link” where students make profiles showcasing their achievements and talents. Teachers can easily find suitable students to give them the right opportunities to engage in school activities.  

At the Grand Finale, we – Nahidh, Chaniru, and Rehan – won the “People’s Choice Award.” People voted for us, and besides certificates, we got a pair of Apple Airpods Pro. It added a GenZ touch to our well-deserved victory. We are looking forward to what comes next. 

Cheers to teamwork and making positive changes in the world through education and technology!