In a significant stride towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurial acumen among the youth, the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) recently hosted Sri Lanka’s inaugural edition of the University of Queensland’s ‘Designing Solutions for Impact’ challenge. The competition, a testament to the potential of young minds in crafting meaningful technological solutions, unfolded at SLIIT’s Main Auditorium. The event saw Team Aero Ink from Hejaaz International School clinching the coveted first place, showcasing exceptional skills and creativity. Each member of the winning team was rewarded with brand new iPads, emphasizing the commitment to nurturing talent and innovation.
Moreover, Team Unfazed from Trinity College Kandy received the People’s Choice award, a recognition of their outstanding performance. Their website solution, ‘Edu-Link,’ stood out for enabling students to upload profiles highlighting their achievements and talents. In acknowledgment of their innovative approach, the team was awarded three new AirPods Pro. The competition featured a total of 16 teams, each shortlisted for the final round, where they presented their creative solutions addressing real-world challenges. All participants received certificates from the University of Queensland, underscoring the educational and developmental significance of the event.
Reflecting on the successful collaboration, Prof. Samantha Thelijjagoda, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & International, SLIIT, expressed delight at hosting the competition. She emphasized the importance of providing local high school students with a platform to develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. The collaboration with the globally respected University of Queensland aimed at shaping socially conscious leaders of tomorrow. Prof. Thelijjagoda highlighted the immense benefits accrued by SLIIT students, anticipating further advancements in the partnership for national impact through excellence and innovation.
The University of Queensland’s ‘Designing Solutions for Impact’ program serves as an innovative inter-school competition designed to stimulate entrepreneurship among high school students. The comprehensive 5-module program, delivered both online and in person over consecutive weeks, covered essential aspects of entrepreneurial thinking, problem identification, designing impactful solutions, communication and storytelling, mentoring, and pitching. The program aimed at promoting creative business thinking with a focus on social good.
Throughout the sessions, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the different steps involved in creating a new product or service. The shortlisted teams, as the program progressed, had the opportunity to pitch their impactful ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. The final competition held at SLIIT’s Main Auditorium brought together students, educators, and representatives from SLIIT and the University of Queensland, Australia.
The judging panel included Associate Prof. Saiied Aminossadati and Dr. Shaun Chen from the University of Queensland, Dr. Krishantha Wisenthige from SLIIT, and Nadeesha Pragnarathna, Manager, Information and Communication Technology Agency, serving as an external judge. The projects were evaluated based on parameters such as originality, feasibility, and presentation effectiveness.
Associate Prof. Saiied Aminossadati expressed gratitude to SLIIT for hosting the competition, highlighting the unique opportunity to engage with innovative high school students. The collaboration between SLIIT and the University of Queensland was vividly showcased, reflecting a commitment to nurturing and promoting excellence in education and innovation. The success of the competition has prompted plans for expansion and delivery in 2024, signifying a promising future for the collaboration.
Currently ranked 43rd in QS World University Rankings 2024 and 70th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, the University of Queensland maintains its status as a leading global institute. As one of only three Australian members of the Universitas 21 consortium and a founding member of the elite Go8 universities coalition, UQ leverages the strength of multiple prestigious university alliances, driving excellence in education.
Importantly, the partnership between SLIIT and UQ ensures exciting career pathways for SLIIT students graduating with University of Queensland degrees. Students have the opportunity to enroll in the world-renowned UQ Engineering and Business degrees, and after one to two years at SLIIT, they can choose the transfer pathway to continue their education in Australia, graduating from the prestigious University of Queensland. The collaboration underscores the commitment to providing a world-class education and preparing students for successful futures in the global landscape.
