Emphasizing a commitment to nurture innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among youth, SLIIT, hosted Sri Lanka’s first-ever University of Queensland’s ‘Designing Solutions for Impact’ challenge recently, showcasing the potential of young minds to create meaningful solutions using technology.

Team Aero Ink from Hejaaz International School secured the first place, demonstrating exceptional skills and creativity and each member received brand new iPads as gifts. Team Unfazed from Trinity College Kandy received the People’s Choice award for their outstanding performance, impressing the judges for their website solution ‘Edu-Link’ enabling students to upload profiles showcasing their achievements and talents. The team received three new AirPods Pro.
A total of 16 teams were shortlisted for the final and pitched their creative solutions for real-world problems. All participants received certificates from the University of Queensland.

Prof. Samantha Thelijjagoda, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & International, SLIIT stated, “We are delighted that SLIIT hosted this innovative competition by UQ providing local high school students a platform to develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. By collaborating with a globally respected institute, we can develop well-rounded, socially conscious leaders of tomorrow. Our students gained immensely, and we look forward to advancing the partnership delivering national impact through excellence and innovation.”

The University of Queensland’s ‘Designing Solutions for Impact’ program is an innovative inter-school competition that aims to encourage entrepreneurship amongst high school students. The groundbreaking initiative provided a platform for young minds to explore and develop entrepreneurial skills and learn how to harness the power of technology to address real-life problems.

The 5-module program delivered online and in person over consecutive weeks, covered entrepreneurial thinking, problem identification, designing impactful solutions, communicating and storytelling, mentoring, and pitching, promoting creative business thinking targeting social good.

The sessions provided participants, a comprehensive understanding of the different steps involved in creating a new product or service. As the program progressed, shortlisted teams pitched their impactful ideas to judges having gained experience in presenting, creative problem solving and critical thinking.

The final competition, was held at SLIIT’s Main Auditorium, bringing together students, educators, and representatives from SLIIT as well as the University of Queensland, Australia including Associated Prof. Saiied Aminossadati, Senior Lecturer, Deputy Associate Dean, Student Experience, Faculty of Engineering Architecture & Information Technology, Dr. Shaun Chen, Associate Lecturer, International Engagement Academic. Faculty of Engineering Architecture & Information Technology and Janardan Kewin, Regional Manager, South Asia, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law.

The projects were evaluated by a distinguished judging panel including Associated Prof. Saiied Aminossadati and Dr. Shaun Chen from the University of Queensland, Dr. Krishantha Wisenthige, Senior Lecturer, Higher Grade, Faculty of Business, SLIIT and Nadeesha Pragnarathna, Manager, Information and Communication Technology Agency, who served as an external judge. The finalists were judged on parameters such as originality, feasibility and presentation effectiveness.

Associated Prof. Saiied Aminossadati said, “I would like to express my gratitude to the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) for graciously hosting our recent visit. The experience provided a unique opportunity to explore the impressive SLIIT campus, including its faculties. During our visit, we had the privilege of engaging with innovative high school students who participated in a captivating competition showcasing their innovative approaches to tackling real-world challenges. The collaboration between SLIIT and The University of Queensland (UQ) was vividly showcased in a vibrant setting adorned in UQ’s signature purple. This accomplishment reflects the commitment of SLIIT and UQ to nurturing and promoting excellence in education and innovation. We look forward to further collaboration and success in the future, with the success of the high school competition notably prompting plans for expansion and delivery in 2024.”

Currently, the University of Queensland is placed 43rd in QS World University Rankings 2024 and 70th on Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, cementing its reputation as a leading global institute. Further, as one of only 3 Australian members of Universitas 21 consortium, a founding member of elite Go8 universities coalition and part of Universities Australia network, UQ leverages the strength of multiple prestigious university alliances driving excellence.

Importantly, SLIIT students graduating with University of Queensland degrees are assured of exciting careers pathways. The SLIIT and UQ partnership ensures local students have the opportunity to enrol in the world-renowned University of Queensland (UQ) Engineering and Business degrees. Based on the degree programme selected, students can after one to two years at SLIIT, choose the transfer pathway and continue their education in Australia, graduating from the prestigious University of Queensland.