2023 BOOST: Ideation Camp, hosted by UNB, aims to develop sustainable solutions to climate change
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Feb 28, 2023
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
From March 16 to 20, the 2023 BOOST: Ideation Camp organized by the City of Fredericton in partnership with the University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) J Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship (JHSC) and faculty of computer science, the New Brunswick Community College and Ignite, will develop sustainable solutions to climate change.
This innovative competition gives participants the opportunity to create ‘made-in-Fredericton’ design solutions that will help the surrounding community track and reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and involves two challenges.
First, participants collect data to accurately measure the impact of their solution’s efforts and demonstrate progress in a transparent manner. Then, they explore technology that may motivate residents to question their mobility choices and shift from personal vehicles to alternative, low-carbon modes of transportation.
"We are excited to partner up with the City of Fredericton to host the BOOST: Ideation Camp,” said Dr. Dhirendra Shukla, chair of JHSC. “The Ideation Camp is a great opportunity for students from all backgrounds to be involved in creating innovative solutions that will help the community. This year's challenge is reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and we are looking forward to hearing their solutions and to continue supporting their ideas moving forward."
The camp begins with a kick-off at Planet Hatch on Thursday, March 16, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. A Q&A takes place on Friday, March 17, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at UNB’s Harriet Irving Library (HIL) Commons. The competition ends with a pitch session at the Kinesiology Building’s auditorium on Monday, March 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. Teams can meet at the HIL Commons all weekend.
The winning team receives the following prizes:
- Ten City of Fredericton Transit rider card passes each
- Ignite Fredericton business counselling services (five hours) with a startup specialist and a $500 Planet Hatch facility credit
- Names engraved on the annual trophy
- More prizes to be announced
Ignite has also donated five 2023 InnovateNB tickets for a draw open to all participants.
All UNB students, researchers, faculty and staff interested in the topic can enter the competition. The deadline to apply is March 3, 2023.