Students Inspiring Change
Hill and Levene Schools of Business Innovation Challenge
The Foundation sends a special thanks to the Hill and Levene Schools of Business at the University of Regina for hosting our “wicked problem” focusing on safe and affordable housing, food insecurity, access to mental health services, and the aging infrastructure challenges of our community as identified in the ‘Growing Futures: Vital Signs Report 2023.’
On September 22 and 23, 2023, six teams of diverse interdisciplinary University of Regina students stayed up for 24 hours creating innovative solutions to address the real-world challenges in our community today. The teams presented a wide variety of inspiring ideas around food sharing, food preservation, efficient mental health services, wholistic housing solutions, and more.
We hope these ideas inspire community members to work towards and advocate for solutions to these interconnected “wicked problems” in our community.
Featured Innovation Challenge Ideas
Members: Chidinma Favour Batyah Anosike, Neil Tauro, Parker Dedman, Sanket Panchal, and Jay Patal
Our Sitka
A community hub to reduce homelessness and connect people to the services they need.
- The idea is to provide a centralized network of care for high risk populations by bringing NGOs within walking distance inside communities. Our Sitka would function as a community centre, providing information and consultation services for people wanting to learn about and access existing NGOs, incorporating both in-person ambassadors and transportation to and from facilities. They would also provide emergency housing and a collaborative centre that would offer basic childcare and training for those in the community who want to grow their skill sets. The ultimate goal of Our Sitka is to create a reliable communication, delegation, and delivery network for NGOs and community members that is both accessible and personal. This helps build stronger communities by giving people the care, the skills, and the encouragement needed to become independent of our services.
Members: Sharmin Jahan Mim, Veronica Exner, Chukwuebuka Igbo, Rudra Patel, and one other
Mind Ride
A mobile mental health therapy van.
- A mobile mental health therapy van designed to provide on-the-go mental health services and support to individuals in need within the community. It serves as a flexible and innovative solution to address mental health challenges, especially in areas where access to traditional mental health resources may be limited or where outreach is needed.
Members: All Anonymous
Preserve UR Food
A food preservation and education service.
- •An initiative that aims to promote sustainable and responsible practices related to food preservation, storage, and consumption. This multifaceted service is designed to address several critical aspects of food sustainability, health, and environmental responsibility.
Members: Noah Ziolkowski, Benita Bosco-Abiahu, Deborah Afolabi Eyitayo, and two others
Quick ’n’ Easy
A low-cost healthy meal service that would deliver nutritious meals to low-income homes based on a selection of options via an app.
- This initiative aims to provide an affordable and convenient solution for individuals and families with limited resources to access wholesome and balanced meals. In an effort to address the challenges of food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits, this service offers a cost-effective way to enjoy nutritious meals.
Members: Jose Chacon, Samuel Ayo, Happiness Okeke, Evan Dean, Erika Pamisaran, Kojo Agbotri
The Hope Initiative
A mobile app that would create community support and educational services for those with Opioid addictions.
- A mobile app providing crucial and timely support and education for those battling opioid addiction. It fosters a judgment-free community and offers essential resources, guiding users on their path to recovery.
Members: Dami Oladipo, Clinton Obiakor, Harsh Patel, Satyam Singh, and one other
SharePlate
A mobile app to connect communities in need with individuals who have an excess amount of food they are willing to share.
- The app’s primary mission is twofold: to combat food insecurity and to promote a culture of sharing within communities. It offers a simple, user-friendly platform that enables users to post surplus food items, whether it’s fresh produce from their garden, packaged goods, or even prepared meals they can spare.
