The Westmont Prize 2023
Guest Speakers 2023
Guest Speaker #1
Aki Kaltenbach
Aki Kaltenbach is the founder and CEO of Save Da Sea, a plant-based seafood company based in Victoria BC, making delicious products from whole foods that are better for you and our planet. Save Da Sea is available in 500 retailers across Canada including Whole Foods, Save-On-Foods and Sobeys. Aki was the recipient of the BC Food & Beverage Rising Star Award in 2021, included in Western Living’s Foodies of the Year in 2022 and most recently Save Da Sea faced the fire on this season of Dragons’ Den.
Guest Speaker #2
Barry Wylant
Barry Wylant is an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture Planning and Landscape, specializing in design thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and design education. With extensive experience teaching and researching design, he also contributes to professional design projects, receiving awards and recognition for his work in fields like digital imaging devices and sports equipment. In addition to his academic role, he is involved in university and community service, and he holds leadership positions in industry organizations such as the Industrial Designers Society of America’s Alberta Chapter. His diverse background and contributions make him a valuable figure in the field of design thinking and environmental design.
Guest Speaker #3
Peter Scott
Peter Scott is a futurist, coach, and technology expert helping people master technological disruption. After receiving a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Cambridge University, he moved to California to work for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and has continued to do that ever since. Peter raises awareness about artificial intelligence. His third TEDx talk, on why AI might need to have empathy, was released in July 2023. He has a 2022 book and a weekly podcast, both titled, “Artificial Intelligence and You.”
Judges 2023
Dr. Andrew Weaver
Amelia Warren
Dr. David Moehring
Dr. Claudia Smith
Dr. Naveed Sherwani
2023 Theme: Great Solutions to Great Problems
- The registration is open until the end of Day October 23, 2023.
- Spots are LIMITED. A wait list will be taken after the registration reaches its maximum.
- Teams of 4 sign up online: $120 CAD entry fee (or $30 CAD per each team member), multi-age teams encouraged, pre-work required
- Money prizes to winning teams (provided by long term, legacy motivated donor), to be shared by the winning team:
- I place $10,000 CAD scholarship to university/school of choice
- II place $5,000 CAD scholarship to university/school of choice
- III place $2,500 CAD scholarship to university/school of choice
- Up to three projects will be invited to pitch their design idea to the INSPIRE: STEM for Social Impact program at UVIC in mid 2024, and to partner with an INSPIRE Apprentice Garage Team to develop a Minimum Viable Product in collaboration with the community of interest.
- Youth Award – During the Award Gala Ceremony, the audience will decide which team will get the Youth Choice Award!
This year we decided not to limit your imagination and let YOU and your TEAM to choose a problem you would like to find a creative solution for.
Things to keep in mind (aspects of your competing project):
- Why did you chose this problem?
- How did you come up with the solution (design process)?
- What obstacles did you meet on your way and how did you overcome them as a team?
Our team, in collaboration with industry experts, will provide guidance on every aspect of your project requirements, ensuring clarity on every detail.
Timeline
- October 31, November 2 and 3, 2023 – Workshops with our guest experts, online.
- November 6, 2023 – All-day workshop in person, Olympic View Golf Club (online option available for teams out of province)
- November 17, 2023 – Projects deadline for submission
- December 1, 2023 – Awards Gala Event, Human and Social Development Building A240 at UVic. Winners will be announced! During this Ceremony, the audience will decide which team will get the Youth Choice Award!
“Education is the key to unlocking the doors of opportunity and building a brighter future for our youth”
FAQ
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Our Sponsors
For sponsorship opportunities, please refer to our Sponsors’ Package or reach out to our team directly at prize@westmontschool.ca
Your financial contribution is going towards the students’ scholarships to the university of their choice and eligible for a tax receipt!