The Westmont Prize 2023

Apr 13, 2023 | High School, Learning News, Westmont Prize

Guest Speakers 2023

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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.

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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.

Westmont Prize 2021 1st place
Inspire UVic
Inspire UVic

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

Dr. Jamie Cassels

Professor, Former President of the University of Victoria

Need more inspiration? 

Watch the highlights of last year’s Westmont Prize event

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Read about the First Annual Westmont Prize

Watch the first winning project video

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Read about the Second Annual Westmont Prize 

Watch the second winning project video

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!