Last Thursday, 250 Australian National University (ANU) students presented their software and hardware projects to industry professionals, technology experts and entrepreneurs at the TechLauncher Showcase.
The showcase event is part of the ANU TechLauncher initiative, a program that provides students with the chance to develop technology to address complex problems in a variety of disciplines and industries. Students can also use the program as a launchpad to create their own start-up enterprises.
One team presented their final prototype for sit-ski Paralympian hopeful Sam Tait. By pushing the boundaries and creating a tailored lower leg enclosure with advanced materials, the students applied their technical knowledge to give Sam a competitive edge heading into the Winter Olympic trials.
“This campaign explores both of my passions and completing this project will not only open the door to Sam’s dream, but the potential to help research and develop more modular designs in the future”, explains team member Nathan Periria.
Associate Professor Shayne Flint, a program convenor of the TechLauncher initiative, was pleased at the diverse range of student projects presented this year.
“Earlier this year we expanded TechLauncher to include engineering students. This means that our students and industry partners can now work on a more diverse and exciting range of projects that can make a real difference like sit-ski,” said Shayne.
The next TechLauncher round will commence in February 2018, providing a great opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and engage with industry to develop innovative products for the future.
Interested in getting involved? Find out more here.