From Classroom to Real-Life Innovation: Sunny Parmar’s HealthTech Challenge Journey
Sunny Parmar is one of the many innovative and transformative student members of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
A second-year Computer Information Systems (CIS) student at Mount Royal University, Sunny Parmar learned about the HealthTech Challenge program through an unexpected recruitment from Taylor Amy, the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Program Coordinator and fellow CIS senior.
Despite Parmar’s initial uncertainty – with scheduling and a lack of familiarity with the Institute – he took a leap of faith and joined, eager to learn. Parmar joined while balancing both his studies and job. He shared that he was grateful for the stipend when he completed the HealthTech Challenge, as it eased his workload, aiding him as a working student.
In just 16 weeks, the HealthTech Challenge program provides students like Sunny Parmar a $1000 stipend upon finishing the program. The HealthTech Challenge program aims for students to create innovative solutions using tech to solve health problems.
Transforming Challenges into Solutions
In the span of 13 weeks, Sunny Parmar and his team, ‘Team Mobility,’ formed by Nancy Tran, a nursing student and SAMRU Governor, Marusia Luciuk from computer science/computer information systems, Talis Aurini, a graduate in physical literacy, Georgia Hargreaves-Kessler, a graduate in public relations, and supported by student mentor Taylor Amy. Together, they created the Adaptive Brush—a robotic arm designed to assist individuals. Compatible with various makeup brands and brushes, Team Mobility's Adaptive Brush aims to offer stability while applying makeup, specifically for people experiencing hand tremors.
Looking back at his experience, Parmar’s advice for other students interested in joining the HealthTech Challenge program is simple: find something you are passionate about and “make sure you are doing something that you think is cool.”
Parmar shared that being part of the HealthTech Challenge was a big learning opportunity, “My goal for the HealthTech Challenge was to build something... and I was able to do that.” Parmar went on to double down on building. In September 2023, he became President of the Computing Alliance of MRU and hosted the first annual MRU Hacks, which included over 85 participants and 14 submitted projects completed in 24 hours. He is also participating in Tech LiftOff, a new program focused on building products people use.
Parmar advocates for students to immerse themselves in various learning opportunities. He says, "Give yourself experience working with teams and different people—it's a skill you won't just get in the classroom."
Thank You
The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship would like to take a moment to thank Alberta Innovates for their support. Because of them, the Institute can provide life-changing opportunities to students aspiring to improve the world. Thank you, Alberta Innovates, for your support and belief in the Institute’s mission!
Join the ecosystem!
Join us in the HealthTech Challenge and connect with a network of seasoned professionals, mentors, and coaches eager to help you innovate! To learn more about the HealthTech Challenge, check out our website.