Calgary's technology sector is thriving. Calgary Economic Development reports that the city has seen a 55% increase in private technology companies in the past four years. Not only are we seeing an increase in the number of companies starting up, but also, many small to medium-sized companies are experiencing growth episodes. The growth of the size and scope of our technology sector demands technical talent who are prepared for employment in the new economy.
These innovative companies need more than technical skill sets; they need high-impact talent who are equipped with the entrepreneurial mindset and curiosity necessary to take their organizations to the next level.
Stories of Success
After learning that a robot was up for grabs, Computer Information System students Carille Mendoza and Michaela Day put their heads together to determine what idea they could come up with that would put their name on the grand prize during the 2014 Showcase Showdown. Little did Carille and Michaela know that the idea they would come up with during their bus ride home would not only land them that robot, but would take them on a whirlwind adventure over the next two years.
The duo went on to validate their idea inside Mount Royal University's LaunchPad Accelerator course, a self-directed opportunity for students to roll up their sleeves and apply the Lean Startup method to their venture inside a non-traditional classroom. Carille and Michaela then faced one of their greatest fears, public speaking, while they pitched their venture, Little Blue Cloud, in front a panel of experienced judges and a supportive audience. Needless to say, they blew the audience away. Their hard work, vision, genuine personalities, and of course, their tech background, landed them $7,500 in cash and services to continue to build their web-based venture. Both Carille and Michaela have landed sweet developer roles with ATB Financial and Carille gets to work on Little Blue Cloud as part of an Innovation Project within her role.
On November 9 2015, five Computer Information Systems Students presented their ventures during the second annual Showcase Showdown to a panel of judges and an excited 30 person audience for a chance to win a raspberry-pi. Jacob Wessa took First Place for his game, Steelbacks. The judges were impressed by Jacob's vision for a multi-player game, where each person on the team played a different role inside of a military tank. During the Showcase Showdown, Jacob guided the judges and the audience through each players role and his exciting vision for future possibilities.
Looking to get involved?
Explore the current opportunities open to you. Whether you love solving problems or you've been working on a project of your own, there is something for you!