Root & STEM 13 – A key concept behind the creation of Pinnguaq (now Ampere) was the idea that if we engage people in the things they love, we can find pathways to opportunity through a methodology of play.
It’s like hiding vegetables in your children’s food: getting people engaged with a wrapper that excites them can break down barriers to access and help people realise that this whole “zucchini” thing (or, in our tortured metaphor, STEAM education) isn’t as challenging as expected! In fact, it’s fun.
With this in mind, we are delighted to partner with a student-led team at the University of Waterloo for FormulaTech Hacks, a hackathon running September 25th at the school in the E7 Design Bay. This is Waterloo’s first Formula 1-themed hackathon, with software, hardware, and CAD tracks that aim to deliver technical experiences and drive innovation.
When asked to partner on this event, we saw an approach that reflected our own. By using a Formula 1 framework, we’re confident this event will engage learners and minds that might otherwise have opted out. It’s reminiscent of the incredible work Stem Racing does in Parry Sound and it also connects nicely well into an upcoming issue of Root & STEM that explores automotive subjects with a special focus on electric vehicles.
The intensity and high-performance requirements of Formula 1 have driven innovation throughout its rich history. Everything from disc braking systems to EV regenerative braking. F1’s efficiency demands and technological pushes have also driven innovation in the medical space, including monitoring systems and aerospace. That same high-performance pressure will be in place in Waterloo, and like any good hackathon, it should spark ideas with applications across industries.
These community-led initiatives are the backbone of Ampere’s programming decisions, and we welcome innovators looking to partner with our 140+ team of experts across Canada to bring their passions and ideas to life. We are excited to see what new innovations come out of this Hackathon and are delighted to be partnered in its success.
