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In this episode we talk with Nermin Zukic, the Chair of Business from Keyano College, Said el Mejdani, Computer Science teacher from Westwood Community High School, and Sarptashi Bhattacherya, one of the student pitch winners from Inventures 2019.

We discuss how Nermin, through Keyano College, worked with Said from Westwood Community High School to get, at the time, grade 10 student, Sarptashi Bhattacherya and two of his fellow classmates to Inventures 2019 to pitch their innovations before seasoned judges. In the end, Sarptashi was one of the three winners along with two others from Edmonton.

Even though the story revolves primarily around Sarptashi, it goes beyond just him. There's something special going on up in Fort McMurray. Teachers from post-secondary and secondary schools are working together with passion and with students to deliver exceptional results in terms of innovation and achievement. 

Bios

Saptarshi Bhattacherya is a grade 11 student at Westwood Community High School in Fort McMurray. He loves to learn and is fascinated by the ability of computer science to unite people to solve the problems humanity faces today, and strives to share this fascination with others in his community. 

Said el Mejdani Is the computer science instructor at Westwood High School. He has a passion for disruptive technology and innovation. He embraces students either interested or uninterested in academics and provides an avenue for them to experience success. He knows every student can thrive when they drive their own learning, so he coaches students to think critically to reach their goals. 

Nermin Zukić is the Chair of Business at Keyano College in Fort McMurray. He has a diverse business background with professional roles in international economic development, private equity, business process consulting, as well as postsecondary education. Nermin believes in aligning local economic development and post secondary education. 

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.