CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga students place in provincial engineering and technology competition

Students from Conestoga's School of Engineering & Technology and School of Applied Computer Science & IT placed second and third at the 2025 National Engineering and Applied Science Technology (NEAT) Week Ontario Capstone Competition.

Launched in 2024, NEAT Week is a capstone competition for engineering and applied science technology students across Canada, aiming to highlight the achievements of these students and the institutions that support their education.

Second place and a prize of $700 went to Eric Rainford from the Mechanical Engineering - Design and Analysis program for his project, Subaru CVT System. The project analyzes the Subaru Justy's early continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, examining its design and durability to understand failures and inform future improvements.

Third place and a prize of $300 were awarded to Akash Shiji, Jeson Nehru, Christy John, Saran Soni and Simi Yohanna from the Virtualization and Cloud Computing program for their Wildfire Detection System. The group developed a low-cost IoT-based system that uses temperature, humidity, gas, flames and GPS sensors to provide real-time fire alerts via the cloud. The system delivers instant notifications to authorities and the public, enabling faster response and reduced damage.

The team also received the Applied Computer Science & Information Technology Mastercraft Award at Conestoga's Tech Showcase in August. Established in 1980 by former Conestoga president Kenneth E. Hunter, the award recognizes excellence in program-related skills and includes a Coat of Arms and monetary prize.

The NEAT Week competition was established by Technology Professionals Canada (TPC), which includes the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and nine other provincial member organizations representing engineering and applied science technologists.

OACETT, a professional association that certifies and supports engineering and applied science technicians and technologists in the province, runs the Ontario competition in October, selecting three finalists. The provincial winner, chosen through an online vote, advances to compete nationally in November.

Conestoga's School of Engineering & Technology offers a comprehensive suite of programs with a wide range of credentials in areas that include architecture, civil, construction, mechanical and electronics. Programs feature project-based learning, co-op work experience and applied research opportunities to prepare graduates for success in their chosen fields. Conestoga was the first college in Ontario to offer fully accredited engineering degrees.

The School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology offers leading-edge programs with a 21st-century education that prepares graduates for exciting careers in the innovative world of information and communications technology. With a strong connection to local industry, project-based and work-integrated learning enables students to solve real-world problems and engage in new technologies that empower a professional journey in a rapidly growing sector.