What the Fall 2025 Demo Day Revealed
The University of Windsor’s School of Computer Science hosted its 13th annual Demo Day on the downtown campus, drawing a packed audience of industry partners, faculty, and students. The event served as a live laboratory where the next generation of technologists demonstrated projects that span health, agriculture, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems. The showcase underscored the university’s commitment to bridging academic research with real‑world applications.
Student‑Led Projects That Captured Attention
Students from both the Master of Applied Computing (MAC) and undergraduate programs presented a diverse portfolio of solutions. Key themes included:
- Health Diagnostics: Early cancer detection algorithms that leverage machine learning to flag abnormal tissue patterns.
- Sports Analytics: Wearable‑sensor platforms designed to monitor Windsor Lancer athlete performance and reduce injury risk.
- Cybersecurity: Innovative password‑protection mechanisms that combine biometric verification with adaptive encryption.
- Autonomous Navigation: A toy truck equipped with a live camera and a natural path‑finding algorithm, dubbed DriveCore, that can navigate obstacles without pre‑loaded datasets.
These projects illustrate the breadth of expertise cultivated at the university and the practical impact students aim to deliver.
DriveCore: A New Approach to Self‑Driving Technology
Second‑year undergraduates Gregory Eloi and Abir Hirani presented DriveCore as the Most Innovative Demo winner. Unlike conventional autonomous vehicles that rely on extensive training data, DriveCore uses a real‑time decision engine that selects the safest path based on live sensor input. Eloi explained that the system could be deployed in unpredictable environments—such as a desert or a disaster zone—where pre‑mapped routes are unavailable.
The project’s design emphasizes user intuition, with controls that feel “like a videogame.” This user‑centric approach could broaden the adoption of autonomous technology in both civilian and military contexts.
AppleVerse 2.0: Streamlining Agricultural Data Management
Team members Namratha Muraleedharan, Sana Sehgal, Saima Khatoon, and Jayanth Sapavath secured the Audience Choice Award with AppleVerse 2.0. The platform addresses a real need for Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada: a searchable, duplicate‑flagging database of apple varieties. By automating data ingestion and validation, the tool reduces manual effort and improves data integrity for researchers and growers alike.
Muraleedharan noted that the project’s success stemmed from close collaboration with industry stakeholders, ensuring that the solution met practical requirements from day one.
Other Award‑Winning Innovations
- Best Overall Demo Day Presentation: PapDocAuthX – a document authentication system that uses blockchain to verify academic credentials.
- Best Poster Presentation: Numerical Fact Checking: Beyond the Scores – a tool that cross‑references statistical claims with reputable data sources.
Industry Engagement and Networking Opportunities
Dr. Shafaq Khan, a professor in the School of Computer Science, highlighted the event’s role as a networking hub. With 23 industry members in attendance, students had the chance to receive feedback, explore potential collaborations, and discuss career pathways. The presence of industry professionals also reinforced the relevance of the projects to current market demands.
For students, the Demo Day is more than a showcase; it is a platform to demonstrate problem‑solving skills, receive mentorship, and gain visibility among potential employers.
How Prospective Students Can Get Involved
Students interested in contributing to future Demo Days can start by enrolling in the Master of Applied Computing or relevant undergraduate programs. The curriculum emphasizes hands‑on projects, industry partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Prospective applicants should:
- Review the program offerings to find a fit with their interests.
- Attend open house events or virtual tours to experience campus life.
- Connect with faculty members whose research aligns with their career goals.
For those already enrolled, consider joining a project team or forming a new group to tackle a problem that resonates with industry needs.
Take the Next Step Toward a Career in Tech Innovation
The University of Windsor’s Demo Day demonstrates that the university is a fertile ground for emerging technologies. Whether you are a student, a professional seeking to upskill, or an industry partner looking for fresh talent, the event offers a glimpse into the future of tech in Canada.
Ready to explore opportunities at the University of Windsor? Submit your application today and join a community that turns ideas into impact.
Stay Connected and Learn More
For additional insights into the projects showcased at Demo Day, visit the university’s news archive or follow the School of Computer Science on social media. If you have questions about the programs or want to discuss potential collaborations, write to us and we’ll be happy to help.
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, and explore related articles to deepen your understanding of tech innovation at the University of Windsor.
