ABBOTSFORD – Solve It!  is an applied research contest hosted by the UFV Alumni Association. This initiative is focused on giving UFV students and recent grads tangible experience as they solve small, but real life, challenges that exist in the Fraser Valley.

Modeled after a project run by the Capital Regional District, this project has a proven track record of providing students and local organizations or governments in the region with a win-win-win situation. Undergraduate students and alumni have the opportunity to apply their fresh perspective, relevant skills and knowledge to real world challenges faced by municipalities, businesses and non-profits in the region, while gaining valuable work experience. The result is further innovation and sustainable community development in the Fraser Valley. Local organizations, students and alumni, and the region win!

Project Sponsorship – What’s involved?

We are seeking out action-based challenges with a sustainability focus that can be solved by a team of undergraduate students and alumni from different academic backgrounds over a 2 month period. Challenges can be submitted by municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, institutions and businesses operating in the Fraser Valley.  Challenge submissions are due August 15th.

Previous Challenge Descriptions:

• How often are the on-street bike racks used in downtown Victoria? Help us determine the utilization rates, and spatially map the locations using GIS.
• Analyze and compare Mission’s “Play Pass” program for low-income families to similar programs in other municipalities.
• Help us reduce the energy we use and emissions we create in our office and through our operations.
• Introduce low cost spirulina micro farms on the roof of the Old Spaghetti Factory.
• Create a Zero Waste Event Planning guide for the Township of Esquimalt with guidance for corporate events and events hosted on municipal property.

Project Idea Prompts: 

• Create an assessment tool that –
• Conduct an analysis of –
• Design a program to address –
• Create a campaign for – (marketing, fundraising, education, outreach)
• Create a media interface of app that assists our customers –
• Research and report best practices for –

For more information or to sign up your challenge, please click here or e-mail solveit@ufv.ca 

Solve It Challenge Submission Form