Sask. Polytechnic student pitches app to connect drivers with open parking spaces

Mousumi Dhar completed a post-graduate certificate in cloud computing and blockchain at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. (Laura Woodward/CTV News)

Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduate Mousumi Dhar is developing an app, called ParkSmart, that connects drivers to open parking spots in Saskatoon.

“People are circling around and it creates chaos on the road. This project helps with reducing congestion,” Dhar said.

Using cameras and data from parking companies, ParkSmart would show drivers availability in real time.

The app is still in the research phase, but Dhar hopes it can be functional within the year.

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Her idea was one of the projects featured at the Applied Research Student Showcase at Prairieland Park on Monday.

Students from different programs presented ideas aimed at solving real-world problems — including a hypothetical marketing concept that combines pottery painting with a local restaurant to create a new kind of night out.

“We brought them together to create a pottery and pastries night,” student Peyton Lyke told CTV News.

Projects focused on three categories: health and social, sustainability and environment and technology.

Top presenters took home cash prizes of up to $1,000 across the three categories.