Sask. students hitting national stage with three innovative projects

Students representing Enactus University of Saskatchewan (U of S) have a chance to showcase their ideas to business leaders on a national level at the 2024-2025 Enactus Canada National Exposition, held in Calgary from May 6 to May 8. (Photo: Submitted)

Fourteen students from the University of Saskatchewan are gearing up to showcase their passion projects in a national competition later this year.

The team, representing Enactus University of Saskatchewan (U of S), has earned attention for three social enterprise projects: Re-Colour, a sustainability initiative that diverts crayons from landfills and provides art supplies to children, Build-a-Business, an entrepreneurship program that teaches business skills to people with intellectual disabilities and Giving-FWRd — a food waste reduction program.

Now, the students have a chance to showcase their ideas to business leaders on a national level at the 2024-2025 Enactus Canada National Exposition, held in Calgary from May 6 to May 8.

They’ll present the three innovative projects in two competitive showcases at the event — the Desjardins Youth Empowerment Impact Challenge and the Enactus Nationals Competition.

Mohammad Taimur Iqbal is the head coach for the Enactus University of Saskatchewan team. He recalls what first drew him to the project.

“It was a club obsessed with shredding crayons in the name of saving the planet,” he said.

That quirky passion project sparked his interest, and he soon became more involved, eventually taking on the role of head coach.

Now in his second year, Iqbal is tasked with coaching eight presenters as they compete in the competition.

“My goal is to help them refine their skills, boost their confidence, and ultimately become champions,” Iqbal said.

He says one of his proudest moments came when he coached Jaira Dee and another team member, presenters with no prior experience, to victory as Enactus Canada West Regional Champions.

“I had never competed on such a large scale,” Dee said. “You can imagine my surprise when I was accepted! From that moment on, I was committed to giving my best.”

Dee and her team will now represent Enactus U of S in the Youth Empowerment Impact Challenge final round at nationals.

“Our team practiced for at least four hours a week, and looking back, every moment was worth it. Late-night rehearsals and countless hours of memorization were nothing compared to the friendships I built along the way,” she said.

As the team gears up for nationals, Iqbal will be coaching Jaira and her team weekly. Despite the high-pressure competition, he’s staying focused on fostering teamwork, relieving stress, and ensuring everyone enjoys the journey.

“No matter where we place, we’ll give it our all and have fun along the way.”

As regional champions, Enactus U of S is hoping to place high in both competitions. If they succeed in the Enactus Nationals Competition, they will earn the title of Team Canada and represent the country in the Enactus World Cup in Thailand later this year.

To prepare for the national competition, the team says they’re holding weekly practice sessions, creating presentation videos, and fine-tuning their pitches.

They’re also gearing up for a fundraising campaign to support the trip.