Master of Computing students Dawar Waqar (left), Saira Rubab (second from right), and Harjot Singh (right) join officers on the arctic patrol vessel HMCS Harry DeWolf as a reward for their victory in a coding competition.
After wowing the judges at a recent hackathon, a winning team of computer science students got to set sail aboard a Royal Canadian Navy vessel.
The Royal Canadian Navy Hackathon 2024 invited five teams to join their Windsor problem-solving and design competition, which challenged students in STEM fields — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — to come up with innovative solutions to real-world tests faced at sea.
Three Master of Computing students — Dawar Waqar, Saira Rubab, and Harjot Singh — won the competition.
“Participating in the Royal Canadian Navy hackathon was an exhilarating and competitive experience,” says team member Rubab.
“Being surrounded by cutting-edge technology and seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the navy was incredibly inspiring.”
Their team was tasked with developing a solution to address breaches on naval ships.
“We prioritized creating the fastest and most reliable approach, putting ourselves in the shoes of navy personnel to understand their potential challenges,” says Rubab.
“This perspective enabled us to deliver a practical and innovative solution. We were thrilled to know we secured a significant 15-point lead over the runner-up team, with a score of 99.3 out of 100.”
After the hackathon, the team toured a naval vessel. As event winners, the three graduate students later embarked on a full day of exercises on Lake Erie, all hosted by the navy.
“Engaging with the crew and exploring the ship’s technology up close was an incredible experience,” says Rubab.
“We had the opportunity to visit various areas, from the engine bays to the ship’s safety systems, and even participated in some of the exercises. One of the highlights was riding on a high-speed, high-maneuverability raft — it was an adrenaline-pumping thrill!”
Rubab says overall the experience was both enjoyable and enriching.
“It reinforced the concept that, even when competing against individuals with more experience, thinking creatively and considering stakeholders’ perspectives can provide a significant competitive advantage. We are grateful for this opportunity and eagerly anticipate the future of collaboration between technology and the navy.”