St. Clair College marketing students Ava Sims and Samuel Smusiak pitched their 'Reignite the Rink' project on Friday, May 1, 2026, during the Ford Innovation Showcase event at the main campus in Windsor. The event, reminiscent of the television show Shark Tank, brought together college students and a room full of Windsor-Essex industry leaders.
Student Projects Presented to Industry Judges
Dozens of students from 12 different academic programs were selected to present their projects to a panel of industry judges at the Ford Innovation Showcase. For many participants, the event served as a platform to showcase concepts they had developed over the past year and to connect with potential employers.
St. Clair College described the showcase as a standout annual event where top students unveil innovative, real-world solutions to pressing challenges. It offers a chance to experience fresh talent and forward-thinking ideas spanning a variety of academic fields.
Cash Prizes and Employment Opportunities
The top teams walked away from the showcase with cash prizes. Additionally, the event provided employers with an opportunity to scout emerging talent and identify students ready to enter the workforce. According to the college, the showcase offers a front-row seat to the future for those passionate about fostering innovation or scouting future talent.
The day began with a keynote speech by local steel magnate Barry Zekelman, executive chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries. The showcase was held at the Student Life Centre on St. Clair College's main Windsor campus.
Students like Simarpreet Singh presented robotics projects, demonstrating the breadth of innovation on display. The event highlighted the collaborative spirit between academia and industry in the Windsor-Essex region.
