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May 8, 2025
For Immediate Release

The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ recently hosted the CaseDebug competition, an integral part of the Business Technology Management (BTM) program. This experience allows students to tackle complex, real-world business problems, highlighting the power of teamwork, creativity, and the practical application of classroom knowledge. It showcases the talent within the BTM program and celebrates the collaborative spirit that defines the ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ community.

A platform for learning and growth

The CaseDebug competition pushes students beyond the classroom, enabling them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges.

"Our 24-hour CaseDebug competition for first- and second-year BTM students was more than just a test of strategy and innovation — it was a celebration of teamwork, creative thinking, and perseverance," says Josephine McMurray, associate professor and faculty lead for the BTM case program.

The competition featured two distinct cases crafted by Dr. Connie Liu from Simon Fraser University, providing students opportunities to delve into pressing issues at the intersection of business and technology.

First-year case: Ednius - AI for grading in higher education

First-year students developed a go-to-market strategy for Ednius, a startup leveraging AI to grade short-answer questions at scale. This case challenged students to explore AI architecture, market entry strategy, privacy and data ethics, and EdTech innovation.

The winning first-year team, Foursight, included Jakub Furtak, Arnav Harohalli, Addison Ho, and Leeba Zaki. Their solution involved merging Ednius with Julius AI to expand capabilities and market reach, especially in STEM fields.

“We explored options that would utilize Ednius' existing resources and decided on a merger with a small startup called Julius AI,” says Furtak. “This idea would allow Ednius to expand into analyzing STEM-related questions and create larger institutional licensing deals.”

Teammate, Zaki, reflected: "This competition helped me develop a better understanding of different analyses we learned in class.”

Second-year case: TransLink – digital twins and smart transit

Second-year students developed a strategy for TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s public transit authority, exploring digital twin technology to enhance predictive maintenance, operations, and sustainability. Students were asked to consider a phased implementation, organizational change, and return on investment. Core concepts included digital transformation, urban mobility, and data governance.

The winning team, Expo Consulting, consisted of Ajitesh Sharma, Sachin Swarminath, Yash Thatte, and Mayu Yamashita.

"Our solution involved addressing TransLink's data infrastructure issues by recommending partnerships with Apache technologies to improve and centralize data processing,” says Sharma.” This would lay the groundwork for their digital twin platform."

Swarminath highlighted the competition’s impact: "The competition showcased how course content can be applied to real-world activities, particularly consulting, a main career path in the BTM program."

Recognizing individual excellence

The competition also celebrated individual achievements. Akira Suzuki was recognized as the best presenter among first-year participants, and Clara David earned the same accolade for the second-year category. Their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively set them apart.

"This experience solidified my understanding of AI technologies, including digital twins, and connected it to the course content,” says David. “Working with my team and having fun while developing our presentation was a highlight."

Celebrating team spirit

The spirit of collaboration was palpable throughout the competition, with teams supporting each other and fostering camaraderie. Kings Consulting, consisting of Greg Capolongo, Eric Chrysler, Connor Corkill, and Aneesh Sharma, won the Best Spirit Video award for first-year students. Their video showcased their cohesiveness and fun side, incorporating humour, teamwork, and creativity.

In the second-year category, OptimaTech Solutions, made up of Justin McKay, Gabe Oldenhof, Dylan Schaefer, and Ziyuan Zhou, earned the Best Spirit Video award. Their video highlighted the team's dynamic and innovative approach, leaving a lasting impression on peers and judges alike.

Honouring judges and guest speakers

The success of the CaseDebug competition was made possible by dedicated faculty and judges who brought industry insights and expertise. Thank you to our alumni judges and student volunteers, for supporting this year’s Case DeBug competition, and to Vice Dean, M. Fabricio Perez, for bringing a warm welcome – celebrating student success within the BTM community.

(BBTM ’16), alumnus and associate vice-president at Konrad Group, shared his journey and the impact of case competitions on his professional and personal life.

He emphasized the importance of small decisions and community engagement.

"Deciding to engage socially and immerse myself in the learning community at ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ impacted both my professional path and personal growth,” says Kennedy. “Case competitions were invaluable in preparing me for the real world, where analyzing problems quickly, communicating clearly, and collaborating under pressure make all the difference."

Looking to the future

The Lazaridis BTM CaseDebug competition showcases the potential of students and the program's commitment to experiential learning. It underscores the importance of bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application and highlights the role of teamwork and innovation in solving complex business challenges.

The success of this year's event is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creative spirit of ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨'s BTM students, faculty, and community. Together, they are forging a path toward a future where technology and business converge to drive innovation and positive change.