TKShowcase Recap 2018
1 day, 20 presentations, infinite knowledge.
The annual TKS Showcase wrapped up this past weekend and it was one heck of an experience! TKS students had the opportunity to present on how we can use emerging technologies to make an impact in the world, while also showing projects we’ve created during the program.
I was fortunate to have the stage and present my research into Quantum Computing, a technology I am very passionate about and I think has the capability to revolutionize the world. Hence the topic : Using Quantum Computer’s to Solve the World’d Hardest Problems. I shared my knowledge on how this technology works, my recent experience at the world’s first Quantum Computing hackathon and a demo using QAOA algorithm.
My mind is blown away everytime I think back to all the different talks at the Showcase. The topics ranged from AI, VR/AR, Genomics, Quantum Computing, Solar technology, Nanotechnology, BMI’s, Blockchain and so much more. The line-up was jam packed and for a good reason too because all of my fellow TKS students had amazing projects to show.
The energy and excitement in that room was unbeatable, I could see the future unfold in that room.
Our daily news channels show so much of the hate and violence in our world, the focus is on the “bad /fake news” where the future looks dark and gloomy leaving no hope for humanity…
This is SO wrong!
A little passion and tenacity to change the world shows how the younger generation can revolutionize the trajectory of our upcoming years. The future is very bright.
Highlights:
There were a lot of great presentations all ranging from various tech and science industries and many times combining different fields, here is a summary of 5 quick ones:
Ayleen Farnood showed her research into Brain Machine Interfaces and a demo of her typing words using her mind!
Alex Zhuang shared his passion for Artificial Intelligence and his neural network that could generate music, who said AI couldn’t be creative?
Cassia Attard talked about the importance of increasing efficiency in our current solar panels and is working on her own project using Quantum Dots at a lab in Waterloo!
Ali J. Gangeh shared his knowledge in space exploration technologies and his unique idea of using magnetic levitation to increase rocket propulsion!
Anupra Chandran talked about her research in CRISPR-CAS9 and Nanotechnology and utilizing both of these innovations to cure cancer!
This is only a small glimpse of the mind-blowing presentations given at the Showcase.
We live in a very special period of time where technology is increasing at an exponential rate and new innovations are enabling us to view life through a completely different lens.
Being a part of The Knowledge Society I am very lucky that I am exposed to all the next generation technologies. I know the next 5–10 years are something to look forward to as we advance and reach new heights as a human race.
Why?
We can now do so many things that were considered “impossible” or “science fiction” and all the students who presented their work at the Showcase are evidence for that.
Everyone at TKS is encouraged to explore an emerging tech industry from AI, Quantum Computing, VR/AR, Blockchain etc. and focus on building a deep knowledge and passion. The common mindset between each of us is that we are excited about the future and leveraging new technologies/sciences will allow us to solve the world’s most important problems.
Each of us has done substantial work in areas we have grown to love and become passionate about.
Lesson Learned:
All the presenters were under the age of 18, like whattttt? How were a bunch of kids able to talk about such higher level topics?
Because…
TKS gave us the right resources, mentorship, guidance and support to do extraordinary things. As Nadeem always quotes;
“To achieve unconventional success, you must take the unconventional path.”
We need to develop more young people to solve important problems in the world, school just doesn’t prepare anyone for that. There is a lot of young talent and potential being wasted on memorizing and regurgitating information. It is not WHAT we learn, but HOW we learn that should be taught in school. The education system needs to CHANGE.
If we want a bright future, we need to properly develop the minds that will create it.
To young people like me:
I have to admit I’ve been super confused/frustrated/inexperienced when entering the field of quantum computing, but over time, I know that this state is temporary. Hard work and dedication will always lead to fruitful successes. No one can decide your future except YOU. Because it’s not the you now that matters, it’s who you will become.
To become the best olympic level swimmer you have to practice everyday. I internalize this fact and continue to expand my knowledge everyday so it can enable me, and my TKS friends, to create an impact on the world. Think about the butterfly effect — every motion of a butterfly creates a storm. You are a butterfly, and every move you take will bring a brighter future to humanity.
A big thank you to Navid and Nadeem Nathoo for hosting the TKShowcase and all of the TKS supporters! Because of TKS I know I have the skills to change the world with all of my fellow TKS students.
Watch the rest of the presentations and panel from The Knowledge Society youtube channel so you can also learn how to create an impact on the world!
