New Visions EPICH Program Participates in “Shark Tank” Event

Questar III BOCES New Visions students from the Emergency Preparedness, Informatics, Cyber and Homeland Security (EPICH) program at UAlbany’s ETEC Building participated in a “Shark Tank” style event on Friday, December 9, 2022. A project with Dr. Fraser, students pitched Artificial Intelligence products and services they created.

Ideas were pitched to two sets of “Sharks”, including Dr. Gladys I Cruz, Questar III BOCES Superintendent & Anthony Taibi, Questar III BOCES Assistant Superintendent of Career and Technical Education and Innovative Programs. Each group of Sharks had $250,000 of fake money to distribute to each group of students, based on the products they created & how well they sold them. The Sharks asked questions to keep the students thinking and see how they would solve investor concerns on the spot.

Students developed a wide range of products and services. Their ideas were designed for homeland security, emergency preparedness, school safety, police officers & firefighters. Their products ranged from apps, to gear, to scanners – all with the same goal of improving emergency scenarios, or the lives of those who work in them. The student from each group who received the biggest investment received a 3D printed trophy of the UAlbany mascot.

The Emergency Preparedness, Informatics, Cyber and Homeland Security (EPICH) program introduces students to the necessary content and skills in emerging technologies and the use of data to anticipate and manage natural and man-made disasters and security. Click here to learn more about this program. 

 

To read more about this program & event, click here for UAlbany’s Office of Communication & Marketing coverage.