Erindale Academy Students Showcase AI-Powered Startup Projects at University of Toronto’s Encore Lab

Toronto, February 21, 2025 – Students from The Erindale Academy’s AI and Business Innovation course showcased their startup projects and shared their learning experiences at Encore Lab, University of Toronto. They engaged in in-depth discussions with professors and PhD students specializing in educational innovation, exploring how AI is shaping the future of education and business.

A Pioneering Course in AI and Business Innovation

The AI and Business Innovation course at The Erindale Academy is an innovative, interdisciplinary program designed to develop critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and entrepreneurial skills. Unlike traditional lecture-based courses, this program emphasizes hands-on, project-driven learning, requiring students to build and present AI-powered startup projects that examine how AI is reshaping education and business.

Students Present Startup Projects

As part of the course, students worked in teams to develop AI-powered business concepts, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Three teams presented their projects:

Jack & Peter: Space Indifference Game – A story-driven AI-powered game that blends 3D and 2D gameplay mechanics. The startup aims to build a gaming culture centered on the unknowability of the universe, ensuring an engaging player experience while encouraging a renewed sense of awe toward the cosmos.
Dandy & Rose: LearnSphere – An AI-driven educational platform designed to provide personalized learning experiences and real-time academic support for students in Ontario, making education smarter and more efficient.
Yue Ma & Tom: YUZUSoft Game Engine – A next-generation AI-powered game engine that enhances game development efficiency through automation and optimization, helping developers create games faster and more intelligently.

Hands-On Learning and AI Demonstration

Beyond showcasing their startup projects, students also shared their learning experiences in the AI and Business Innovation course, reflecting on the differences between this hands-on, inquiry-driven approach and traditional lecture-based learning. Paul Pu, course designer and instructor, delivered a live demonstration of an AI Avatar engaging in real-time interactive conversation, showcasing AI’s transformative potential in education and business applications. The demonstration reinforced the practical AI skills students are developing through the course.

Constructive Feedback and Future Growth

Professors Jim Slotta (University of Toronto) and Preeti Raman (TMU), along with PhD students from Encore Lab, provided constructive feedback, offering insights on how students could further develop and refine their projects. PhD student Mr. Fan praised the students' confidence, stating, I couldn’t have tackled projects like these at their age.

Students welcomed the feedback, recognizing the value of applying their learning in real-world contexts. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with university educators and researchers, acknowledging that the insights gained would help them enhance their projects and deepen their understanding of AI applications.

Innovating Education at The Erindale Academy