Lassonde Students Recognized as Finalists for AR Innovation at Engineering Hackathon

A team of undergraduate students from the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University was recognized among the top 15 global finalists in the 2025 World Engineering Day Hackathon — a global virtual innovation challenge focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Their concept, an Augmented Reality (AR) Home Builder app designed to improve informal housing, was one of only two Canadian teams to make it to the finals. 

Organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and Engineers Without Borders International, the 2025 hackathon drew over 3,000 students from more than 90 countries, with more than 150 project submissions.

The challenge invited participants to design practical, innovative tools to address real-world issues, with this year’s focus on SDG #1: No Poverty. Winners were announced on March 4, 2025, during the global celebration of World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.  

Electrical Engineering student Anastasia Kozar teamed up with Computer Science students Parmeet Singh Channe, Prabhkrit Singh and Mohammad Areeb to represent Lassonde in the competition. Together, they developed an Augmented Reality (AR) Home Builder app, which offers step-by-step home construction guidance through AR technology. It aims to reduce construction errors, increase safety and help build more resilient housing in underserved communities.

Augmented Reality (AR) Home Builder App

“By making construction knowledge accessible and providing tools for community-led development, we’re not just building houses, we’re building hope, resilience and a path out of poverty for millions,” reflected Singh.

The team is now focused on finalizing and testing the app, with plans to pilot the project in rural India. They are also exploring partnerships with NGOs and local organizations to expand the app’s reach and impact.  

Their success highlights how students can spark innovation that shape solutions for a better world.