Canary by Joshua, Daniel, Jamili and Ella

Founders: Joshua Golato, Daniel Golato,

Jamili Maatouk and Ella Chadwick

School: Year 11 Students At Assisi Catholic College

Business Name: Canary

Website: Canary Australia

Can You Tell Us About Your Team Initiative Or Project? 

Our project, Canary, is a groundbreaking wearable device designed to enhance workplace safety. Motivated by personal experiences with hazardous work environments, our team developed a system that monitors both personal health metrics and external conditions in real-time. The inspiration came from a tragic incident involving a family friend, which underscored the urgent need for such a solution.

Canary combines advanced sensors to track vital signs and environmental factors, providing instant alerts to prevent accidents. Our initiative embodies the spirit of collaboration, bringing together diverse expertise in hardware design, programming, and product development. Through rigorous field testing and continuous refinement, we've created a device that not only protects workers but also sets a new standard in safety protocols. Our vision is to make Canary an essential part of every worker's gear, ensuring they return home safely every single day.

What Was The Primary Goal Or Challenge Your Team Set Out To Achieve, And How Did You Approach It Collectively?

Our primary goal was to create a wearable safety device that monitors real-time health and environmental conditions to reduce and prevent workplace hazards and accidents.

The challenge was integrating multiple sensors into a compact, durable design. We approached this by leveraging our diverse skills: hardware engineering, software development, and user experience design. We conducted extensive research on existing safety protocols and identified gaps that Canary could fill. Collaboration with industry experts provided insights into practical applications and potential improvements.

By running simulations and field tests, we ensured the device's reliability in various environments. Our collective approach, driven by shared passion and commitment, enabled us to overcome technical and logistical challenges, ultimately leading to the successful development of a lifesaving innovation.

Can You Describe The Dynamics Within Your Team? How Did Each Team Member Combine Their Unique Strengths To Achieve Your Shared Goals?

Our team consists of four members, each bringing unique strengths, perspectives, and backgrounds to the project. Our dynamics are rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to workplace safety.

Regular meetings facilitated open communication, allowing us to address challenges collaboratively. Each member’s passion for their respective fields drove innovation and problem-solving. By valuing each other’s strengths and perspectives, we achieved a harmonious workflow that propelled the project forward. This synergy was crucial in developing a comprehensive solution that effectively addresses the complexities of workplace safety.

What Were Some Of The Most Significant Challenges Your Team Faced, And How Did You Overcome These As A Unit?

Our team faced several significant challenges, including technical integration, funding constraints, and ensuring device durability. Integrating multiple sensors into a compact design required extensive research and iterative prototyping. We collaborated closely, combining our technical skills to achieve seamless functionality.

Funding was another obstacle; we organised successful fundraisers and applied for grants to support development costs. Ensuring durability in harsh environments necessitated rigorous testing and material selection. By maintaining open communication and leveraging each member’s expertise, we developed innovative solutions. Regular team meetings and feedback loops helped us adapt strategies and refine our approach.

We also sought guidance from industry experts, which provided valuable insights and helped us navigate complex problems. Our unity and resilience as a team enabled us to transform challenges into opportunities, ultimately leading to the creation of a reliable and effective safety device.

Collaboration Is Key To Any Successful Team. How Did You Ensure Effective Communication And Cooperation Throughout Your Projects? Effective communication and cooperation were central to our project’s success. We established clear communication channels, including regular meetings and digital platforms for updates and feedback. This ensured everyone stayed informed and aligned with project goals. We fostered an open environment where team members felt comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.

Collaborative tools facilitated seamless information exchange, while task delegation leveraged individual strengths, promoting accountability and efficiency. Regular brainstorming sessions encouraged creative problem-solving and innovation. We also set milestones to track progress and celebrate achievements, maintaining motivation and focus. Constructive feedback loops allowed for continuous improvement and adaptation.

By prioritising transparency and mutual respect, we cultivated a supportive team culture that enhanced collaboration. This approach not only strengthened our project outcomes but also deepened our commitment to the shared vision of revolutionising workplace safety through the Canary device.

How Did Your Team Measure The Success Of Your Initiatives, And What Outcomes Are You Most Proud Of? We measured success through several key metrics: device functionality, user feedback, market readiness, and recognition. Ensuring the Canary device operated seamlessly in real world conditions was a primary indicator. We conducted field tests and collected data to validate performance and reliability.

User feedback from industry professionals provided valuable insights, guiding refinements and confirming the device’s practical benefits. We’re most proud of what we have created, and the recognition we have received so far in several other competitions.

But, the most gratifying outcome is knowing that Canary has the potential to save lives and redefine workplace safety standards. Our ability to transform a personal tragedy into a pioneering solution showcases the team’s dedication and impact. The positive reception affirms that our collaborative efforts are paving the way for safer work environments.

What Advice Would You Give To Other Teams Aiming To Make A Significant Impact? How Can They Cultivate The Same Level Of Collaboration And Success That Your Team Has Achieved?

To make a significant impact, focus on a clear, meaningful goal that resonates with your team’s values. For us, Canary originated as a passion project that has since scaled to much more. No matter what you are doing, you must always be dedicated to it.

Cultivate a culture of open communication and mutual respect, where every member feels valued and heard. Leverage diverse skills and perspectives, promoting collaboration through regular brainstorming sessions and feedback loops. Establish clear roles and responsibilities, ensuring accountability and efficiency.

Embrace challenges as opportunities for innovation, and never ever hesitate to seek external expertise when needed. Celebrate milestones to maintain motivation and recognise achievements. Be persistent and resilient; impactful projects often require dedication and time.

By fostering a supportive, dynamic team environment, you can achieve remarkable outcomes that drive positive change and leave a legacy. And always let the quietest voice speak first.

To find out more about Canary and to support Joshua, Daniel, Jamili and Ella on their journey, make sure to connect with them on their website Canary Australia.

Canary participated in our Next Gen Awards 2024 program and were our Dream Team Of The Year award recipients. To find out more about the Next Gen Awards and how your projects and initiatives can be showcased head to: www.nextgenoftheyear.com.au