From Classroom to Startup: A Journey of Innovation and Leadership

Submitted by Michael Carter, Professor, Computer Systems Technician 

When I think about the kind of graduate we hope to see come through St. Lawrence College, Aayush Sapkota stands out as a remarkable example of curiosity, initiative, and follow-through. 

Aayush is graduating this year from our Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming & Analysis program, having already gained meaningful industry experience through a 10-month placement as a Software Engineer with Empire Life. In the classroom and beyond, he consistently demonstrated a willingness to step forward—whether that meant refining his technical skills or helping to build community. 

One of the clearest expressions of that leadership has been his involvement with Toastmasters. Since 2024, Aayush has been an active volunteer, and today serves as President of SLC’s Toastmasters chapter. Under his leadership, the club has become a space where students can challenge themselves, find their voice, and grow in confidence. 

Aayush also played a key role in organizing HackSLC, our first student-led hackathon, held in December 2025. The event brought together students from across disciplines and showcased the kind of collaboration and creativity that defines our college at its best. 

As he graduates, Aayush is continuing to build on that momentum through entrepreneurship. He is part of the team behind Pinpoint, an innovative, map-based housing platform designed to simplify how people find rooms, roommates, subleases, and listings. The idea grew out of Queen’s University’s QHacks hackathon, where the team set out to tackle the very real challenge of student housing. Their solution focuses on clarity and location-first discovery, using AI-powered filtering to help users find the right match without the frustration of navigating multiple platforms. 

Since then, the team has expanded its reach—connecting with realtors, sharing their work on CFRC Radio, and competing in the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge. Most recently, they were selected for Summer Company, a Government of Ontario–funded program delivered locally by Kingston Economic Development that supports young entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and financial backing. 

Aayush’s journey is a strong reminder that learning doesn’t stop at the edge of the classroom. It grows through experience, collaboration, and the courage to pursue an idea. We look forward to seeing where that path takes him next.