The builder's path
For: Wheelchair users can't reach counselling, accessibility services or the student union when University Centre elevators fail.
“Some things are under our control, while others are not under our control.”
Routes to a solution
Each route is a different kind of journey, with real people and organisations to contact at each step, starting with those in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Step 1
Find a lab or university incubator
Researchers and students who can test it properly.
Newfoundland and Labrador's startup incubator: programmes, mentors and community.
Advice and funding for technology innovation in Canada.
Funded research internships linking students with organisations.
Tax credits that return part of what a Canadian business spends on research and development.
Step 2
Win a research grant
Funding for a rigorous trial or study.
Federal funding and advice for Atlantic Canadian businesses.
Funded research internships linking students with organisations.
Federal open data: the numbers a builder needs to size and test a public problem.
Quebec's AI institute in Montreal; partners with organisations on applied AI projects.
Ideas, sources and tools for this problem, from first interviews to funding.
which services were cut off and for how long
one of the services on the floors that became unreachable
provincial rules on elevator inspection and mechanic certification
Maintains the elevators and would post any status updates.
Works with the students affected and knows what they need on outage days.
Its office was on an unreachable floor and elevators came up at its election forum.
Starter prompt
Built from this problem's brief. Paste it into Claude or any AI assistant.
Help me design and build a first working prototype for this problem in St. John's. Problem: Wheelchair users can't reach counselling, accessibility services or the student union when University Centre elevators fail. Who it hurts: Memorial students with mobility disabilities who cannot use stairs. The moment it hurts: From about October 17, 2025 both north-side elevators were out, leaving four of six floors out of reach. Why it is still unsolved: Facilities said the only certified elevator technician in the province was away. What solved looks like: When an elevator fails, a student who can't use stairs can still reach those services the same day. Where: St. John's First, list what you would need to learn from the people affected before building, as interview questions. Then propose the simplest version that would help, the screens or messages it needs, and the data it would use. Keep it cheap to run, accessible, and respectful of people's privacy. Flag anything you are unsure about instead of guessing.
Talk to the people who live it before you build.
“When a man does not know what harbour he is making for, no wind is the right wind.”
Get a working version in front of people fast.
Using AI is not cheating. Every tool carries the work of the people who made it, and using it well is how knowledge has always moved forward. The thinking, the care for the people who live the problem, and the judgement are still yours.
“The Analytical Engine weaves algebraical patterns just as the Jacquard-loom weaves flowers and leaves.”
Open data that fits this problem.
“When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it: this is knowledge.”
Tools matched to what this problem needs.
“The things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”
Ship it responsibly, and find help and funding.
“Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth.”
δός μοι πᾶ στῶ καὶ τὰν γᾶν κινάσω
Kit written for this problem from its brief; every link was checked. Links go to each provider's own site. Zetema is not paid for any listing.