Bombini, an eco-friendly drone propulsion concept, and Bike Unshack, a novel bike security system, show how students aren’t only envisioning the future but actively shaping it.
Both projects earned awards at the winter 2025 uOttawa Engineering Pitch Competition, showcasing how student-led ideas can evolve into solutions with real-world impact.
Bombini: A drone inspired by bumblebees
Bombini won first place in the “Concepts” category and was awarded $1,500 to continue developing its solution.
Inspired by the mechanics of bumblebee wings, Markos Brown and Farah El Siss, both Biomedical Mechanical Engineering students, developed Bombini, a drone propulsion concept that uses piezoelectric materials to create a wing-like motion. This allows the drone to generate airflow and lift in a simpler, quieter and more energy-efficient way.
“The air transportation sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions,” according to the team’s pitch. “Our idea is to reimagine propulsion systems using smart materials that bend and flutter like a bumblebee’s wings, cutting down on mechanical complexity, reducing failure points and extending the drone’s lifespan.”
Bombini’s design uses a single flexible component that both drives alternating current and generates electrical energy during flight, making self-powering drones possible. The design feature offers a unique advantage for high-stakes situations like emergency response and defence services, which involve long flight times and require durability.
As part of their pitch, Markos and Farrah highlighted the rapidly growing electric drone market and ways Bombini could collaborate with government agencies and industry leaders. By combining nature-inspired design with cutting-edge materials, Bombini could set a new standard for sustainable aerial technology.
Bike Unshack: Innovative bike security solution
Bike Unshack pedalled their way to first place in the “Idea” category, earning $500.
Theft of bikes and related parts like wheels and seats is an issue faced by many cyclists. This common frustration inspired a team of uOttawa Engineering students to address bike security.
After the team interviewed over 50 bicycle users in Ottawa and Montreal and heard their pain points, Bike Unshack was born.
“We heard the same message again and again,” said Jad Jammal, a member of the team, which also included Rim El Jakani, Othmane El Belghiti, Felipe Affonso Garcia and Naghmeh Arabchigavgani. “People want something secure, simple and compatible with any bike.”
To address these challenges, Bike Unshack combined user insights, smart design and entrepreneurial strategy to develop a two-part security system that features a telescopic U-lock and a custom anti-theft bolt. This ensures maximum adaptability, ease of use and protection.
The telescopic U-lock can be adjusted to fit various bike models, securing not only the frame but also the front wheel and seat. The custom anti-theft bolt has a unique pattern that can't be removed using standard tools, adding an extra layer of protection for quick-release components.
The system is lightweight, compact enough to fit in a backpack and takes under a minute to install.
With a competitive price point, Bike Unshack offers a projected retail price that aligns with cyclists’ expectations while still offering them premium security features. With a strong business model and a clear product-market fit, the team at Bike Unshack is already planning its next steps: pursuing more funding, patenting its design and preparing to launch its company.
Supporting student startups at the Faculty
“The Faculty of Engineering is committed to supporting students through a robust and expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Lionel Regis, manager of the MakerLaunch program at the University of Ottawa. “Through events like the Engineering Pitch Competition and programs like MakerLaunch, students gain access to mentorship, funding opportunities, collaborative design spaces, and industry partnerships. These resources are designed to help them translate innovative ideas into practical, real-world solutions.”