\nMathematics and Engineering<\/a> said as part of the Bachelor of Computer
\nScience<\/a> (Software Development), third-year students were partnered with organisations ranging from grassroots community groups to fast-growing agtech innovators.<\/p>\n
Dr Mahboubi said the students\u2019 brief was
\nsimple: build something the client will genuinely use and do it under the same
\npressures they\u2019ll face in their first professional roles.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy letting our students feel genuine deliverable
\npressure, we help them convert theory into reflexes \u2500 problem-solving under
\ntight timelines, negotiating scope with a client, and collaborating across
\ndisciplines,\u201d Dr Mahboubi said. \u201cIndustry wins because they meet graduates
\nwho\u2019ve already proven they can deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Mahboubi said there were approximately 55 third-year Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Development) students in capstone subject ITC303, which he coordinates, divided into 10 project teams and involved approximately 3,500 hours of donated in-kind collective development.\n<\/p>\n
The students worked semester-long on industry-engaged software projects delivering live digital solutions which included website rebuilds, AI modules, data-dashboards and local council apps, across regional and rural Australia and Canberra.<\/p>\n
Some of the business partners and their projects the students worked with included:<\/p>\n
Hardwicke Bay
\n Progress Association (SA) \u2013 A fully redesigned, accessible website to boost local tourism and volunteer engagement
\n Pairtree
\n (national agtech) \u2013 A custom alerts dashboard that unifies weather, biosecurity and supply-chain data in a one easy-to-use view for farmers
\n Evolutioned
\n (Canberra\/Regional NSW) \u2013 An AI-powered module that helps small businesses automate document classification and compliance reporting
\n Albury City
\n Council \u2013 Three prototype apps:<\/p>\n
StreetSweeper App: An APP that provides data on street sweeping activity and allows our teams to report maintenance through an integrated workflow, creating much need efficiency.<\/p>\n
Power BI Integration: Development of interactive dashboards that deliver data insights into StreetSweeper operations, including seasonal impacts and service efficiency.<\/p>\n
Augmented Reality Experience: An immersive AR experience designed to engage the community and promote education around environmental and cultural significance.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/inline-image-1.jpeg\"\/)
Final-year Bachelor of Computer Science student Mr Adam Ragg (pictured left) from Sunny Corner near Bathurst led the student team working on the Pairtree project. He said unlike most university assignments, which are usually focused on individual knowledge and short-term deadlines, working with Pairtree felt much more like a real job.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project really boosted my confidence by
\ngiving me hands-on experience with project management in a real-world setting,\u201d
\nMr Ragg said. \u201cLeading the team and working with stakeholders helped me develop
\nskills I wouldn\u2019t have picked up from coursework alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/inline-image-2.jpeg\"\/)
Deputy team leader for the Hardwicke Bay Progress Association website uplift project, Ms Aileen Chan (pictured left) from the inner west of Sydney, said she initially felt some trepidation about tackling a group project in her final year.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, participating in this subject and the
\nproject turned out to be a transformative experience,\u201d she said. \u201cThe group
\nwork gave me the opportunity to strengthen my leadership and interpersonal
\nskills that are essential in life and work where I\u2019ll collaborate with people with
\ndiverse backgrounds and personalities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Mahboubi said, \u201cGraduates don\u2019t need another simulated brief, they need the adrenaline and accountability of a live backlog and a real stakeholder.\u201d<\/p>\n
Industry partners, such as Pairtree and Albury City Council, see strategic value in the collaboration.\n<\/p>\n