UOIT computer science student on Canada’s Top 20 Under 20 list

A student heading into his second year of study at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is making a name for himself as part of an elite group of young Canadians. Rameez Virji, a student in the Faculty of Science and recipient of UOIT’s Founder’s Scholarship, has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20, a program designed by Youth in Motion which identifies outstanding young Canadian leaders.

“It is exciting to be part of such an interesting group of Canadians and it is wonderful to receive this honour,” said Virji. “I was drawn to UOIT because of the university’s commitment to technology and innovation. UOIT has been built around this philosophy and this was important to me because it matches my experiences and vision and I am hoping to collaborate on research with faculty in the coming years.”

The 19-year old Computer Science student from Calgary, Alberta has compiled a remarkable number of achievements. At the age of 13, the self-taught web artist developed an innovative browser reputed to be faster than Internet Explorer. Virji is also the president and founder of Big Tree World, an award-winning software company that has already entertained nearly 40,000 visitors.

“This is a prestigious honour for any young Canadian and we are thrilled that Rameez has made UOIT’s innovative Computer Science program the cornerstone of his academic path,” said Dr. Deborah Saucier, dean, Faculty of Science. “UOIT prepares students to thrive in the 21^st-century workplace and there is no doubt that Rameez will continue to have a tremendous impact as he inspires others given his track record of excellence in entrepreneurship and creativity. We are proud of his recognition and salute his commitment to humanitarianism, community involvement as well as research and development.”

In addition to computer science and technology, Virji has a passion for physiology. Working with his team at Shad Valley, a Waterloo, Ontario-based organization that supports high-achieving students and young entrepreneurs, Virji led the creation and the scientific blueprint for a flu vaccine pill. The patented invention is the world’s first non-invasive vaccine delivery technique, and has the potential to replace needles as the delivery method for other compounds such as insulin. As the head of the Science Department for Medicine for a Better Tomorrow, Virji is driving the next phase in the development and research of the flu vaccine pill.

“The goal of Big Tree World is to develop simple and affordable software suites for a market niche that isn’t really well-served by overly complex programs,” explains Virji. “And we are looking to find a partner in the pharmaceutical industry to take our flu vaccine patent into the licensing and production phase.”

Virji runs Big Tree World with his 16-year old brother Ali-Faizan who was also named to Youth in Motion’s Top 20 Under 20 list. The younger Virji just completed Grade 11 in Calgary and will spend the next two years in an international baccalaureate program in India.

In his spare time, Rameez Virji instructs computer classes for the underprivileged and volunteers his time with local charities and small businesses in the Calgary area.

With offices in Toronto and Calgary, Youth in Motion develops and implements dynamic programs for youth. As Youth in Motion’s signature program, the Top 20 Under 20™ Award program is designed to identify outstanding young Canadian leaders, further develop their skills and aptitudes, and honour them for demonstrating significant levels of innovation, leadership and achievement. 

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Media contact
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca