Kiwi Charge Robotic Electric Vehicle Charger Takes Top Prize in Student Pitch Competition at TMU

Learn how Kiwi Charge won the top prize at the Student Pitch Competition at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) with their innovative Robotic Electric Vehicle Charger.

TriMech and Javelin have a long history of supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, including students of all ages and startups of all kinds. When MAKO Design + Invent joined the TriMech Group of brands in 2024, they added their own legacy of supporting student innovation and the wider product design and development community.

Rewarding Student Inventors

For nine years, MAKO (now TriMech Design Solutions and part of the TriMech Group) has sponsored the MAKO Student Innovation Pitch Event, where students from Zone Learning at Toronto Metropolitan University compete for a chance to receive funding to turn their prototypes into market-ready products.

Wade Harmidy, Manager of Product Development for MAKO/TriMech Design Solutions, attended the 2025 pitch competition.

Wade Harmidy speaking to the audience

“It’s our great honor to support the product development ecosystem at TMU. The energy in the room on pitch day is amazing, and all that creativity is backed by solid business planning. These talented people are shaping the future, and we owe big thanks to Michelle Hounslow and her team for coordinating the event.”

TMU’s Zone Learning is for those who want to get practical experience in what it takes to build a venture from the ground up. Ten Zones focus on different types of initiatives. Students work with faculty, as well as community and business partners, on real projects, causes, companies, or startups.

Marketable Products That Make a Difference

Launched by MAKO’s founder Kevin Mako, the annual pitch competition is open to TMU students working toward bringing a new invention to market. Along with photos or videos of their physical prototype, entrants also submit a strategic business plan and must outline the social impact of their product.

Finalists are selected based on their product’s innovativeness, marketability and commercialization, business model, and social impact. They present their project to a panel of industry experts, and the winner receives a grand prize of $10,500 to support the further development of their venture.

Supporting The Growth of the EV Market

At the 2025 pitch competition, Abdel Ali, Founder and CEO of Kiwi Charge, took the top prize.

Kiwi Charge reimagines charging electric vehicles. Instead of taking your car to the charging station, the charging station comes to your car. A self-navigating robot finds your vehicle and attaches itself to a cable you leave hanging from your car.

Abdel Ali presenting about Kiwi Charge

The story began to meet the needs of people living in condos and apartments, who have to rely on limited and busy public infrastructure to charge electric vehicles. Kiwi Charge will offer drivers a budget-friendly subscription service that guarantees a custom charge schedule.

Abdel said the pitch competition was a great opportunity to share the vision behind Kiwi Charge and to connect with other innovators who are tackling similar challenges.

“It was energizing to see such a strong emphasis on real-world applications of technology, and the feedback we received from the panel of judges was incredibly valuable.”

He added that it’s time to highlight Ontario’s position as a global leader in EV charging innovation.

Winner, Adbel Ali, with the MAKO Student Innovation judges

“Events like this are vital as we tap into Ontario’s deep AI and robotics talent pool. We’re showcasing how locally developed, smart mobility solutions can close critical infrastructure gaps and accelerate electrification across North America.”

Also among the finalists were Adil Hossain of Nabik Automations, Narjes Allahrabbi of Fertilead Inc., Tenzin Dhonyoe and Justin Allen of GlucoSense, and Yvonne Lui of Serenity Power Inc.

Going Beyond Student Pitches

The Kiwi Charge robot was on display at the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone, showcased alongside Project Arrow, Canada’s first domestically designed and built electric concept vehicle. Kiwi Charge is part of the Project Arrow 2.0 initiative, which seeks to create a fleet of all-Canadian EVs.

Showing off Kiwi Charge to EV enthusiasts

Learn more about Kiwi Charge Electric Robotic Vehicle Charger

Kiwi Charge are a group of Canadian entrepreneurs looking to challenge the current state of EV charging with a solution that will accelerate EV adoption but bringing a more accessible and affordable charging experience. Visit the Kiwi Charge site to learn more »

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