Circuit Revival
About Us
Circuit Revival: is a collaborative opportunity between Algoma University’s School of Computer Science & Technology and the Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies in order to provide a solution for the digital divide among Algoma University students and the greater Brampton community by way of refurbished computers and improved access to the internet.
Key Objectives:
Digital Access Enhancement:
- Establish a workshop for testing, repairing, and refurbishing second-hand computers.
- Distribute these computers to the neediest people who might not have them, such as students and other community individuals.
Improvement of Internet Connectivity:
- Make use of the mesh network to allow access to all residents in Brampton, as well as, and in addition to all other advertised Internet Service Providers.
Educational Opportunities:
- Then, hands-on training is needed by the students of computer science on diagnostics and repair.
- Provide hands-on work experience to students from varied disciplines in a social enterprise.
Project Phases:
- Year 1: Operations will be focused on meeting the requirements of all Algoma students. Cost recovery in Year 1 will be negligible through sales and service revenues.
- Year 2: Services expanded to local constituents where 25% cost recovery is realized.
- Year 3: Expand services throughout the city of Brampton, target cost recovery of 50%.
Leadership:
- Dr. Ushnish Sengupta: Assistant Professor in Community Economic and Social Development at Algoma University’s Brampton Campus. Dr. Sengupta brings years of experience from social enterprises and technology projects.
- Dr. Simon Xu: Professor and Director of the School of Computer Science and Technology at Algoma University. Dr. Xu’s research interests include software evolution, development, and analytics.
Sustainability Plan:
The generation of income for Circuit Revival, as planned for a social enterprise, is supposed to be through the selling of refurbished computers and repair services. This is one strategy that will gradually reduce dependency on external funding toward financial self-sufficiency.
Community Impact: The Circuit Revival initiative brings affordable technology and internet access to bear for the digital divide in Brampton by attracting equitable economic and social opportunities. It is a valuable source of experiential learning opportunities for students, aiming at equipping them with the knowledge and skills suited for a future career in such industries as technology and social enterprise. Further detail on this can be found in the executive summary of the project, together with related documentation.
Our Mission
At Circuit Revival, we provide a bridge across the digital divide by refurbishing technology and giving it to those who need it most. We believe every computer has a second home and every person deserves access to the resources that will help them thrive in the digital world. The collection, refurbishing, and redistribution of items through our processes ensure that technology is put into the hands of students and community members, equipping them to ensure academic excellence, career advancement, and connectivity.
We are committed on two fronts: first, to empower people with access to reliable technology that was previously shut to them and, through this access, can open up new avenues of possibilities; and secondly, to ensure environmental sustainability, thanks to reuse and repair in our vertical circular model. This means fewer computers end up as e-waste, which is a recipe for a more sustainable future. Our bigger mission is about long-lasting impact: enabling people and the planet to thrive together, with accessible and effective technology that’s sustainable.
Our Vision
Circuit Revival aims to catalyze social change through renovated technology, being the central tool for educational and professional empowerment.
We imagine a world where technology is accessible to all and no computer ever goes to waste. This is a world where every community and person has what they need to thrive in the digital world, closing gaps and unlocking potential.
We envision ourselves at the forefront of change, whereby not only waste is minimized but opportunity is maximized, creating a ripple effect from individuals to communities and beyond. In our dream, accessible technology powers lifelong learning, propels inclusivity, and serves sustainable growth—so no one is left behind due to lack of access. We partner with schools, municipalities, and other local organizations in pursuit of a vision for making digital technologies universally accessible, where possible. We provide a model and example to be learned from for communities worldwide on creating accessible technology and environmental stewardship.
What We Do:
Circuit Revival: a social enterprise integrating hands-on learning with environmental sustainability, closing the digital gap by responsibly reducing electronic waste.
Collect: We work with social-service agencies, schools, and individuals in the Greater Toronto Area to gather new and used computers and peripherals.
Refurbish: Diagnostics, repair, and refurbishment are performed by the students and volunteers while earning valuable techniques in technology.
Distribute: Computers have been refurbished and made available to needy students and community members, also being provided basic computer training.
Sustain: We strive to establish a self-sustaining social enterprise that reduces electronic waste while promoting the circular economy in technology.
Our Core Value
Access: Technology is a fundamental human right. Our aim is to ensure every human being on this planet has the tools to make a better life for themselves in a digital world.
Empowerment: By training a student and the community in hands-on, practical methods of computer repair and social enterprise, they will be confident and capable.
Sustainability: We spur a commitment to environmental stewardship by refurbishing life in technology, minimizing e-waste, and fostering a technology ecosystem that is sustainable for the future.
Collaboration: Partnership builds success. We enjoy close collaboration with a range of like-minded organizations, businesses, and individuals to drive digital inclusion and champion sustainability.
Each of these values interfaces with Circuit Revival to guide our journey in making technology accessible, sustainable, and empowering for all.
Why It Matters
Addressing the Digital Divide
Technology access is an increasingly important component in educational and professional development, yet far too many people lack the access and resources to engage in online learning, apply for jobs, and work on building other valuable skills. Circuit Revival fills that void by offering much-needed access to technology for underserved individuals.
Fighting E-Waste
E-waste is an increasing global problem, with millions of tons of discarded electronics generated each year. Circuit Revival lessens this effect through computer refurbishment, reducing waste, thereby elongating the life cycle of valued technology.
In this respect, Circuit Revival is able to attain three major goals through its work:
- Empower Students: We equip students with the technology tools they need to thrive academically and seize future opportunities.
- Building Tech Skills: By teaching computer repair to students and members of the community, we’re developing a generation ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
- Supporting Sustainability: Our approach helps minimize e-waste and, therefore, promotes a circular economy that contributes to the protection of our environment for times to come.
Circuit Revival is not about technology; it’s about creating impact, enabling people, and driving positive environmental change.
Our Team
Meet the people behind Circuit Revival—dedicated students, faculty, and community members working to make technology accessible to everyone. Our team is committed to using their skills and resources to make a lasting difference.
- Ushnish Sengupta, Project Lead
- Kulpreet Singh, Research Assistant
- Vibhu Arora, Research Assistant
- Bidhan Thapa, Research Assistant
Our Partner
Circuit Revival wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from our partners and sponsors. From donations to hands-on workshops, these organizations are helping us make a real difference:
- Free Geek Toronto
- City of Brampton
- Algoma University IT Department
- Brampton Board of Trade
- [Add more partners]
- Interested in partnering with us? [Become a Partner]
How You Can Help
Join us and be the change! Whether it’s a used computer, your skills, or just partnering to extend our reach—you truly are priceless. Together we can make sure that each computer finds its user, and every community is duly equipped to prosper.
[Donate]: Give new life to an unused computer and allow a person in need to continue being empowered.
[Volunteer]: Donate time towards this noble cause of technology access and sustainability.
[Partner]: Join hands with us to reach more communities and expand our circle of impact.
Your contribution powers Circuit Revival on its journey toward a digitally enabled world in an environmentally friendly setting.
Contact Us
Got questions? Want to learn more about Circuit Revival? We’d love to hear from you!
Email: info@circuitrevival.com
Phone: —–
Social: [Facebook] [Instagram] [LinkedIn]
CIRCUIT REVIVAL 