TRLUP – ParkSmart (AI-Powered Parking Slot Detection and Analytics)

ParkSmart is an AI-powered parking analytics platform designed to make parking management more efficient, accessible, and sustainable for cities, campuses, and organizations. The system utilizes existing camera footage and applies computer vision and artificial intelligence to detect parked vehicles and identify stall occupancy in real time. Through this approach, ParkSmart generates live parking availability simulation maps for commuters, accessible via a mobile application, and provides data-driven analytical dashboards for city planners and administrators. By reusing existing cameras rather than installing new sensors, the project offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for smart parking and traffic optimization.

During the BSI Internship, ParkSmart will focus on refining its prototype to enhance detection accuracy, optimize performance across various weather and lighting conditions, and further develop the mobile application that integrates real-time availability simulation maps. The dashboard will display key metrics such as parking demand patterns, occupancy rates, and turnover times, enabling planners to make informed policy decisions and improve urban mobility without additional infrastructure investment. ParkSmart will also conduct market validation to assess the actual need for such a service and determine how much parking space owners are willing to pay, thereby identifying the product–market fit.

This partnership benefits North Forge by advancing its mission to support innovation-driven startups addressing real urban challenges. The collaboration enhances North Forge’s portfolio of sustainable technology ventures, promotes the application of AI in urban problem-solving, and provides visibility into emerging data-driven transportation solutions. Together, the partnership aims to deliver a practical and sustainable mobility solution that reduces congestion, lowers emissions, and contributes to smarter, greener, and more connected cities. Meanwhile, ParkSmart will receive business mentorship, technical guidance, and commercialization support to strengthen its go-to-market strategy. North Forge’s experience in nurturing early-stage startups will help ParkSmart evolve from a research-based initiative into a market-ready product.

Faculty Supervisor:

Terry Peckham

Student:

Partner:

North Forge

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Education; Management of companies and enterprises; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Program: