Innovative Projects Realized

Explore thousands of successful projects resulting from collaboration between organizations and post-secondary talent.

13270 Completed Projects

1072
AB
2795
BC
430
MB
106
NF
348
SK
4184
ON
2671
QC
43
PE
209
NB
474
NS

Projects by Category

10%
Computer science
9%
Engineering
1%
Engineering - biomedical
4%
Engineering - chemical / biological

Development of Tar Removal Technologies for Biomass Gasification

Nowadays, the sustainable supply of energy is challenging due to growing concerns over climate change and increasing global demands. This leads to an urgent need for developing sustainable and renewable biofuels and bioenergy. Biomass gasification is a very promising route for bioenergy production. However, syngas from this process normally contains unacceptable level of tar. Tar can cause operational issues in syngas downstream applications. Hence, the elimination of tar has been the biggest obstacle in the successful commercialisation of the biomass gasification technology. The key aspects this study are the determination of the key and optimized design parameters for different tar removal techniques and the performance test of these techniques. In addition, it is expected that this project will deliver a new combined tar removal technology that will be able to effectively remove tar from syngas. TO BE CONT’D

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Faculty Supervisor:

Naoko Ellis

Student:

Long Cheng

Partner:

Highbury Energy Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

Rail Bulb Replacement – phase 2

The scope of this project is to develop a modern Railway signaling system using LED technology to replace the old system employing incandescent bulb. We propose a novel design and control to avoid using low-lifetime components as the existing commercial systems. The current and voltage monitoring functionalities are added to detect exactly which LED that fault occurs, it helps to maintain system and easily adjust light intensity efficiently. As a result, the designed system will have high efficiency, high input electrical quality and high reliability to ensure continuous operation without disturbance. This research is a gold key for GE Lighting to remain the leader in their railway signaling market.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Handy Fortin Blanchette

Student:

Tung Ngoc Nguyen

Partner:

GE Lighting Solutions

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Energy

University:

Program:

Accelerate

Mathematical Modelling of Carbon Dioxide Removal Using Micron-sized Water Droplets in C-3 Module Process

Emission of CO2 from industrial processes contributes to global warming. Numerous technologies have been proposed to reduce the amount of CO2 released to the environment. The C-3 process, in which ~50% of CO2 in flue gas can be captured using small water droplets, shows great promise for low-cost removal of CO2. Enviro Innovate, the owner of C-3 process technology, wants to better understand CO2 capture mechanisms and the influence of operating conditions (e.g., temperature, water droplet size and velocity) on the effectiveness of CO2 removal. The objective of this research is to develop mathematical models (i.e., sets of equations that can be used in a computer program) that Enviro Innovate will use to predict the amount of CO2 removed under different scenarios. The models will account for multiple CO2 capture mechanisms and will be used by Enviro Innovate to aid future process development and optimization.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Kim McAuley

Student:

Nam Hoa Tran

Partner:

Enviro Innovate Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

Queen's University

Program:

Accelerate

Sulfur deportment in ferronickel production via Rotary Kiln-Electric Furnace process

Pyrometallurgical processes have long been used for producing ferronickel alloy. Rotary kiln – Electric furnace (RKEF) is one of the most important technologies for producing ferronickel. The process involves partial reduction of the ore in the rotary kiln with the addition of fuels and reductants. During the process, some impurities present in the fuels and reductants are introduced to the rotary kiln product (clacine). The presence of impurities, especially sulfur would significantly affect physical and mechanical properties of product. This project aims at investigating sulfur deportment in the RKEF process by employing various fuels and reducing agents as well as regulating the conditions in the rotary kiln. Due to the fact that sulfur content in the crude ferronickel can be up to 1%, refining process is necessary to reduce the percentage of sulfur in the ferronickel. TO BE CONT’D

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Faculty Supervisor:

Leili Tafaghodi

Student:

Sahand Sarbishei

Partner:

HATCH Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

Real-Time Modeling and Simulation of Alternative Modular Multilevel Converter Topologies

By creating real-time and hardware porotypes, the proposed research provides opportunities for better investigation of these converters and for development of advanced and effective methods for their control. The three interns that will be trained during this research partnership will gain in-depth knowledge of modern power system equipment and knowledge of the latest developments in real-time simulation of such systems.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Shaahin Filizadeh

Student:

Xianghua Shi

Partner:

RTDS Technologies Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Energy

University:

University of Manitoba

Program:

Accelerate

Building Capacity in Health Care Providers to Effectively Communicate Health Risk Information related to HIV with Clients and Patients. Phases 2 and 3

The aim of The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) is to help combat the spread of HIV by supporting, conducting, and sharing the best research possible. This project will involve a novel analysis of previously conducted focus groups with front-line service providers to help determine the factors that most influence the perception of HIV risk. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the challenges front-line health providers face when communicating about HIV risk with clients and to develop a formal guide for communicating about HIV risk with clients of differing needs (e.g., health literacy). This project will contribute to providing practical tools that will help front-line service providers build and develop skills in health communication and knowledge translation. This project will inform the development of evidence-based modules that will be distributed via the OHTN as well as publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at academic conferences.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Robin Milhausen

Student:

Shayna Skakoon-Sparling

Partner:

Ontario HIV Treatment Network

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Accelerate

Calibration and characterization of micro-spectrometer

Project will see the calibration and characterization of a next-generation spectrometer for advancing both atmospheric research and the Canadian space community by providing instruments for atmospheric research for UAVs and nanosatellites. Calibrating these spectrometers will give the science community a new way to monitor atmospheric gases such as greenhouse gas or pipeline leaks with the option of a low-mass, low-cost and reliable measurement from an airborne platform. Canadian aerospace firms are already recognized as world leaders in optical technology, and the first development and flight of a micro-sized, temperature-insensitive SHS instrument for both UAV and space platform would extend this competitive advantage both by cementing a Canadian claim to the technology as well as ensuring the continued production of HQP in the field.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Regina Lee

Student:

Andrew Lohmann

Partner:

Honeywell Aerospace

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Aerospace and defense

University:

York University

Program:

Accelerate

“Complex composite structure multifunction for aerospace” COMP-1601

The new generation of complex composites structures that will be developed by Hutchinson and its partners will integrate several functions, as esthetic interior panel, acoustic, thermal and vibration isolation, in addition to mechanical and robustness contribution brought by the integrated structure. These new technologies will allow to reduce the amount of parts, and also to reduce the amount of operations required to build an assembly, generating an energy saving in the global process. The self-stiffened part that will be developed will also permit to replace traditional metal components in the structure by composite materials. Combined with the optimization of the design, a weight reduction will be achieved, generating a reduction of fuel consumption.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Pascal Hubert

Student:

Louis Grou

Partner:

Groupe CTT

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Aerospace and defense

University:

McGill University

Program:

Accelerate

Development of new methods for metabolomic screens

In this project we aim to generate simple assays similar to commercial pregnancy tests that can detect the presence of specific molecules (metabolites) related to disease conditions. We will use our knowledge and
experience to generate easy-to-use strips that will allow specific detection of health-relevant metabolites that can be used in clinical or at-home settings by patients and physicians; providing for the rapid submission and
analysis of results. If successful, the project will generate tools that can be used for pre-screening and serve as real-time indicators if further, more complex, testing is required. These tools will contribute to the proprietary
patient health profiling platform of the host company, Molecular You. At the same time the intern will gain valuable experience regarding scientific research in an industry setting.

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Faculty Supervisor:

David Wishart

Student:

Nicholas Vozza

Partner:

Molecular You Corporation

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Accelerate

Within Our Reach: Building Community Academic Partnerships in support of a National Food Policy

Within Our Reach is an action research partnership between Food Secure Canada and Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement (CFICE). It aims to increase the capacity of community and academic partners to contribute to a civil society national food policy process. We will do this through the practical application of, and experimentation with, ways to collaborate, coordinate efforts, and share resources for enhanced policy impact and knowledge mobilization. In particular, we will generate key insights on the process of community-based brokering, and explore how to effectively encourage partnerships that meet the needs and objectives of both community and academia. Ultimately, this project will enable Food Secure Canada, the pan-Canadian alliance of organizations and individuals working together to advance food sovereignty, to mobilize cutting edge research and knowledge that will assist with the transition to a more healthy, just and sustainable food system.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Charles Levkoe

Student:

Amanda Wilson

Partner:

Food Secure Canada

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Lakehead University

Program:

Accelerate

Development of Li-Ion cells/batteries for low temperature applications

Increases in gasoline price and greenhouse gas emissions have spurred the growth of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and pure electric vehicles (EVs). Rechargeable Li-ion batteries are the leading candidate for powering these vehicles due to their high energy and power density properties relative to other batteries. However, their energy and power capabilities are substantially reduced at low temperatures, posing a technical barrier for market penetration of HEVs and EVs. Low temperature performance is caused by low conductivity of the electrolyte and solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film, continuous growth of SEI resistance during cycling, and low Li-ion diffusivity. The choice of solvent(s) for the electrolyte solution also impacts the battery’s performance. Commercial Li-ion batteries use mixture of solvents comprising a highly viscous ethylene carbonate and a low viscosity solvent like dimethyl carbonate. TO BE CONT’D

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Faculty Supervisor:

Alexander McLean

Student:

Jeremy Dang

Partner:

Electrovaya Corp

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Elevate

Measuring Canada’s Urban Forest Footprint

In recent years, with increased urbanization, the beneficial role of urban trees and forests has become critical for Canadian residents. Despite this recognition, there is little knowledge of the extent of urban forestry activities being performed across the country; one of the reasons for this is that urban foresry is happening under different labels. In addition, there is no federal or provincial support or records of work being done. Urban forestry is the responsibility of municipal governments. As Canada’s only national urban forestry organization, Tree Canada is supporting this research project to close this gap. Measuring Canada’s Urban Forest Footprint is the first initiative of its kind to examine current urban forestry activites (e.g. planning, management, stewardship/community engagement) at the national scale.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Danijela Puric-Mladenovic

Student:

Yu Ki Yung

Partner:

Tree Canada

Discipline:

Forestry

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate