Innovative Projects Realized

Low Dose Computed Tomography Imaging: Measuring effects of denoising algorithms by means of objective and subjective measurements, and algorithms parameters optimization

In Computed Tomography (CT), X-ray radiation is used to penetrate through the internal structure of
the patient body in order to produce digital images. This means patients could be exposed to certain
level of X-ray radiation dose. Accumulation of these exposures beyond certain threshold could
increase risk offatal cancer. Thus it is of paramount importance to lower the amount of radiation
exposure during CT images acquisition. However, a low radiation dose in CT images would result to
lower image quality. To maintain lower dose usage and still produce images with a high quality, one
needs to develop advanced image processing tools in order to reduce noise and enhance CT images.
This internship will attempt to bring advanced methods of Image processing tools that are specifically
tailored to reduce noise and enhance CT images to the partner ()rganization, measure the effects of
these algorithms on Image quality objectively and subjectively, fine tune parameters of these
algorithms.

Modèle intelligent de prédiction de pannes à partir de capteurs installés dans un bâtiment

Une institution de Montréal possède un ensemble de bâtiments où sont installés des capteurs de toute sorte générant quotidiennement des milliers de mesures (entre autres vibration, température, pression, ouverture/fermeture de portes). Ce projet, piloté par la compagnie Ai Outcome, vise à mettre en place un modèle automatique de détection qui permettra de prédire les pannes sur les équipements avant que celles-ci ne se produisent. Pour ce faire, le stagiaire appliquera diverses techniques d’intelligence artificielle de détection de données aberrantes sur les mesures existantes pour ensuite comparer les résultats obtenus avec les types d’événements générés par le système. Si Ai Outcome est capable de fournir de telles prévisions, ses clients bénéficieront d’une réduction de leurs coûts et de leurs risques. Le Canada pourrait ainsi devenir un chef de file sur la manière dont la maintenance est effectuée, réduisant ainsi les coûts d’exploitation des infrastructures publiques et privées.

Novelty Detection in Lunar Analogue Terrains

Lunar and planetary rovers are faced with a high volume of data from their sensors and cameras, and yet decisions must be made rapidly to prioritize to which crater it should drive up to and of which rock it should take a closer look. In Canada’s intended upcoming exploration of the Lunar surface aboard short-timescale commercial missions, these considerations are of utmost importance. By leveraging recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), this research will equip rovers with the ability to survey its surroundings and discover which elements of the terrain ahead are novel and potentially interesting to scientists. The rover will then be able to prioritize which data to pass on to the science team or even select its next point of investigation autonomously.

Design and Optimization of a New Bio-Inspired Microphone Technology

This research project aims at developing acoustical reference designs and mechanical mounting guidelines for a new type of acoustical flow-sensing velocity microphone designed by a local start-up company. Multi-physics models developed using COMSOL, as well as experimental measurements with specialized acoustical equipment such as acoustic monopoles or airflow source, will be used to characterize the performance of various designs and assemblies. Several MITACS internships with the partner company will give the student hand-on experience with consumer electronic product design and optimization.

Developing fluorescent viability stain compounds and uses for anti-cancer drug screening

Breast cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in Canada, and affects one in X women during their lifetimes. A variety of different treatments have been tried, some of which damage cellular DNA of the quickly growing cancer cells. High-level DNA damage causes cells to die, and can shrink the tumour and arrest cancer growth. The Sabatinos lab studies how cells deal with DNA damage caused by drugs, and how this impacts their ability to grow and divide. A long-time drug used in cancer chemotherapy is a drug called cis-platinum. Our collaborator, Dr. R. Gossage, has generated new compounds that contain platinum, or, other metals such as copper, nickel or palladium. These compounds are predicted to also work for breast cancers, but must be tested in cell cultures. To do this we use a variety of dyes and stains that monitor cell proliferation, cell division, DNA replication, DNA damage and cell death. These tests give data that will inform which of the new metal-containing compounds, or compound families, is most promising at specifically targeting breast cancer cells while persevering non-cancer cells in the body. Koivisto Materials Consulting Inc is our industrial partner.

What makes for high performing teams in technology start-ups?

The project will focus on exploring latest academic and expert literature on high performance team management, develop and empirically validate practical insights for executive managers of new companies. The focus will be on: a) distinguishing factors of team success and successful team leadership in tech start-ups; b) the role of HR departments in designing high performing teams; c) key elements of organizational culture in highly performing teams; d) the role of managers in the long-term success of technology startups. The project will adopt an advanced text analytics (topic modeling) method applying content analysis to the identification of specific valuable insights. It will validate the insights by working with real life companies and develop learning modules to be used as part of executive management training programs.

Portable COVID-19 diagnostic system using saliva sample

This project aims to develop an easy-to-use and cost-effective saliva test, fitted for COVID-19 diagnosis and
surveillance via multiplexed detection of SARS-CoV-2 viruses, COVID-19 specific antibodies immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G within 15 minutes. The supported intern will join a team, consists of researchers at the University of Waterloo and personnel from the partner organization, to leverage an existing point-of-care testing (POCT) platform, develop a standard test protocol, and evaluate test performance.
The proposed saliva test is designed to address the urgent need for fast, accurate, large-scale COVID-19 testing possible for a wide range of businesses and infrastructures. Potential locations include senior homes, factories, academic institutes. The multiplexed detection of virus and antibodies is highly desirable to improve the overall test sensitivity and specificity, as well as provide valuable information for predicting patient trajectories or determining infection history. The partner organization will benefit from the knowledge generated and expertise the intern brings to the project. The partner organization intends to commercialize the resultant product and will be consequently benefit from the project.

Marketing Initiative

The project is a marketing initiative with the objectives of delivering and promoting a brand new financial product. The initiative is a direct response to the impact of COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic, the organization will be launching a fully digital product and a new business model. The marketing efforts are expected to play a key role in driving demand within an under-served market and establishing the brand as an industry leader.

Marketing Analyst

Until recently, OnPoint was not in the position to bring on a marketing team or person and just before the pandemic hit we were starting the process of searching for both a sales person and marketing individual. As both of those efforts have needed to be suspended due to reduced cashflow, we feel that the opportunity to bring on a marketing intern would provide a needed boost to our outbound efforts and hopefully generate new clients which would counteract the negative growth we have experienced over the last 3 months.

Business development intern

SenseNet Inc. was founded in 2018, an ideation of engineers and computer scientists that technology can be harnessed for the greater good. Our work lies at the intersection of IoT and AI/ML. Our solutions can be applied to many business problems including but not limited to wildfire detection, oil and gas pipeline monitoring, and agriculture optimization. Since launching, we have developed prototypes and products, planning to enter the market in 2020. Our business and market strategies were designed before for pre-pandemic business. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19, all our business development and sales efforts have been put on hold per prospective customers’ requests (either due to financial difficulties or due to change in priorities).

As BC reopens, SenseNet must redefine our go-to-market strategy, pivot the organization’s business development efforts to new relevant market segments and re-engage with the potential customers to adjust product-market fit. The candidate, working with senior business executives, will assist management with this redefinition and pivot; we want to work closely with him/her to build new business and marketing strategies.

Duties:
– Perform interviews with prospective customers, conduct surveys and ethnographic research to understand how we should redefine our product-market fit and adjust our solution in the post-pandemic world.

Marketing Intern

Remedi Wellness is a leader in providing holistic wellness services – including nutrition, supplements and medical aesthetic services.
Prior to COVID-19, the primary services were medical aesthetics. Due to the order to shut down all service business, Remedi pivoted and is primarily becoming an e-commerce platform to sell its supplements and skin care products followed by medical aesthetic services (on a appointment basis only). Remedi is pivoting from 70% services and 30% products to 30% services and 70% products.
As such, in order to effectively develop an e-commerce strategy on how to sell its skin care products and supplements to its customer base, the intern will need to have a solid understanding of the current operations of the business and services provided.
The intern will need to:
1.Get an in depth knowledge of the current services of the business
2.Understand the operations of the business
3.With the CEO, understand how the business is pivoting given COVID-19
4.Research the industry and market and then develop an e-commerce solution.

Combined Building Integrated PV/Thermal (BIPV/T)Collector with Two-stage Variable Capacity AirSource Heat Pump for Net-Zero Energy BuildingApplications

Incorporating the Two-stage Variable Capacity Air Source Heat Pump (TS-VC-ASHP) into
Building Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) system has the potential to reduce building
heating and cooling costs and dependence on non-renewable heating fuels. ASHPs could
boost the quality and quantity of heat output of a BIPV/T system by delivering a seasonal
Coefficient of Performance (COP) of between 2.0 and 4.0, which means 2-4 times more
energy output than the amount of energy (electricity) consumed.
When used in Canada’s cold climates, however, ASHPs alone have been found to
underperform at low temperatures due to the scarcity of heat that may be pumped out of the
atmosphere. One solution to this is the two-stage VC-ASHP which can provide a higher COP
at very low winter outdoor temperatures. The incorporation of PV/T and two-stage variable
capacity ASHP into building integrated sloped roof, flat roof and curtain wall solutions in
existing residential and commercial buildings will furthermore have the potential to lower
overall costs of such systems..TOBECONT’D.