Projets novateurs réalisés

Development of room-temperature exciton-polariton quantum simulator

This MITACS project between the University of Waterloo (UW, host supervisor: Prof. Na Young Kim) and Yonsei University (YU, home supervisors: Prof. Jong-Souk Yeo and Prof. Chae-Yeun Park) aims to develop a room-temperature exciton-polariton quantum simulator. The room-temperature system can contribute to solving a complex many-body problem, since it does not require cryogenic cooling that limits the scalability of quantum information processors. The exciton-polariton quantum simulator is a solid-state platform that can be fabricated using conventional deposition/lithography techniques. Since the exciton-polariton is a bosonic quasiparticle that also interacts strongly with matter, both bosonic and fermionic dynamics can be emulated. The room-temperature operation can be demonstrated by utilizing transition metal dichalcogenides that have exciton binding energies larger than 25.9 meV. We plan to theoretically understand and design the simulator to describe the Bose-Hubbard Hamiltonian, fabricate and characterize a unit exciton-polariton system, and correlate the experimental results with the defined Hamiltonian. This project will be successfully conducted leveraging the UW’s outstanding expertise in quantum simulation and YU’s extensive experience in nanomaterials engineering. The collaboration between the UW and YU, which was officially initiated by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will be further strengthened and expanded thanks to the MITACS project.

L2M – A2O

Direct lineage reprogramming (DLR) is the newest advance in the field of cellular reprogramming. It is the forced conversion of one mature cell type to another, without the need for a pluripotent intermediate, directly at the site of injury or disease. We have developed DLR technology to convert astrocytes into new oligodendrocyte lineage cells (iOLCs) for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disease and injury. To ensure the success of our technology in clinical trials and increase the likelihood of commercial viability we will source input from stakeholders and key opinion leaders in four main areas. First, we will validate the market fit and clinical need for our technology in our proposed beachhead indication, neuromyelitis optica, through clinicians and patients. Second, we will obtain insight into possible delivery methods (AAV, RNA vaccines, LNPs) for our technology. This will be assessed with groups specializing in these methods to determine optimal efficacy and safety parameters but also with clinicians and patients to identify administration preferences. Additionally, we will meet with regulatory bodies and intellectual property experts to understand the regulatory landscape, clinical trials space and licensing agreements. Finally, we will connect with business strategists and pharmaceutical companies (end buyer) to come up with a market plan and licensing model that supports our vision of a platform technology. As a result of this project we will be able to make evidence-based decisions that de-risk our technology, accelerate our path to clinical trials, and position us for successful partnership negotiations.

Towards Reliable Vibration Design of Mass-Timber and Timber-Concrete Floors: Data, Models, and Practical Guidance

The proposed project studies the vibration behaviour of innovative mass timber floor systems, focusing on cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors supported by CLT beams and timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors with notched connections. Using laboratory testing and numerical modelling, the research aims to enhance the understanding of how these floors respond to dynamic loads, including the effects of non-structural components such as concrete toppings, which can add mass and damping. The project will generate validated experimental data and finite element models to develop design guidelines that improve vibration serviceability, occupant comfort, and structural performance. Collaboration between Canadian and Italian institutions strengthens the research by combining expertise and access to advanced facilities. The project aligns with Canadian CSA O86 standards and European Eurocode 5 design provisions, helping harmonize approaches to timber floor vibration across North America and Europe. This collaboration supports the advancement of mass timber design standards, expanding market acceptance of innovative floor systems and enhancing the capacity of participating institutions to address vibration challenges in sustainable construction. Through joint supervision, knowledge exchange, and shared resources, the project aims to establish international partnerships and contribute to safer, more efficient timber buildings.

TRLUP– Zester

Many Canadian companies and researchers struggle to find affordable, secure, and easy-to-use data labelling tools. Most existing platforms are foreign-owned, which can cause privacy issues and make it harder for small teams to work with sensitive information. It also prevents us from building local expertise and jobs in AI data management. Zester aims to solve this by developing a secure and scalable data labelling platform built entirely in Canada. The first version will focus on agricultural data because Saskatchewan has a strong base in agri-tech and applied research. The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) will support both manual and AI-assisted labelling, and it will be built in a way that can later support a no-code automation feature so users can design their own workflows easily. For Saskatchewan Polytechnic, this project creates a bridge between classroom knowledge and real-world software development challenges. For North Forge, it shows how a locally built data tool can grow into a larger startup opportunity. By the end of the internship, the project will deliver a functional MVP, a detailed technical and business report, and a go-to-market strategy. This project helps Canada strengthen its AI infrastructure while keeping data safe and jobs local.

TRLUP – LinkedWell Companion: Bridging Families and Clinicians Through Intelligent Care Communication

The LinkedWell Companion project is creating an intelligent and compassionate digital tool that helps families and healthcare providers communicate more clearly and stay connected beyond short medical appointments. In many clinics, appointments last only a few minutes, and patients often leave with unanswered questions, forgotten details, or confusion about what to do next. LinkedWell aims to bridge that gap by transforming brief visits into continuous, personalized care conversations.
Through a simple, friendly interface, families can record their symptoms, medications, allergies, and health concerns before their appointment. Afterward, they can review easy-to-understand summaries, receive reminders for vaccinations and follow-ups, and access personalized educational materials that explain medical instructions in clear, accessible language. Parents can also store their children’s medical history and share essential details( such as allergy alerts or upcoming vaccinations) with schools or caregivers when needed, helping ensure safety and continuity of care.
LinkedWell Companion uses artificial intelligence to organize and summarize information so that both families and clinicians can focus on what matters most: understanding, empathy, and decision-making. The system supports multiple languages and cultural contexts, ensuring that newcomers and diverse communities receive equal access to clear, reliable health communication.
This project represents an important step toward more connected and equitable healthcare in Canada. By improving how information flows between families and clinicians, LinkedWell reduces stress, saves time, and supports earlier interventions. Its development will lead to a functional prototype that can be tested in real-world settings, advancing digital innovation in healthcare and demonstrating how technology can make care more human, accessible, and continuous. Ultimately, the project envisions a future where every patient, regardless of background or language, feels informed, confident, and supported in their care journey.

TRL ^ Multispectral Sensor Development

This project aims to develop a cost-effective imaging system for the early detection of crop diseases, with a particular focus on Fusarium Head Blight which is a disease responsible for an estimated $1 billion in annual losses to Canadian agriculture. Fusarium Head Blight produces deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin that renders grain unusable at concentrations as low as 2 ppm. While emerging precision agriculture technologies such as selective harvesting and variable rate spraying offer promising solutions to reduce these losses, they depend on fast, affordable, and scalable disease identification systems that can operate effectively in field conditions. Existing technologies, such as hyperspectral sensors, perform well in controlled environments but struggle in field conditions. Meanwhile, commercially available multispectral scanners lack the infrared bands necessary for comprehensive crop health analysis. As such, there is an urgent need for a new imaging solution tailored specifically to agricultural applications. The anticipated benefits of this project include faster, more scalable, and cost-effective disease detection, enabling farmers to take timely action and reduce crop losses. It also supports the broader adoption of precision agriculture practices, contributing to more sustainable and resilient farming systems across Canada.

TRLUP–The Nexagon

The Nexagon project aims to develop an innovative neck collar designed to help prevent concussions in sports like hockey by reducing rapid head and neck movements during impact. Inspired by natural structures such as the honeycomb, the collar will be lightweight, comfortable, and effective in absorbing and redistributing forces that can cause brain injuries. Using 3D printing and computer-aided design, the team will create and test an improved prototype that combines safety, comfort, and performance. Through this project, Saskatchewan Polytechnic will gain valuable research and development experience in advanced manufacturing and sports safety technologies, strengthening its role as a leader in applied innovation and industry collaboration across Western Canada.

Stakeholder review of the LEAP (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents, for infants at high chance of neurodevelopmental disabilities) First Nations Program

This project focuses on improving early support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants in Australia who are at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like cerebral palsy. The LEAP-CP program was co-designed with First Nations communities to offer culturally safe, family-centered care through early screening and peer-led interventions. The intern will help gather insights from trained First Nations Community Health Workers to understand how the program works in different communities. This research will benefit both institutions by sharing knowledge across countries: the intern will learn about innovative tools and culturally adapted practices not yet used in Canada, which could later be applied in Canadian Indigenous communities. The collaboration also opens doors for future joint research between the University of Sherbrooke and the University of Queensland.

Integration of Inverse Haptic Device with Elephant Robotics for Digital Twin Control

This project will explore how people can control a dual-arm robot using Haply’s Inverse haptic device and a digital twin created in Unreal Engine. The goal is to let a person move their hands naturally, while the robot copies those movements smoothly in real life. At the same time, the operator will feel touch-based feedback, making it possible to perform everyday tasks such as opening a bottle or folding clothes. By combining realistic simulation with real-world control, the project will demonstrate how haptic technology can make robots safer, easier to use, and better suited for real applications. The results will support Haply’s mission to showcase next-generation human-robot interaction at events such as CES, strengthening its role as a leader in physical AI.

 TRLUP – Créméco Inc. – Validation de la faisabilité technique et commerciale de la fabrication de cercueils de crémation à base de pelures de pomme de terre

Le projet Créméco vise à concevoir un cercueil de crémation écoresponsable fabriqué à partir de pelures de pommes de terre recyclées. Cette initiative s’inscrit dans une démarche d’économie circulaire en donnant une seconde vie à des déchets alimentaires tout en réduisant l’impact environnemental du secteur funéraire. Le stagiaire travaillera sur la mise au point du matériau, le développement du procédé de fabrication automatisé et la validation des performances mécaniques et thermiques du produit. Pour l’organisme partenaire, ce projet permettra de développer une solution innovante et durable, d’améliorer son positionnement écologique et d’ouvrir la voie à une nouvelle filière de production locale à faible empreinte carbone.

TRLUP–Drone-Based AI System for Automated Cattle Weight Monitoring

This project will support the development of an automated system that uses drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate the body weight of free-range beef cattle. The goal is to help farmers monitor animal growth and health without stressful or time-consuming manual weighing. During the project, the technology will be refined while incorporating feedback from producers to improve usability and adoption. The collaboration with V1 Studio will help transform this innovation into a market-ready product by strengthening its technical design, business model, and commercial potential.

TRLUP-Territoire Intelligence

Le projet Territoire Intelligence vise à créer un outil numérique novateur qui aide les municipalités et organismes de développement économique à mieux comprendre leur territoire et à soutenir la vitalité commerciale locale. Grâce à un tableau de bord interactif, la plateforme permettra d’analyser le rayonnement des commerces, la concurrence, ainsi que la provenance des clients, en s’appuyant sur des données publiques ouvertes et sur des techniques d’intelligence artificielle.

L’idée est née d’un constat partagé par plusieurs acteurs du développement économique : bien que les données géospatiales et économiques soient de plus en plus accessibles, elles restent difficiles à interpréter et à exploiter efficacement pour la prise de décision. Le projet veut donc rendre ces données utiles et compréhensibles, afin d’aider les décideurs à planifier plus intelligemment leurs actions de développement, à identifier les zones à fort potentiel économique et à favoriser une implantation harmonieuse des commerces sur le territoire.

Au cours du stage Mitacs, le stagiaire Alex Camon développera un premier prototype fonctionnel (MVP) du tableau de bord et mènera une validation terrain avec plusieurs organismes partenaires (SDE et MRC). Ce travail permettra de préciser les besoins des utilisateurs, de tester les fonctionnalités les plus utiles et de définir un modèle d’affaires viable pour le déploiement du produit.

Pour l’organisme partenaire Territoire Intelligence inc., ce projet représente une étape clé vers la commercialisation de sa solution. Il permettra d’accélérer le passage de l’idée à un produit concret, d’attirer de nouveaux partenaires technologiques (CCTT, municipalités) et de contribuer à une meilleure utilisation des données au service du développement économique durable au Québec.