Projets novateurs réalisés

L2M Validate / Qc Winter 2026 / plugs.run

Ce projet vise à simplifier la création d’applications sur plusieurs plateformes (web, mobile et bureau) grâce à une nouvelle approche basée sur des composants logiciels réutilisables. Plutôt que de recréer les mêmes fonctionnalités pour chaque système, les développeurs pourront assembler des blocs prêts à l’emploi, ce qui réduit le temps, le coût et la complexité du développement. Cette technologie sera particulièrement utile dans des domaines nécessitant des fonctionnalités avancées, comme la visualisation 3D ou des interfaces interactives. Grâce au programme, nous rencontrerons des organisations et des spécialistes du secteur afin de mieux comprendre leurs besoins et d’adapter la solution à des cas d’usage réels. Le projet permettra également de renforcer la valorisation de ses travaux de recherche et d’orienter le développement futur vers une solution commercialement viable.

Identifying phenotypes of prematurity-associated lung disease in Nova Scotia and Western Australia

Globally approximately 13.4 million babies are born too early or preterm each year. Many people born preterm, have lung disease causing breathing difficulties, that progresses throughout their lives. This prematurity-associated lung disease is complex and can look very different from person to person, making it harder to diagnose and treat. Some individuals show characteristics that are similar to other lung diseases such as Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is currently no evidence-based clinical guidelines on how to treat people born preterm with prematurity-associated lung disease. Categorizing the different characteristics of lung disease among individuals in this population would be a step towards better understanding this disease and applying targeted treatments.
We aim to develop different lung disease profiles (or phenotypes) in populations born preterm in both Western Australia and Nova Scotia, so that we can determine what characteristics to target to treatments in these individuals. This project will use specialized statistical methods, to group together different individuals based on similar respiratory characteristics. Figuring out specific profiles of prematurity-associated lung disease will help to identify lung disease earlier and target treatments to the individual’s unique needs to improve their lung health sooner and more effectively.

L2M Validate / Qc Winter 2026 / AI CoPilot for Descriptive Embryo quality Grading

This project aims to develop an AI-assisted decision-support system for embryo quality assessment in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories. Current evaluation methods, such as the Gardner grading system, rely on subjective visual assessment, leading to high inter- and intra-observer variability that affects clinical decisions and training consistency.

The proposed system will combine computer vision and natural language processing (NLP) to automatically analyze embryo images, suggest standardized Gardner-style grades, and generate clear morphological descriptions in clinical terminology. Unlike existing “black box” AI tools, this co-pilot emphasizes interpretability and transparency, showing which visual features influence its assessments.

Developed as a human-in-the-loop tool, the system supports embryologists rather than replacing them, improving consistency, documentation, and training across IVF labs. The project also aligns with Canada’s priorities in AI-driven healthcare innovation, bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application in reproductive medicine.

L2M Validate / Qc Winter 2026 / CytoReGen

Le projet CytoReGen vise à transformer le CO2, un gaz à effet de serre problématique, en méthane renouvelable utilisable comme source d’énergie propre. Pour ce faire, l’équipe se charge de développer un bioréacteur innovant qui utilise des enzymes spéciales pour fixer et convertir le CO2 industriel en méthane, créant ainsi une solution doublement bénéfique : réduire les émissions polluantes tout en produisant du gaz naturel vert. Le stagiaire réalisera une étude approfondie du marché canadien pour identifier les industries intéressées par cette technologie (producteurs de biogaz, usines émettrices de CO2, secteur des déchets), évaluer le potentiel commercial du procédé, et préparer une stratégie de commercialisation incluant la protection intellectuelle du bioréacteur par brevet. Pour l’organisme partenaire, ce projet permettra de valider la viabilité commerciale d’une technologie prometteuse, d’établir des contacts avec de futurs clients et partenaires industriels, de structurer un modèle d’affaires solide pour la création d’une startup en biotechnologie verte, et de positionner l’organisation comme leader dans l’innovation en capture et valorisation du carbone au Québec et au Canada.

L2M Validate / Qc Winter 2026 / CyberSoc_AI

Le projet CyberSoc_AI vise à rendre la cybersécurité des organisations plus intelligente et plus efficace grâce à l’intelligence artificielle explicable. Aujourd’hui, les centres de surveillance informatique (SOC) reçoivent chaque jour des milliers d’alertes, dont une grande partie sont des faux positifs. Cette surcharge ralentit les équipes et augmente les risques d’incidents non détectés. Le stagiaire analysera le marché canadien de la cybersécurité afin de comprendre les besoins réels des entreprises et organismes publics, puis validera la pertinence d’une solution d’IA capable de filtrer, regrouper et expliquer ces alertes de manière claire et transparente. Ce projet contribuera à réduire les coûts liés aux incidents, à renforcer la protection des données sensibles et à accroître la confiance numérique dans les secteurs critiques du Canada, tout en soutenant l’innovation locale et la formation de talents hautement qualifiés.

L2M Validate / Qc Winter 2026 / Optimizing Recycling of Polyamide 6- Upcycling with Polymer-polymer composite,

Polyamide (PA), particularly PA6 and PA66, is a vital engineering polymer used in automotive, aerospace, electrical, and textile industries because of its strength, heat resistance, and durability. However, most commercial grades are petroleum-based, energy-intensive, and difficult to recycle due to strong hydrogen bonding and high melting temperatures. In Canada, the recycling and upcycling of polyamide remain extremely limited: post-industrial and post-consumer waste is often downcycled or exported, leading to the loss of valuable materials and a higher environmental footprint.

The Canadian PA6 market reached USD 473.9 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 745.9 million by 2030 (CAGR 6.7 %). Yet the recycled segment remains small, though it could expand by ~9 % annually between 2026–2033. In Québec, several SMEs process PA6 and PA66 components for transportation and aerospace sectors, generating up to 10 % post-industrial scrap that is rarely recovered. Despite having 25 plastic recyclers listed by RECYC-Québec, none currently process polyamides—raising the question of what happens to this valuable waste stream. Successful polyamide recyclers abroad prove that the opportunity is both technically and economically viable.

This project aims to address this gap through a twofold innovation. First, it will develop reactive additives to restore molecular weight, melt strength, and mechanical integrity during PA6/PA66 recycling, enabling recycled grades that rival virgin resins. Second, it will create a lightweight polyamide-based composite to replace PA–glass-fiber systems in automotive and aerospace applications, offering comparable strength, higher impact resistance, and lower density for improved fuel efficiency.

Fully recyclable and aligned with circular-economy goals, this initiative will transform Québec’s untapped polyamide waste into high-value, sustainable materials, strengthening Canada’s polymer innovation ecosystem and creating new industrial and investment opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Bacterial genome integrity under growth-limiting conditions

Many bacteria live in environments where food and energy are scare. When this happens, they may start copying their DNA and then run out of resources mid-way, puuting their genetic material at risk of damage. This project will study how Escherichia coli protects its DNA under sudden nutrient starvation. We will track whether cells finish copying their DNA or stall , and we will identify the proteins that help stabilize and repair the copying machinery during stress. To do this, we will use safe lab strains with flow cytometry and live-cell fluorescence imaging , as well as a pull-down method (iPOND) to capture proteins located at sites of newly made DNA. The results will improve our basic understanding of microbial survival, inform future biotechnology, and support training in advanced experimental methods.

Biological evaluation of a novel 1,4-diazine scaffold as potential neuraminidase inhibitors for anticancer and antimicrobial strategies

Development of novel pharmaceutical agents typically starts from an initial “hit” compound. These initial hits are then optimized using chemical synthesis and then tested for activity. Many active agents are designed based on known starting compounds. These previously identified compounds serve as a starting scaffold on which to make modifications that will improve activity. In this proposal, we plan to investigate novel scaffolds that would allow targeting of a class of enzymes, known as neuraminidases, that are found in humans, bacteria, and viruses. Neuraminidase enzymes cleave terminal sugar residues from glycoproteins in cells and play roles in normal human physiology and disease. The viral neuraminidases are the enzymes targeted by oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which are used as antivirals. Current scaffolds used to target neuraminidase enzymes are synthetically challenging and novel scaffolds could help identify new classes of inhibitors. As part of this proposal, an intern will work in a Canadian laboratory to test a series of compounds they synthesized using a novel scaffold designed to target neuraminidases. In Canada, the intern will learn biochemical assays to validate their compounds against human and bacterial neuraminidase enzymes. Compounds will also be characterized for properties that could indicate their potential for use as pharmaceuticals.

Research, identify, develop and test innovative use cases community and societal issues to support advancing smart cities capabilities

SimplyCast is an ISO 27001:2013-certified, all-in-one hyperautomation platform that operates on a no-code basis. The management has created a distinctive Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution that integrates communication, marketing, engagement, and emergency communication functionalities into a unified platform. This exceptional platform offers unparalleled capabilities for both present and future use cases. One of the major advantages for clients is SimplyCast’s ability to seamlessly incorporate new use cases into the platform without disrupting existing processes. This aspect is a crucial value proposition of the SimplyCast platform, enabling businesses to secure growth capital and effectively scale as new use cases emerge in the market.??

The company’s main goal is to develop use cases that can be deployed by cities, villages, provinces, and Canada-wide that can improve citizen’s lives in every aspect. Municipalities across North America are facing increasing pressure to manage aging infrastructure, optimize limited budgets, and respond quickly to citizen needs. Current systems for asset management, permitting, inspections, incident reporting, and crew scheduling are often fragmented, highly manual, or reliant on expensive legacy solutions. These gaps result in inefficiencies, slower response times, and higher operational costs, and this is where SimplyCast can help. The project will assist SimplyCast in designing a solution that enables municipalities to efficiently manage work orders, inspections, incidents, and permits and that will Integrate IoT sensor data and predictive analytics for proactive maintenance, providing mobile-ready, user-friendly tools for crews and citizens. SimplyCast is aware that what they will build will be competing with established platforms such as Citadel, LLumin, and Cityworks, but can offer a more flexible, cost-effective, and citizen-focused alternative.

L2M-LigandQI: Accelerating drug discovery with quantum-powered insight

This project will launch LigandQI, a next-generation Contract Research Organization (CRO) that empowers researchers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors with advanced molecular-interaction analysis. LigandQI applies state-of-the-art quantum chemistry and computational modeling to reveal, with exceptional precision, how drug candidates bind to their target proteins, enabling faster, more accurate lead optimization. Through the Lab2Market Launch program, the team will identify pilot partners, demonstrate the scientific and commercial value of its services, and secure its first industry contract. By supporting the creation of this deep-tech venture, DMZ Ventures will help establish a Canadian CRO that bridges cutting-edge science and industry needs, accelerating drug discovery and strengthening Canada’s global leadership in health innovation.

L2M Validate / Qc Winter 2026 / Antenna sensor for monitoring applications

This project focuses on advancing a novel battery-free, antenna-based sensor platform designed for continuous wireless monitoring in healthcare and environmental applications. The technology enables the creation of thin, flexible, and low-cost “sticker-like” sensors that operate without batteries or wired power. These sensors can detect key parameters such as temperature, humidity, and pH, transmitting real-time data remotely to improve decision-making and reduce maintenance costs. In healthcare, the technology targets the urgent need for smarter chronic-wound monitoring. Current manual wound assessments are time-consuming and prone to delays that increase infection risk and healthcare costs. The proposed sensor acts as a smart bandage capable of wirelessly reporting wound moisture and pH levels, to continuously track healing progress and alert caregivers, allowing early intervention and improving patient outcomes. In parallel, the same platform can be customized and deployed for environmental monitoring, such as detecting early signs of wildfires through temperature and humidity changes, supporting rapid response and minimizing damage. Through the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship and the Lab2Market Validate program, the intern will perform market validation, stakeholder engagement, and business-model development to transform this academic innovation into a viable commercial opportunity. This includes identifying customer needs, analyzing competitors, and assessing regulatory pathways. For the partner organization, this project provides access to an innovative, sustainable technology that aligns with Canada’s goals in digital health, green technology, and climate resilience. The expected outcome is a validated commercialization plan and market strategy that demonstrate how this antenna-based sensor can create social and economic value through improved health outcomes and early environmental risk detection.

Keypoint-Based Behavior Detection and Individual Identification in Nile Tilapia

Aquaculture needs scalable, noninvasive tools that can see what farmers miss. This project will build an AI system that recognizes individual Nile tilapia and flags behavior shifts signaling stress or disease. Using YOLO for fast detection and a key-point model for anatomical landmarks, we will extract precise coordinates for the snout, operculum, fin bases, and tips. From these points, we compute distances, angles, and motion cues to create stable biometric signatures and behavior indicators robust to growth and lighting changes. Data will be captured in Brazil with high-resolution imaging under controlled conditions and rigorously annotated; modeling and validation will be led at Dalhousie in Canada, in close collaboration with UNESP. The outcome is a noninvasive, scalable pipeline that enables longitudinal identification, early-warning dashboards, and reproducible welfare analytics. Expected benefits include reduced manual handling, faster health interventions, improved feed conversion, and stronger selective-breeding programs through objective phenotypes. The project will deliver a curated dataset, open methods, and a proof-of-concept tool ready for farm pilots, positioning Dalhousie and UNESP as leaders in digital aquaculture and strengthening Canada–Brazil research ties. By pairing computer vision with aquaculture science, we aim to set a new benchmark for precision husbandry and sustainable fish production at scale.