Projets novateurs réalisés

L2M – DeepSimu: Next Generation of Deep Learning Frameworks

DeepSimu, the next generation of Deep Learning (DL) frameworks, is proposed to deal with the challenges which Artificial Intelligence (AI) practitioners are facing nowadays when using the available Machine Learning (ML) tools such as Tensorflow, Pytorch, Keras and ScikitLearn. While these frameworks necessitate high level python programming skills like object-oriented programming, DeepSimu has made a huge shortcut in the process of learning AI by eliminating Python from it. This novel framework presents a block diagram environment where different elements of a deep learning model such as Dense layers, Convolutional layers, Recurrent layers, and Attention layers are represented in the form of some blocks. The user can easily arrange these blocks according to the desired architecture and link them by drawing some lines between them. While Canada is considered as the birthplace of DL and modern AI in the world, it plays no significant role in the business of DL frameworks. As countries around the world race to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), a recent study found that Canada is falling behind. In a recent study from KPMG, Canada ranked 44th in AI training and literacy out of 47 countries, and 28th among 30 advanced economies. The study surveyed over 48,000 people in 30 advanced economies and 17 emerging economies, including 1,025 people in Canada. DeepSimu is believed to be a milestone for Canada in the business of AI. It is expected to facilitates and accelerates the process of learning and teaching AI in Canada. This innovation will result in increasing the number of people knowing how to work with AI in Canada and generally speaking would make a dramatic change in the public confidence toward AI.

Cross-National Comparison of Family Mental Health in the Context of Autism Spectrum Disorders: France vs. Canada

This research project aims to conduct a cross-national comparison of family mental health in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) between France and Canada. The first step will involve harmonizing data from two national cohorts (ELENA in France and PATHWAYS in Canada) by identifying common or comparable mental health measures and family characteristics. Using the R software, the student will then conduct statistical analyses to compare the two cohorts. This research will contribute to the writing of a scientific article as part of the student’s doctoral thesis, in collaboration with both the French and Canadian research teams. The project is expected to strengthen collaboration between the two teams and support future joint research projects, while promoting better harmonization of data collection practices between the two countries to allow more meaningful international comparisons.

Next-Generation Wound Dressings: MOF-Loaded 3D-Printed Hydrogels for Diabetic Ulcer Treatment

Diabetic foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes, often leading to serious infections and even limb amputations. These chronic wounds heal poorly due to prolonged inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. This project aims to develop an advanced wound dressing that combines natural and synthetic materials with innovative nanotechnology to improve healing outcomes. The dressing is based on a hydrogel made from Furcellaran (a seaweed-derived polymer), poly(vinyl alcohol), and glycerol. This formulation supports moisture retention, flexibility, and cell growth. To enhance its healing power, the hydrogel will be embedded with nanozymes—tiny, enzyme-like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can reduce oxidative stress and fight bacteria. Using 3D printing, the dressing can be customized to fit irregular wounds, offering precise and effective treatment. The goal is to accelerate healing, reduce infection risk, and lower healthcare costs for diabetic patients. This international collaboration brings together CEITEC Brno University of Technology and the University of Waterloo. CEITEC focuses on hydrogel development, while Waterloo contributes expertise in nanomaterials and biological testing. The project not only addresses a critical medical need but also supports global goals for health innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research.

De nuisance à ressource : valoriser une espèce envahissante pour dépolluer un écosystème aquatique

Ce projet appuie les efforts de restauration du lac Osisko, situé à Rouyn-Noranda, un plan d’eau fortement contaminé par des activités industrielles. Le but est d’évaluer le potentiel d’une méthode écologique appelée phytoremédiation, qui utilise des plantes pour extraire les polluants. L’étude portera sur le myriophylle à épis, une plante aquatique envahissante déjà présente dans le lac. Nous analyserons sa répartition, sa biomasse et sa capacité à accumuler les contaminants, afin de déterminer si son retrait pourrait aider à assainir le milieu.

Le projet renforce les travaux de recherche en cours à l’UQAT et s’appuie sur l’expertise de l’Université de Tuscia en Italie. Il permettra à la stagiaire de développer des compétences pratiques en terrain, en laboratoire et en analyse de données, tout en favorisant une collaboration internationale. Les résultats pourront guider les décisions locales pour la restauration du lac, tout en sensibilisant la population à la protection de l’environnement.

Assistant au développement des affaires chez HeatConnect

Étude de marché et développement de l’intégration et du déploiement de la solution innovante de chauffage écoénergétique HeatConnect, chauffage par revalorisation de rejets thermiques produits par des centres de données décentralisés, au sein du marché industriel nord-américain. Par ce développement stratégique, FirstBlock souhaite étendre ses activités aux États-Unis, en plus de diversifier ses opérations au sein des procédés industriels les plus énergivores et polluants en Amérique du Nord.

New Directions Try Program Assistant Instructor

The New Directions Try program works with youth on a wide scale of risk levels to help them achieve their goals. All the youth in the program have something working against them such as mental or physical disabilities, CPS involvement, and even charges against them and our job is to help set them up for success despite these factors. Whether their goal is to return and finish school or to enter the work force, the Try Program are equipped with the knowledge and resources to help get them there. The youth work in a class room style setting and will experience cultural activities as well as academic outings. New Directions is prepared to help these youth with whatever challenges they may face and create a safe space within their building for the youth to grow and flourish. The youth have opportunities to gain work experience in their onsite cafe and gain training such as food handlers as first aid/cpr training. The goal is to help these youth find their footings and get them ready to live out in society on their own.

Cultivating Financial Literacy & Mentorship for Indigenous Communities – IndigenousTech.ai – June 2- Sep 26

Since our company was founded, IndigenousTech.ai Corporation (IndigenousTech.ai) has focused on improving the quality of life for Indigenous peoples living on reserve. To advance economic development, self-determination, and reconciliation of Indigenous communities in Canada, our company offers financial literacy training, housing reviews, credit projects, implementations of new technologies for remote communities, professional skills, and mentorship programs. IndigenousTech.ai has established a wide network and trust with over forty (40+) Indigenous communities across the country and continues to grow our footprint. The Summer Internship for 2025 will specifically involve hiring one Indigenous intern (facilitator) for the summer to them on project management, event planning, customer service, information security, and further training in financial literacy and technology certification programs that will then deploy to between 20 and 30 Indigenous high school students (for July and August) across the country.

Développement et mise en production d’une fonctionnalité d’outils de création d’itinéraire pour une plateforme B2B d’approvisionnement en circuits courts

Ce projet vise à concevoir et développer des d’outils de création, de visualisation, de gestion et de suivi d’itinéraires de livraison, intégrée à une plateforme numérique d’approvisionnement local en circuit court. Ces fonctionnalités permettront d’optimiser les opérations logistiques, en particulier les livraisons et le suivi des commandes pour les utilisateurs de la plateforme, en particulier les regroupements de producteurs et les pôles logistiques alimentaires.

Lab2Market Validation / Québec Autonomne 2025 / Biosynthèse industrielle de molécules anticancer

Le cancer touche en moyenne deux canadiens sur cinq, et chaque personne atteinte du cancer a une chance sur quatre d’en mourir. La recherche contre le cancer est l’une des plus actives dans le monde, et des traitements sont déjà mis à la dispositions des malades. Mais tous les cancers ne sont pas encore curables et la recherche de molécules à fort potentiel thérapeutiques est toujours critique. Parmi les molécules prometteuses, l’acide bétulinique et l’inotodiol sont étudiées car elles pourraient permettre la guérison de cancers encore difficiles à traiter aujourd’hui. Seulement ces molécules sont extraites d’un champignon appelé le Chaga, qui est un champignon parasite. Il est donc très difficile de le cultiver pour en extraire les molécules actives. L’entreprise que je cherche à développer essaie de le faire pousser en laboratoire dans différentes conditions pour obtenir ces molécules actives à moindre prix, de façon stable et durable. Nous développons les protocoles de croissance, de contrôle de l’environnement, et d’extractions afin de rendre les molécules accessibles au monde hospitalier et aux centres de recherche anticancer. De plus le champignon étant riche en minéraux, vitamines, et antioxydants, peut-être ensuite transformé pour faire des suppléments alimentaires, voire des farines nutritives. Le projet viserait donc à rentabiliser l’entièreté du champignon pour améliorer différents pans de la santé humaine.

L2M – Smart Sock

This project aims to explore the commercial potential of the Smart Sock, a wearable medical device developed at University of British Columbia that provides comfortable, at-home compression therapy for people at risk of blood clots. Unlike bulky or hard-to-use devices currently on the market, the Smart Sock is soft, portable, and designed to help patients, especially the elderly, to improve blood flow in their legs. Through this project, we will conduct market research, study how the product can fit into patient care, and develop a plan to bring it to market. The expected benefit to the partner organization is a clear strategy for launching the Smart Sock, including a defined target market, a strong business model, and a roadmap for future growth.

L2M – InspiroMark

This project will support the advancement of a new medical device designed to assist cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists during and after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures. When patients receive bypass grafts, clinicians often need to perform follow-up angiograms to assess whether the grafts are functioning properly. The new device being developed is designed to help cardiac teams quickly identify grafts, supporting faster, safer, and more accurate follow-up care. For the partner organization, this work will help de-risk key aspects of the product’s development, strengthen relationships with early adopters, and accelerate the pathway to hospital adoption. It will also provide critical market and operational insights needed to guide commercialization and scale the impact of the technology.

L2M Validation / Qc Automne 2025 / Ready, Set, Swim: Application of spectrofluorophotometry (FEEM) for better pathogen detection in Quebec’s recreational waters

Municipal beach managers across Canada face an impossible dilemma every summer: close beaches preventively and lose tourism revenue, or risk exposing swimmers to dangerous sewage contamination from aging infrastructure that overflows during heavy rainfall. Current water testing takes 24-48 hours and measures bacteria that poorly indicate actual health risks from viruses, forcing managers to make decisions with outdated, unreliable information. This project will validate the commercial potential of a revolutionary water monitoring system that uses light-based technology to detect viral contamination in real-time, enabling immediate decision-making about beach safety. Through 100+ interviews with municipal managers, public health officials, and regulatory bodies, the intern will assess market demand, understand procurement processes, and develop viable business models for this innovation. The technology could transform reactive, costly emergency testing (currently $28,000 annually per small beach) into proactive risk management, protecting both public health and tourism economies. For partner organization V1 Studio, this project validates their mission to commercialize university research that addresses critical societal challenges while demonstrating their expertise in guiding complex environmental health technologies through market validation in highly regulated sectors, positioning them as leaders in Canadian cleantech commercialization.