Projets novateurs réalisés

Élaboration d’un cadre méthodologique pour l’évaluation de la valeur thérapeutique et économique des médicaments orphelins dérivés du plasma dans un contexte de données limitées.

Ce projet est axé sur l’élaboration d’un cadre méthodologique pour l’évaluation de la valeur thérapeutique et économique des médicaments orphelins dérivés du plasma dans un contexte de données limitées et ce, en vue du remboursement par les payeurs publics. La particularité des maladies rares est la population très restreinte qui est affectée. Ainsi, mener des études cliniques à grande échelle capables de démontrer l’efficacité du traitement représente un défi majeur. Ce défi se transmet aux analyses pharmacoéconomiques et évaluations des technologies de la santé (ETS) requises lors des soumissions aux payeurs publics. Ce projet permettra d’outiller la compagnie afin de faciliter l’accès au remboursement pour ces patients.

Validation comparative d’un nouveau modèle épidémiologique de l’Agence canadienne des médicaments face à un modèle basé sur les données de réclamations dans le contexte de l’hypertension au Canada

Ce projet de recherche vise à vérifier si un nouveau modèle épidémiologique développé par l’Agence canadienne des médicaments (ACM) est meilleur que le modèle actuellement utilisé, basé sur les demandes de remboursement, pour évaluer l’hypertension artérielle (HTA). L’HTA est un problème de santé courant au Canada, touchant environ une personne sur cinq. L’étude débutera par un examen approfondi des données disponibles sur cette maladie, notamment grâce à des sources fiables telles que le Conseil d’examen du prix des médicaments brevetés et Hypertension Canada. Ensuite, les chercheurs vont créer leur propre modèle à partir des demandes de remboursement, en intégrant des critères importants comme les différences démographiques, le risque cardiovasculaire et les coûts associés au traitement. Enfin, ils compareront les deux modèles afin de voir lequel est le plus précis. Ce projet permettra à l’organisation partenaire de mieux comprendre la fiabilité du nouveau modèle ACM, contribuant ainsi à améliorer les décisions en matière de santé publique et de gestion des coûts médicaux.

Development and testing of networked equipment program

In this project, the objective is to design and develop a mechanism for building networking solutions that would be used for automatic communication of machinery devices in the Utility facilities. For this purpose, the intern will conduct a research on the requirements of the desired applications in the target industry and extract the technical parameters that need to be considered. Also, he will study the potential in the existing technologies for enabling these communications. Based on this research, the intern will design a mechanism for using the existing technologies for the desired applications. This mechanism will be implemented in a program which will make it possible to specify the network sites, devices and connections while meeting the requirements of the industry applications and the potential technologies. The developed program will help the partner company to facilitate the networking solutions of the client industries.

Investigation and Methodology Design for the Optimization of Ontario-Specific Payroll Computations, Enhancement of Data Security, and Real-Time Testing for a Data-Driven Payroll System for SMEs

Seyon Tax & Accounting is a Toronto-based firm specializing in tax filing, payroll administration, and compliance services for Canadian businesses and individuals. In collaboration with WIMTACH-CEDA, Seyon Tax has been building a cloud-based payroll management platform tailored to Ontario’s regulatory environment. As the platform moves toward production readiness, the organization aims to undertake targeted applied research to strengthen core system components and ensure performance, compliance, and scalability ahead of production deployment. The research will concentrate on advancing core system components critical to production deployment. This includes the refinement payroll computations, the enhancement of logic governing income, benefits, and statutory deductions, and the reinforcement of data security infrastructure. Additionally, the project will investigate the performance tuning of backend APIs to ensure responsiveness at scale. A significant focus will also be placed on validating CRA-compliant payroll reports. These refinements will be guided by empirical testing with real users, allowing for iterative improvements to both user experience and system performance. This research is critical for Seyon Tax to ensure the platform’s readiness to meet complex, real-world payroll scenarios with precision and efficiency. The anticipated benefits include increased operational capacity, reduced manual processing errors, enhanced client satisfaction, and the ability to serve a broader range of businesses navigating the evolving Canadian employment landscape.

Bosonic Theory via Nonstandard Harmonic Analysis

The project is part of the PhD research conducted by Madeline Berezowski. It is also part of a multifaceted research program developed collaboratively by Dr. Sowa and Dr. Fransson. It revolves around the idea of developing custom mathematical methods in support of frontier quantum physics research. Our specific target is an analysis of systems of bosons and the anisotropic spin chains, and their quantum phase transitions. Our theoretical insights will support experimental inquiry into the fundamental properties of quantum matter. They will also furnish new paths toward the deployment of quantum-resource-enhanced technologies.

AI model development for predicting powder coat thickness distributions

Surface coatings are an important part of many industries (e.g., aerospace, automotive) owing to their practical benefits. In particular, powder coating is now quite common given its ease of use, durability and eco-friendliness. Controlling the uniformity of the coating is highly desirable to improve the efficiency of the technique and to progress toward its automation. Powder coating presents a complex multiphysics problem. It is challenging to obtain a uniform coating thickness by optimizing the process parameters through simulation. This project aims to develop an AI-driven model to predict coating thickness distribution arising from arbitrary powder coating parameters.
NeurobotIA and Cadence want to use the AI model to develop and commercialize an automated powder coating technology as well as use the architecture to develop new applications (e.g., AI-assisted soldering). The vision of NeurobotIA is to continue to address labour shortages through technological solutions in collaboration with academic institutions, which will strengthen both industry and universities in Canada.

L’aide multicritère à la décision pour la priorisation des services au CIUSSS-CN

Ce projet vise à créer un outil d’aide à la décision pour aider le CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale à mieux prioriser ses services de santé. Il s’inscrit dans une démarche de recherche-action, en collaboration avec différents acteurs du milieu. L’outil reposera sur une méthode d’évaluation multicritère (AMCD) qui prend en compte des éléments à la fois quantitatifs (comme les ressources disponibles) et qualitatifs (comme les besoins des usagers). Ce type d’approche permet de concilier plusieurs points de vue et d’aboutir à un processus de décision plus juste, transparent et accepté socialement. L’objectif est de mieux adapter l’offre de services aux besoins réels de la population et aux capacités du CIUSSS, tout en respectant ses obligations. Le projet vise également à assurer une plus grande équité entre les usagers. En fin de compte, cela devrait améliorer l’efficacité du système et la qualité des soins pour tous les usagers.

Development of novel TiC based grain refiner for aluminum 319 alloy

The goal of this project is to develop a novel titanium carbide grain refiner for improving the strength of the lightweight aluminum 319 alloy. Enhanced use of lightweight alloys in automobiles, currently limited because of their strength, can enable auto industry to manufacture lighter and more fuel efficient vehicles. Titanium carbide, due to its ability to modify the structure of the casting during solidification, can significantly improve the strength of the 319 alloy. However the main challenge is to control the Ti:C ratio in the melt for effective modification. Thus, in this study, a pre alloyed ultrafine TiC powder will be added to the molten 319 alloy. Casting and mechanical testing will be carried out at USc. The stability of the TiC particles in the melt during casting solidification and their refinement mechanism will be studied by advanced characterization techniques using equipment available at laboratories at lISe

TRLUP–IPMNowApp

The proposed project will leverage AI technology and citizen science to improve the efficient and responsible use of pesticides in agriculture. Farmers and agronomists face significant challenges in identifying insect species in their crops. Many insects look similar, but while some are harmful pests causing severe crop losses, others are beneficial, acting as natural pest controllers or pollinators. Misidentification leads to unnecessary pesticide use, increased production costs, environmental harm, and reduced yields. There is a lack of accessible, real-time tools to support accurate insect identification and provide effective, sustainable pest management strategies.
We are developing a mobile application powered by artificial intelligence that enables users to identify insects instantly through a simple photo. The app, called “IPM Now”, distinguishes between pests, beneficial insects, and pollinators. It georeferenced each observation, contributing to a dynamic, crowd-sourced database of insect presence. Beyond identification, the app provides tailored integrated pest management recommendations based on the specific crop and location, promoting sustainable practices by combining cultural, biological, and chemical control options when necessary. Our solution empowers farmers, agronomists, and agricultural consultants with real-time, science-based decision-making tools. By reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides and encouraging the conservation of beneficial insects, the app supports both economic and environmental sustainability. It has the potential to decrease crop losses, lower input costs, and enhance biodiversity in agroecosystems. Additionally, the growing database will offer valuable insights into pest and beneficial insect dynamics across regions, supporting research, policy-making, and precision agriculture initiatives.
Our business model is structured to scale over time, both in terms of features and geographic reach. Participating in the TRL program will provide us with the applied research environment and commercialization training needed to move IPM Now toward a higher Technology Readiness Level.

TRLUP preparing GradFinder for Launch: Enhancing AI, Security, and Usability for Graduate Recruitment

GradFinder is an AI-powered platform that connects students looking for thesis-based graduate positions with professors who are actively recruiting. Right now, students waste time searching dozens of university websites and sending cold emails, while professors are overwhelmed with unqualified inquiries. This project will help GradFinder move from a working beta version to a polished, scalable platform ready for launch across Canada. With support through this program, GradFinder will improve its AI matching system, strengthen data privacy and security, and build new tools to make the platform easier to use. These upgrades will help the company attract more users, build trust, and successfully bring its solution to market, saving time for both students and professors in the graduate recruitment process.

Évaluation des besoins des populations d’expression anglaise au Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Au cours du projet, le ou la stagiaire travaillera en collaboration avec l’organisme partenaire, ECO-02, pour construire des activités participatives inclusives permettant d’évaluer les besoins et les enjeux de cette population dans le but de proposer des solutions pour améliorer leur qualité de vie. La méthodologie comprend une période d’observation des activités du partenaire pour mieux adapter l’intervention, une revue de la littérature pour assurer l’inclusivité des activités, la conception et la réalisation de trois à quatre activités d’animation sur les enjeux et besoins de la communauté anglophone et une activité d’animation sur les pistes de solution. Les résultats obtenus serviront à l’élaboration de la prochaine planification stratégique d’ECO-02 et contribueront à assurer une meilleure qualité de vie pour la communauté anglophone du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

TRLUP – Conceptual study of next-generation spacecraft components

The global space sector has seen massive growth in recent years, fueled by lower launch costs and increased commercial access. Yet, many spacecrafts still rely on decade-old hardware designs. Innovation in spacecraft components remains limited. The industry’s strong preference for “space heritage” makes it slow to adopt cutting-edge systems, even if they are flight-proven by major science missions like the James Webb Space Telescope.

In Canada, 93% of space companies are small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and are disproportionately affected by this issue. While Canadian firms are highly active in R&D, many innovations become “technology orphans”. These are technically viable solutions that are commercially un-adopted due to limited flight heritage. Space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency have launched technology demonstration programs to validate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or industrial components in space. This project explores how the outputs of that program can be repurposed to meet the needs of Canadian space SMEs and reduce the risk of “technology orphan” solutions in aerospace R&D.

The project will combine technology scouting, stakeholder interviews, and early-stage prototyping to identify and develop a minimum viable product (MVP) concept. The project will focus on optical components such as infrared cameras or multispectral imagers to reflect the intern’s academic background, though other concepts may be explored based on industry needs and opportunity. Through a structured 4-month program, the intern will deliver a business report, concept prototype, and pitch deck. These outputs will assess both the technical feasibility and market potential of selected concepts to build a practical bridge between under-utilized flight-ready technology and real business needs in Canada’s evolving space ecosystem.