Projets novateurs réalisés

L2M Launch / Qc Fall 2025 / Spheralis Biolabs

We are developing a new class of antibiotics to treat udder infections in dairy cows caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a particularly difficult and costly problem for farmers. While udder infections in general cost the Canadian dairy industry over $800?million each year, those caused by S. aureus are especially challenging to treat, often leading to milk losses, animal culling, and long-term herd impacts. Our solution is a targeted, animal-compatible antibiotic designed to reach the bacteria inside udder cells—something current treatments struggle to do. Through the L2M Launch program, we aim to refine our market entry strategy, outline our product development plan, and explore funding and partnership models. The program will benefit by helping transform a high-potential university innovation into a real-world solution that improves animal health, reduces on-farm losses, and builds entrepreneurial skills for the next generation of research-driven leaders.

L2M: Development of LuzCornea platform for treating corneal disorders

The goal of this project will be to facilitate the commercializations of LuzCornea, a material to help repair corneas for people with poor vision. To do this, a way to make large volumes of LuzCornea material must be developed in order to help as many people as possible with poor vision and to reduce the price of the final product. LuzCornea material is light activated meaning it transforms into a gel upon exposure to blue light. As a result, a light device that can deliver blue light to the cornea at a certain intensity that is safe for the eye should be developed. Another goal is to develop a regulatory strategy to be used for LuzCornea. We need to determine which countries we will apply for regulatory approval and what tests we need to do to show the reviewers our product is safe. Lastly, we need to develop a clear financing plan so that we can have enough money to pay for future experiments.

L2M Launch / Qc Fall 2025 / Photonic switch for next-generation telecom interconnect

Ce projet vise à établir une stratégie de commercialisation viable pour la mise en marché d’un produit dérivé de travaux de recherche publique réalisés par le stagiaire. Le projet développera ce modèle pour un nouveau type de commutateur photonique, conçu pour répondre aux besoins émergents des centres de données, notamment en réduisant leur consommation énergétique et en augmentant la bande passante des centres de données et autre infrastructure liée au Data-com.

Pour soutenir cette démarche, le partenaire industriel mettra à la disposition du stagiaire des ressources et un encadrement professionnel lui permettant de définir un marché cible et une stratégie de croissance, de préciser son offre de produit initiale et son plan de développement, ainsi que d’évaluer la viabilité financière de l’entreprise potentielle.

Optimisation des processus de libération des consommables utilisés dans la fabrication des produits de santé stériles et non stériles

Projet : Optimisation des processus de libération des consommables utilisés dans la fabrication des produits de santé stériles et non stériles.
Ce projet vise d’ optimiser les processus de qualité et de conformité réglementaire, La relâche des matériaux consommables est fondée sur des exigences réglementaires strictes, assurant le respect des standards de qualité requis pour la fabrication des produits de santé, qu’ils soient stériles ou non stériles. Le projet sera réalisé au site de Pharmascience à Candiac, situé au 100, boulevard de l’Industrie, Candiac (Québec) J5R 1J1, Canada, est dédié à la production de produits injectables stériles. Ce centre est approuvé par Santé Canada, l’Agence européenne des médicaments (EMA) et la Food and Drug Administration (FDA) des États-Unis. En plus des injectables, l’installation produit également des formes posologiques solides telles que des comprimés et des capsules. Le site abrite également le centre d’excellence mondial en recherche et développement (R&D) de Pharmascience, où une équipe de scientifiques pharmaceutiques travaille sur la formulation, le développement et la validation des normes de production et de qualité pour tous les nouveaux produits.

L2M – Natural Gas Photoreforming as Alternatives for Black hydrogen, Copper Wiring and Lithium-Ion Batteries Raw Materials

This project will help the partner organization develop a business plan and commercialization strategy for a new technology that uses light to turn methane into clean hydrogen and valuable carbon nanomaterials without releasing carbon dioxide. By building a clear profile of potential customers, mapping out how a production plant would operate, designing a business model, and developing pricing and product plans, the project will give the partner the tools needed to bring this innovative solution to market. This will support the partner’s growth and help Canada advance clean energy and advanced materials industries by reducing emissions and creating new economic opportunities

Analyzing the impact of delays in market access on patient outcomes among oncology patients in Canada

This project examines how delays in market access to innovative oncology treatments impact patient outcomes in Canada. Delays, caused by regulatory approval, pricing negotiations, reimbursement decisions, and administrative hurdles, can lead to disparities in treatment access across provinces. Conducted under Amaris Consulting’s Health Economics and Market Access (HEMA) division, the research aims to identify the key factors contributing to these delays and assess their economic and clinical consequences. The project will provide insights to optimize access timelines and improve patient outcomes.

TRULP-Spiritual power of vegetable plants as healing medicine (manitowi-kischihtowin nawach kayas nistamihowin iskwayihk)

Many Northern and Indigenous communities in Canada face significant health challenges, including high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. These conditions are often worsened by limited access to fresh, nutritious foods. This project seeks to address these issues by developing a functional food prototype made from nutrient-dense vegetables-such as broccoli microgreens-cultivated using advanced smart vertical farming technology.
In close collaboration with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) in Manitoba, we are co-developing a culturally appropriate, health-promoting food product that supports both community wellness and local food sovereignty. Our preliminary research has shown that broccoli microgreens grown under optimized smart farming conditions contain significantly higher levels of beneficial bioactive compounds compared to conventionally grown vegetables.
Over the coming months, we will focus on refining the food prototypes and evaluating their nutritional and functional qualities. In parallel, we will explore strategies to integrate Indigenous knowledge and preferences into product development, ensuring cultural relevance and community alignment. We will also assess the market potential of these products through various distribution and commercialization pathways.
By combining cutting-edge science, sustainable agriculture, and community-led innovation, this project offers a novel approach to combating chronic diseases through food-based, preventative solutions. Ultimately, it aims to foster healthier, more resilient, and self-sufficient communities across Canada, while serving as a model for inclusive and sustainable food innovation.

Cooperative Integrated Navigation Systems for GNSS-Challenging Environments

Connected Cars is an emerging technology that aims at enhancing driving experience and improving safety, productivity, and integrity of transportation systems. Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. (IMS) is a leader in telematics and infotainment technologies, including the convergence of both technologies in delivering the ultimate connected car experience. One of the core components in connected cars environment is an accurate and robust positioning system that can work in all environments. Current location technology is dominant by the popular Global Positioning System (GPS). However, GPS accuracy and availability are severely degraded in urban canyons and downtown areas due to high buildings and narrow streets. The proposed project aims at enhancing the infrastructure of IMS by developing a cooperative integrated navigation solution that improves accuracy and availability of navigation service in challenging environments such as urban canyons. The developed navigation system will reflect on the quality and efficiency of all IMS products.

L2M Validation / Qc Automne 2025 / Utilisation de la Robotique Autonome et de l’IA Multimodale pour la Surveillance de la Santé et des Émotions des Vaches Laitières

Le Québec compte environ 4?333 fermes laitières, produisant près de 3,5 milliards de litres de lait par an avec 361?000 vaches. Cette industrie représente près de 37?% de la production laitière canadienne, mais elle est confrontée à un défi de taille : l’absence d’outils technologiques intelligents, mobiles et autonomes pour surveiller en continu la santé et le bien-être émotionnel du troupeau.

Aujourd’hui, la détection des maladies (comme la mammite) repose principalement sur l’observation humaine, souvent ponctuelle, subjective et tardive. Cette approche engendre des pertes économiques allant jusqu’à 66?000?$/an pour un troupeau de 100 vaches touché par la mammite et compromet la qualité du lait. Par ailleurs, le Canada fait face à un ralentissement de sa productivité, exacerbé par le vieillissement de la main-d’œuvre agricole. Il est donc urgent d’innover pour améliorer la performance et la durabilité du secteur.

Ce projet vise à développer une solution robotisée basée sur l’intelligence artificielle multimodale capable de détecter automatiquement les signes de maladies et de stress émotionnel chez les vaches. Grâce à des capteurs intégrés et à une vision par ordinateur, le robot assurera une surveillance continue et non intrusive du troupeau, permettant une détection précoce et des interventions rapides.

Les retombées pour le Québec et le Canada sont multiples :

1. Amélioration du bien-être animal et de la qualité du lait ;
2. Réduction des pertes économiques dans les fermes ;
3. Accélération de la transition numérique du secteur agricole ;
4. Valorisation de l’innovation universitaire canadienne, avec une commercialisation prévue auprès des producteurs laitiers à travers le Programme Étudiant des Producteurs Laitiers du Canada.

Ce projet contribuera à positionner le Québec, et aussi le Canada, comme un chef de file en agriculture intelligente et durable.

TRLUP AI food therapist

Project Title:
AI-Powered Food Therapist for Health Monitoring and Dietary Therapy

Project Description:
This project is an innovative AI-powered health application designed to empower users to monitor their health through medical image analysis and receive personalized food therapy recommendations. Users can upload medical images—such as photos of their tongue, skin, eyes, or other relevant diagnostic visuals—through a user-friendly mobile interface. The system leverages advanced computer vision and machine learning models to analyze these images and detect potential health issues or imbalances.

Based on the AI-driven diagnosis, the application provides targeted suggestions for food therapy rooted in evidence-based nutrition science and traditional holistic approaches (e.g., Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or naturopathy, depending on configuration). The goal is to offer natural, food-based remedies that can support healing and improve overall wellness.

Core Features:
Medical Image Upload: Users can easily capture and upload images using their smartphones.

AI-Based Image Analysis: Deep learning models analyze images to identify potential health concerns or signs of imbalance.

Personalized Food Therapy: Based on the diagnosis, the app recommends foods, ingredients, and meal plans aimed at aiding recovery and supporting long-term health.

Self-Monitoring Dashboard: Users can track changes over time through image comparisons and health trend analytics.

Real-Time Feedback: Integrated with cloud functions for fast processing and real-time result delivery.

Target Users:
Individuals interested in proactive, natural approaches to health and wellness.

People managing chronic conditions who want complementary, food-based support.

Health-conscious users seeking personalized nutrition advice based on physical symptoms.

TRLUP– Towards Net-Zero Emissions: Catalyzing Low-Cost Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition, offering a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels for sectors like heavy industry and transport. However, its adoption remains limited due to high production costs—typically $4–6 per kilogram compared to $1–2 for fossil-based hydrogen. Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water using an electrolyzer powered by renewable electricity. Within these systems, electrodes are the core components where hydrogen is generated.
A major contributor to the high cost is the use of scarce, expensive materials like iridium, along with complex, multi-step electrode fabrication processes that are difficult to scale. These challenges drive up both capital (CAPEX) and operational (OPEX) costs, limiting large-scale deployment.
Our innovation addresses these barriers through a scalable, low-cost, two-step method that produces 3D micro/nano-structured nickel-based electrodes using abundant materials. The engineered architecture significantly boosts catalytic efficiency, reduces energy use by up to 40%, and cuts CAPEX and OPEX by at least 20%, making green hydrogen more affordable and commercially viable.
Our prototype has already been validated under semi-pilot lab conditions using advanced testing methods, confirming its superior performance and durability compared to commercial benchmarks.
This Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL^) program will focus on developing a minimum viable product (MVP) by scaling the electrode size and integrating it into small-scale electrolyzer cells that simulate real industrial environments. These full-cell tests, conducted at CNETE’s research facilities, will assess system compatibility, durability, and reproducibility under continuous operation.
We will also engage with industry collaborators like Thyssenkrupp Nucera to gather performance feedback, guide integration planning, and define a commercialization roadmap. The project will advance the technology’s readiness level and accelerate its path toward market adoption, supporting Canada’s leadership in clean hydrogen innovation.

TRLUP – NeuroSpritz

Electroencephalogram (EEG) setup and application are time consuming (current solutions involve ~50.3 minutes of setup/patient or participant) and requires expert application (making it inaccessible to many). The extensive time to setup EEGs limits the number of research participants and patients that a researcher or clinician can see in one day. This problem directly impacts research teams and clinicians as gatekeepers, and more generally affects those with neurological conditions who require an EEG. This time-consuming application leads to an EEG diagnostic wait time of greater than 6 months in 73% of Ontario clinics. The proposed solution is a refillable spray bottle which dispenses up to 19 disposable, wireless, floating microelectrodes onto a user’s head in the 10-20 system. Each electrode is carried through one channel, which sprays compressed air onto the patient’s scalp, followed by a high precision spray of conductive saline “hairspray” with the microelectrode. The process is completed with a spray of compressed air from an outer nozzle which rearranges hair to cover the wireless microelectrode(s). The dynamic nozzles adjust their trajectories using a flexure actuator system. The device is designed to save clinicians and researchers >30 minutes/participant, and increasing access to EEGs for pediatric and geriatric patients.