Projets novateurs réalisés

Systems and methods for planning and guidance ofneurosurgical procedures

Synaptive Medical Inc together with researchers at Western University, are developing a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) platform customizersd for clinical neuroimaging. This proposal is to fund a range of student and post-doctoral training activities associated with the development and testing of this new system. The program will also support the development and testing of MRI-compatible devices and technology for use with the new platform. This program presents an opportunity to involve trainees in the creation and development of a new head-only MRI system that is easy to site, lightweight, accessible, uses no liquid cryogens and yet delivers high performance neuroimaging. Overall project objectives include: development of faster and more sensitive diffusion encoding, enhanced methods for the generation of molecularly-specifc contrast, development and evaluation of MR-compatible medical devices and technology. These qualities are essential for bringing the benefits of MRI to healthcare settings where MRI has been unavailable or underutilized to date.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Robust THz technology for efficient and secured data exchange

The surge in data driven by economic expansion has increased the demand for fast, reliable internet. However, existing technologies struggle to keep up, causing video buffering, game lag, and slow file transfers. At the same time, rising cyber threats make data security a top concern, with high-profile breaches compromising millions of users and causing financial losses. Current solutions are costly and require expensive hardware, limiting accessibility and scalability.

To address these challenges, we are developing a chip that integrates into existing systems, enhancing internet speed, reducing congestion, and securing data transfers. Our technology optimizes network performance, enabling smooth real-time video streaming and encrypted file sharing without large-scale infrastructure changes.

Our device stands out by integrating Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Machine Learning (ML), and Terahertz (THz) waves, creating a powerful solution for secure, high-speed data transmission. QKD ensures ultra-secure communication by preventing cyber threats, ML optimizes network performance by detecting congestion and adjusting bandwidth, and THz waves enable ultra-fast, high-capacity data handling, outperforming traditional wireless and fiber-optic solutions.

This innovation benefits several industries. Gaming companies like Ubisoft and Rockstar Games can eliminate latency for real-time experiences, while telecom providers such as Rogers and Bell can enhance 5G and 6G networks. Cloud service providers like AWS and GCP, along with government agencies, can optimize secure data storage and retrieval. Offices and schools engaged in real-time streaming and virtual meetings will experience ultra-fast data transfers.

Canada will benefit from enhanced digital infrastructure and strengthened global competitiveness as it adopts this cutting-edge innovation. This advancement will position Canada at the forefront of secure, high-speed data transmission, fostering economic growth across multiple industries. Furthermore, this breakthrough will enhance national security by safeguarding critical communications, ensuring data integrity, and reducing reliance on foreign network solutions, reinforcing Canada’s role as a leader in the evolving global tech landscape.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | A High-Throughput Platform for Ribomodule Selection and Optimization in Therapeutic RNA

This project aims to assess the market potential of a platform for producing ribomodules, specialized RNA fragments designed to enhance the stability, expression control, and functionality of therapeutic RNA (ARNth). The platform leverages high-throughput screening to develop tailored ribomodules that regulate gene expression and improve RNA stability through optimized circularization. While these innovations hold great promise for overcoming key challenges in RNA therapeutics, such as degradation and off-target effects, their commercial viability remains uncertain.

Through the Lab2Market Validate (L2M Validate) program, this study will engage with biopharmaceutical companies, researchers, and industry stakeholders to evaluate whether the proposed ribomodule platform aligns with real-world market needs. Key questions include whether companies perceive a need for internal RNA regulation mechanisms, how they currently address RNA stability issues, and whether customized ribomodules provide a competitive advantage over existing solutions. By bridging the gap between scientific innovation and commercial feasibility, this project will validate market demand, refine the business strategy, and explore potential paths to commercialization, whether through licensing, partnerships, or direct adoption by biotech firms.

For V1 Studio, this initiative aligns with its mission to support the transition of cutting-edge research into viable businesses. By guiding the market validation process, V1 Studio will strengthen its role in biotech entrepreneurship and help shape the commercialization roadmap for an emerging RNA technology. The insights gained will not only inform the development of this specific platform but also contribute to broader strategies for translating RNA-based innovations into impactful therapies.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Electric axles for semi-trailers

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road freight in Canada have doubled since 1990, now making up a third of transport-related emissions. However, fleet managers hesitate to switch to electric trucks due to high costs, technical limitations, and uncertain government subsidies. This project introduces a motorized electric axle that replaces a traditional axle on a semi-trailer. By assisting in propulsion, it reduces fuel consumption, making trucking more energy-efficient. This market is growing and could reach USD 8.33 billion globally by 2030. The innovation uses special sensors to improve electric axle performance, offering key advantages:

Autonomous operation, allowing use with any truck and lowering implementation costs.
Regenerative braking, improving efficiency and reducing brake wear.
Better maneuverability, reducing tire wear.
Vibration control, improving durability.
Easy retrofitting, making adoption flexible for fleet managers.

The sensors were developed during a PhD research project and installed on a trailer in 2023. Testing has since covered 3,000+ km. Challenges include low awareness of this technology, unclear regulations, unreliable subsidies, and the need for a strong commercialization strategy. The Lab2Market program can help bring this innovation to market, reducing emissions and improving transport efficiency in Canada.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Nextdriv – An Integrated Decision-Support Platform for EV Fleet Transition and Optimization

Nextdriv is a user-friendly platform that helps fleet operators plan and manage the switch to electric vehicles. By using smart tools and data analysis, it makes it easier to choose the right vehicles, optimise daily operations, and even take advantage of energy market opportunities. For our partner organisation, this means a smoother, more cost-effective transition to a greener fleet and better overall management of operations.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | From Pollutant to Profit: Turning CO2 into Formic Acid and Carbon Credits

This project aims to conduct an in-depth market study on the formic acid and carbon credit markets to evaluate the commercial potential of a new class of electrocatalysts that convert CO2 into formic acid using renewable electricity and water. The intern will engage with key industry stakeholders to gather insights on market demand, pricing, and competitive positioning. The study will assess the feasibility of a dual-revenue model, leveraging both sustainable chemical production and verifiable carbon credit sales. The findings will contribute to the development of a potential business model and strategic commercialization plan. By offering a cost-effective, clean alternative to fossil fuel-based formic acid production, successfully commercializing this technology could drive significant environmental and economic benefits, including large-scale CO2 emission reductions, enhanced profitability through carbon credit sales, and the establishment of a sustainable supply chain for industries relying on formic acid. Additionally, it could attract investments in clean technologies and create new job opportunities in the sustainable chemical sector.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | InkTiO: Revolutionizing Electronics with Sustainable Printed Solutions

The proposal seeks to improve the technology readiness of a new family of printable (liquid-based) ink formulations designed for the advanced manufacturing sector. These chelated sol-gel materials have a low viscosity, allowing their use in a commercial digital inkjet-printing equipment. Most importantly, they are designed to offer the unique ability to convert from liquid to ceramic under light exposure. In addition to make them compatible for use with more affordable substrate materials, these combined properties make them ideally-suited for high-speed and high-volume production. This project will focus on (1) improving these formulations and make them easier to produce and (2) perform a complete IP-landscaping in order to develop the IP portfolio.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Optimisation de la Maintenance Prédictive des Broyeurs SAG Mill par Intégration de l’Acoustique, du Traitement du Signal et de l’Intelligence Artificielle dans l’Industrie Minière

L’industrie minière canadienne joue un rôle clé dans l’économie nationale, représentant 5 % du PIB et employant directement plus de 400 000 personnes. Cependant, les arrêts non planifiés des broyeurs SAG Mill entraînent des pertes économiques considérables, atteignant plusieurs milliers de dollars par heure. Ce projet vise à répondre à ce défi en développant une solution de maintenance prédictive intelligente, combinant capteurs acoustiques, traitement du signal et intelligence artificielle.
Grâce à cette technologie, l’usure des composants critiques sera détectée de manière proactive, permettant une réduction des temps d’arrêt de 20 à 30 %. Cette avancée s’inscrit dans une démarche plus large d’innovation et d’amélioration de la compétitivité des mines canadiennes sur le marché mondial.
Le projet sera mené dans le cadre du programme Lab2Market, offrant une approche rigoureuse pour valider la viabilité commerciale de la solution. Le stagiaire participera à des études de marché approfondies, interagira avec des acteurs clés du secteur minier et élaborera un modèle d’affaires viable.
Les retombées attendues incluent une augmentation de la productivité, une réduction des coûts de maintenance, la stimulation de l’innovation dans le secteur minier et la création d’emplois hautement qualifiés. De plus, en optimisant la maintenance des équipements, le projet contribuera à une exploitation minière plus durable, réduisant l’impact environnemental des opérations.
Ce projet s’aligne parfaitement avec les objectifs stratégiques du Canada en matière de R&D et d’innovation, tout en soutenant la transition vers une industrie minière plus intelligente et efficiente.

Neuroexplicit Text-to-Image Generation

Development of an Optical Oxygen Sensor System for Real-Time Monitoring of Oxygen Release

Identification des profils de réussite chez les entrepreneurs agricoles de la Mauricie

Cette recherche permettra à la Fédération de l’Union des Producteurs Agricoles de la Mauricie (FUPAM) de connaître les différentes compétences et habiletés requises chez les entrepreneurs agricoles afin d’assurer leur succès en affaires. Pour y parvenir, nous identifierons des entreprises agricoles qui connaissent du succès ainsi que d’autres dont la performance est plus mitigée. Ces entreprises seront comparées au sein des trois (3) grands secteurs identifiés : production de masse, production de niche et production règlementée. Sur la base d’entrevues avec les producteurs agricoles et en regard de leur réalité ainsi qu’avec la perspective des conseillers en gestion de la FUPAM, des profils de réussite seront dressés. En fin de parcours, sur la base de ces nouvelles connaissances, un outil sera proposé afin d’aider les conseillers et les producteurs agricoles à accroître la performance de leur entreprise agricole.

Touchless sensor technology for people with chronic low back pain and fear avoidance