L2M – Market Assessment to Support the Commercialization of an Innovative Structural Thermal Break

Thermal bridging is a significant challenge in building design, increasing heat loss, raising energy demand, and reducing occupant comfort. As awareness of its impact grows, Canadian building standards are evolving to mandate more sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices. However, existing solutions for mitigating thermal bridging, particularly in balconies, are often ineffective, difficult to install, or require non-standard construction methods, limiting their widespread adoption.
This 4-month Mitacs Business Strategy Internship focuses on market assessment and commercialization planning for a novel Structural Thermal Break (STB) technology that mitigates balcony thermal bridging. The intern, directly involved in developing this technology, will receive specialized training in market analysis, commercialization strategy, and intellectual property (IP) development. The project will support creating a comprehensive and practical commercialization plan tailored for industry adoption by identifying limitations in current solutions and addressing barriers to market entry.
A key outcome of this project is to support the procurement of a patent, strengthening the technology’s potential for widespread implementation. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications through market research and strategic planning, contributing to more sustainable and energy-efficient building practices across Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Maged Ali Youssef

Student:

Partner:

DMZ Ventures Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction; Sustainability & the Environment; Education

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: