Innovative Projects Realized

L2M – Silver Vantage Software – Fall Detection

This project will validate the market and technical feasibility of Silver Vantage Software’s privacy-preserving thermal fall-detection system for senior care. The system uses small thermal sensors to detect falls automatically without recording identifiable images, protecting resident privacy while improving response times. Through this project, we will engage healthcare partners and facility operators to confirm product requirements, pricing expectations, and installation workflows while testing the performance of our current pilot devices in real-world environments. The outcomes will help refine the product specifications, identify key adoption barriers, and create a clear path from pilot validation to commercial rollout. This will directly benefit the partner organization by reducing risk, guiding manufacturing and partnership decisions, and ensuring strong product-market fit before large-scale production.

L2M – MeasleScan Field Effect Transistor

MeasleScan FET is a portable biosensor that uses field-effect transistor (FET) technology to detect measles virus rapidly at the point of care. Unlike current tests such as PCR and ELISA, which are accurate but slow, costly, and lab-dependent, this device delivers real-time, label-free detection directly from clinical samples. The goal is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-use tool that can be deployed in clinics, hospitals, public health units, and especially in remote or resource-limited settings.

L2M-Conversion of Seafood waste to nanoparticles for applications in Agriculture, Medicine, Waste Water Treatment and Renewable Energy

This project aims to convert seafood waste such as shells, bones, and seaweed trimmings into valuable nanoparticles using nanotechnology. Instead of discarding these materials, they will be transformed into eco-friendly products for use in agriculture, medicine, wastewater treatment, and renewable energy. The nanoparticles will help improve soil health, enhance crop nutrition, clean polluted water, and support the development of green energy technologies. This approach not only reduces environmental pollution but also creates new economic opportunities by turning waste into useful, high-value materials. The partner organization will benefit through access to innovative, sustainable technologies that can be commercialized across multiple sectors, promoting both environmental and economic growth.

L2M-Quiecean

Quiecean develops a Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) device that reduces underwater noise and pollutants to protect marine ecosystems. The project validates its technical design and business model for commercialization in Canada’s blue economy.

L2M-High-Performance MOFs for Direct Ocean Carbon Capture

The proposed project focuses on developing and testing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for capturing CO2 from both the air and seawater. The intern will identify promising MOF materials, conduct laboratory experiments to measure CO2 uptake, and use computational and machine learning tools to predict performance and optimize designs. The project also includes evaluating the costs, energy requirements, and potential market applications of these materials. By the end of the internship, the partner organization will gain valuable technical data on high-performing MOFs, insights into scalable CO2 capture strategies, and guidance on commercialization pathways, supporting innovation and potential future deployment of carbon removal technologies.

L2M – Innovative Strategy for Reducing Energy Consumption and Pollutant Emissions in Liquid Fuel Carrier Ships

This project will develop two integrated boil-off gas recovery and re-liquefaction systems for liquefied natural gas and liquefied hydrogen carriers that harness ship exhaust heat and convert it into usable energy through the Kalina power cycle and water-ammonia absorption refrigeration unit. Unlike conventional re-liquefaction systems that require burning additional fuel to produce cooling, the proposed solution will utilize waste heat to reduce onboard energy demand. This approach lowers operating costs by decreasing fuel consumption for BOG management, reduces greenhouse gas and other pollutant emissions, improves coastal air and water quality, and helps operators meet the International Maritime Organization standards through a scalable and optimized design. For the partner organization, this project will create practical, low-carbon technologies that can be adopted by shipbuilders, shipping companies, and clean-tech providers. It will reduce operating costs, improve environmental performance, and support Canada’s role as a reliable and sustainable energy exporter.

L2M- Protvac

Protvac aims to unlock the dark proteome against cancer by uncovering novel therapeutic targets. Studies show the non-coding DNA (dark genome) that has been thought to be irrelevant till now can translate into previously unannotated targets. In one proteogenomic study of human tumors, nearly 90% of tumor-specific antigens came from non-coding regions areas that standard exome methods would miss. These antigens are unique to cancer and could be recognized by body’s immune systems suggesting their potential as a new class of therapeutic candidates for cancer (Laumont et. al., 2018). Current treatment options for advanced cancers like prostate cancer, remain limited and many patients fail to respond to existing therapies. Thus, there is an urgent unmet need to expand the landscape of therapeutic targets.
The key challenges in commercialization are (1) establishing clear product-market fit in a crowded oncology innovation space, (2) building awareness and credibility for dark proteome-derived targets among investors and potential partners, and (3) prioritizing which therapeutic areas and validation pathways to pursue first.
Day-to day, the team focuses on discovery and lab validation. Through the L2M Validate program, this project adds commercialization-focused activities that bridge science to market. We will run multiple customer-discovery interviews with clinicians, pharma leaders, and investors to surface buying criteria, pricing signals, and partnership paths. Rather than continuing standard lab-based validation, the project introduces a structured market discovery process that will size the market and rank indications using epidemiology and adoption assumptions to produce a defensible focus list, starting with prostate cancer. This will allow the partner organization to translate deep-tech innovation into viable market applications, develop a commercialization roadmap, and strengthen its capacity to launch future biotech ventures- activities that extend far beyond regular academic or operational work.

TRLUP – ParkSmart (AI-Powered Parking Slot Detection and Analytics)

ParkSmart is an AI-powered parking analytics platform designed to make parking management more efficient, accessible, and sustainable for cities, campuses, and organizations. The system utilizes existing camera footage and applies computer vision and artificial intelligence to detect parked vehicles and identify stall occupancy in real time. Through this approach, ParkSmart generates live parking availability simulation maps for commuters, accessible via a mobile application, and provides data-driven analytical dashboards for city planners and administrators. By reusing existing cameras rather than installing new sensors, the project offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for smart parking and traffic optimization.

During the BSI Internship, ParkSmart will focus on refining its prototype to enhance detection accuracy, optimize performance across various weather and lighting conditions, and further develop the mobile application that integrates real-time availability simulation maps. The dashboard will display key metrics such as parking demand patterns, occupancy rates, and turnover times, enabling planners to make informed policy decisions and improve urban mobility without additional infrastructure investment. ParkSmart will also conduct market validation to assess the actual need for such a service and determine how much parking space owners are willing to pay, thereby identifying the product–market fit.

This partnership benefits North Forge by advancing its mission to support innovation-driven startups addressing real urban challenges. The collaboration enhances North Forge’s portfolio of sustainable technology ventures, promotes the application of AI in urban problem-solving, and provides visibility into emerging data-driven transportation solutions. Together, the partnership aims to deliver a practical and sustainable mobility solution that reduces congestion, lowers emissions, and contributes to smarter, greener, and more connected cities. Meanwhile, ParkSmart will receive business mentorship, technical guidance, and commercialization support to strengthen its go-to-market strategy. North Forge’s experience in nurturing early-stage startups will help ParkSmart evolve from a research-based initiative into a market-ready product.

TRLUP – Selective PSRV for Methane Emission Reduction from Uncontrolled Storage Tanks

Uncontrolled atmospheric, fixed-roof tanks often “breathe” straight to air through relief valves and hatches, releasing methane. Many small or remote sites can’t justify flares or VRUs, so we’re developing a Selective PSRV, a membrane-based vent that lets nitrogen and oxygen out while holding back methane and heavier hydrocarbons. In our Lab2Market Validate work we spoke with lots of stakeholders who confirmed the need and pointed out key gaps: limited real-world data on vent-gas composition, an unclear path for safety and standards approval on the tank roof, and uncertain treatment of these emissions in Alberta, alongside practical issues like very low pressure, cyclic breathing, cold weather, and condensables.

This four-month TRL project turns those findings into action. We will fabricate small membrane coupons and modules, conduct bench tests under simulated tank-vent conditions, and develop a simple measurement and verification plan to demonstrate reductions credibly. We will also map the compliance pathway and evidence needed for approval, as well as develop a clear cost and payback picture. We will capture what’s unique in an IP snapshot and line up pilot venues and roles, with University of Calgary resources and Tourmaline’s West Wolf Lake facility as strong candidates. By the end, we aim to deliver a concise commercialization package and move the concept from early validation to pilot-ready, advancing from roughly TRL 2–3 toward TRL 3–4.

TRLUP – Intelligent Automation of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing for Quantitative Defect Characterization and Evaluation

This project develops an intelligent automation system to revolutionize how we inspect safety-critical components in industries like aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. It focuses on Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT), a powerful but skill-dependent method for finding hidden flaws in materials. Currently, interpreting PAUT data demands highly trained technicians to analyze complex signal patterns and images. This manual process can lead to inconsistencies, longer inspection times, and potential for human error.

Our solution introduces a smart software system that automates this complex analysis. It processes raw ultrasonic data and seamlessly integrates different scan views like A, B, C, and S scans to create clear, actionable results. The system performs advanced signal filtering to enhance clarity and uses quantitative measures to pinpoint defect locations and sizes with a high degree of reliability. This provides inspectors with trustworthy, evidence-based reports, effectively augmenting their expertise and reducing subjective judgment.

The primary benefit is a transformational improvement in inspection quality and efficiency. By automating the core interpretation steps, the system ensures consistent and repeatable outcomes, independent of operator experience. This significantly speeds up inspection timelines, reduces the likelihood of missed defects or false alarms, and lowers overall operational costs. It empowers partner organizations to conduct more reliable assessments of their critical assets, from pipelines to aircraft components. This enhanced capability supports stronger safety protocols, helps prevent unexpected failures, and extends the operational life of vital infrastructure. Ultimately, this project delivers a more robust, scalable, and dependable non-destructive testing method, positioning our partners at the forefront of industrial safety and operational excellence.

TRLUP- Drawing to diagnose: a gamified diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s disease

This project aims to make a fun, game-based screening tool that helps detect Parkinson’s disease by assessing motor and cognitive function without needles, expensive tests, or stressful doctor visits. Users play a multi level drawing game on a computer or tablet while our artificial intelligence analyzes their handwriting and movements to predict disease risk. This tool makes health screening accessible to older adults who may be intimidated by traditional medical tests, don’t speak English fluently, or live far from specialists. Through collaboration with Edmonton Unlimited, we provide affordable and user-friendly technology to support Alberta’s aging population, allowing individuals to detect diseases earlier and self-monitor changes in their motor and cognitive function. This partnership will support Alberta’s healthcare system, reduce strain through early detection, and improve the quality of life for seniors and their families across the region.

TRLUP – ML Insights and Metrics

More than 90% of pharmaceuticals fail to impact fail to pass regulatory approval due to toxicity or lack of effectiveness. 50% of those failures have the potential to impact patient lives and existing therapeutics can be repurposed to expand therapeutic options if they can be delivered in smaller dosages to where they are needed most. The project aims to accelerate the development of nanoparticles that are modified to deliver therapeutics to where they are needed most (targeted therapeutic delivery).

The technology uses AI to extract and index the qualitative and quantitative data about how nanoparticles are made and how they interact or impact cells and in animal models once administered. The data presented in an analytics platform and search engine, allows users to perform head-to-head comparisons of their formulations with peer-reviewed literature. This allows users to have confidence in their work and gain insights on how to design or make nanoparticles suitable for their therapeutic of interest and application.

If successful, this solution will generate enough data to train AI models that can simplify the R&D process by predicting how to make nanoparticles for a specific purpose; to load and deliver a therapeutic to where it is needed most by accounting for safety and how it will interact in the body. This will provide Canada the tools to accelerate the creation of safer and more effective solutions for patients – providing more therapeutic options for tailored therapies for patients.