Innovative Projects Realized

Explore thousands of successful projects resulting from collaboration between organizations and post-secondary talent.

31914 Completed Projects

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703
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913
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9488
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9949
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629
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Projects by Category

Buried pipelines in the sloping ground and potential buckling during operation

Oil and gas pipelines generally traverse over a large distance through various ground conditions, from relatively flat areas to sloping grounds such as crossing hills, mountain ridges and rivers. Ground deformation/slope failure and upheaval buckling during operation pose a major threat to the structural integrity, safety and operability of the pipelines. In the proposed project, numerical analysis and laboratory tests will be performed for a better understanding of these complex mechanisms to develop improved methods for assessing the response of pipelines in the sloping ground and that might experience buckling. Two PhD and one Master’s candidates will be supported through this research grant. The outcomes of the research will be sought by stakeholders including engineering service companies, operators, oil and gas companies, regulatory agencies and academia to address constraints (e.g. technical, economical or logistical) and satisfy accepted risk and safety targets (e.g. societal, environmental).

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Faculty Supervisor:

Bipul Hawlader

Student:

Partner:

Northern Crescent

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program:

Accelerate

Remediation of neutral mine drainage using magnetic modified biochar/natural polymer biocomposite

Nowadays, due to wastewater released from underground workings, decontamination of neutral mine drainage from toxic metals and rare earth elements is a public concern. They can pollute surface waters by their high mobility and solubility in water. Among the most common technics for the removal of pollutants, the adsorption method because of effective removal of metals, easy operation, and low cost is the most successful method. Biochar, as a novel adsorbent, has been receiving much attention because of the reuse of biomass, porous structure, and abundant functional groups. Natural polymers among different polymers have a long history in adsorption because of their biodegradability, being made from renewable resources, and nontoxicity. On the other hand, the presence of free hydroxyl and amine groups in their structure improves adsorption capacity. According to what was said, the goal of the present research is to remove toxic metals from neutral mine effluents by combining the modified biochar with natural polymers such as cellulose, starch, and chitosan to prevent aggregation and precipitation during the adsorption process as well as increase in adsorption capacity.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Ahmed Koubaa;Carmen Mihaela Neculita

Student:

Partner:

Newmont

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining

University:

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Program:

Elevate

Generation of reactive nitrogen species in water by plasma at atmospheric pressure

Nitrogen is a primary macronutrient used today in agriculture. Although the air consists of more than 78% of diazote, plants cannot use the atmospheric nitrogen (N) because the very stable electron configuration of this molecule which makes all reactions energy demanding. For this reason, industrial processes (e.g., Haber-Bosch process) have been developed during the last century to synthesize ammonia and related N-based fertilizer. However, these processes are often associated with major environmental concerns because they require nonrenewable feedstock (natural gas) to generate hydrogen by steam reforming process. In addition, they consume more than 1% of the world’s total energy production. Therefore, innovative processes are necessary to strongly reduce the environmental impact of this industry. In the last years, atmospheric plasma technology has been studied for the synthesis of NOx from air. The latter can potentially be converted into nitric acid when an ionized gas remains in contact with aqueous liquids. However, the energy cost for the synthesis of this fertilizer remains today too high to make the technology economically competitive. Different types of plasma and configuration will be investigated in this work to compare the power consumption of discharges using short electrical pulsations. The obtained result will contribute to better understand this approach and improve the future scale-up for this plasma technology.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Gaétan Laroche

Student:

Partner:

Dissident

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université Laval

Program:

Elevate

Development of lead-free solder alloys for electronic assembly

The objective of this project is to develop lead free solder alloys with superior mechanical and physical properties. For various reasons (some mentioned above), Sn-based multicomponent alloys with alloying elements, Ag, Cu and/or Bi are likely to be the most promising [2] [8]. For further improvement of Sn-based solder joints, in this work the effects of alloying and/or micro-alloying elements (e.g., Bi, Ag, Cu, Zn, Al, Sb, Ge, Se…) on microstructure, mechanical properties, interfacial reactions, wettability, reliability and melting behavior of Sn-based solders are investigated. In this project the problems associated with the existing lead-free solders, such as formation of large brittle intermetallic compounds, high melting temperature, tin whisker growth and high cost need to be resolved. The proposal detail is summarized in the following.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Mihriban Pekguleryuz

Student:

Partner:

AIM Metals and Alloys LP

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

McGill University

Program:

Elevate

Data Governance: A Launchpad for Telematics Business Intelligence

This research will identify opportunities to leverage telematics data to inform policy changes such as safe vehicle operation and fleet operator responsibilities. It will guide the development of telematics data management policies and support key programs that aim to: improve fleet asset tracking, optimize equipment availability/utilization, advance fleet share, and promote safe vehicle operation and reduce collisions. Our objective is to analyze the vast amount of information that telematics provides and determine how this can be used effectively to manage fleet operations and drive business decisions that deliver operational, financial, and safety benefits. Examples include: safe vehicle operation, reduced maintenance costs, lower fuel consumption, increased asset availability/utilization, labour management and reduced liability. The outcomes of this work will support enterprise fleet management and provide clients with relevant fleet information needed to make operational decisions. It will also enable benchmark comparisons needed for continuous improvement.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Linying Dong

Student:

Partner:

City of Toronto

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Public administration; Utilities

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program:

Accelerate

Menya : Inspection visuelle de structures

Menya Solutions est la division spécialisée en intelligence artificielle (IA) de la compagnie Levio, une entreprise de transformation numérique en pleine croissance basée à Québec et comptant maintenant plus de 1600 conseillers. Chez Menya, nous développons des logiciels pour l’aide à la décision, la valorisation des données, le contrôle automatisé et la vision robotique pour nos différents clients. Menya collabore présentement avec MDA et l’Agence spatiale canadienne (ASC) pour répondre aux défis de l’automatisation et du soutien à la décision pour les systèmes d’exploration spatiale à venir.
Les problèmes à résoudre sont liés à une tâche d’inspection de structures en robotique autonome spatiale. L’étudiant fera l’usage d’un bras robotique manipulateur disposant d’une caméra 3D pour générer automatiquement des points de vue et des trajectoires pour une tâche de balayage visuel et tentera ensuite de détecter visuellement des stations d’arrimage de la structure à inspectée. Enfin, si le temps le permet, un classificateur déterminera si une station d’arrimage est mal positionnée par rapport au modèle 3D de référence de la scène ou non.
Menya Solutions dispose d’un bras robotique manipulateur à 6 degrés de liberté et d’une maquette de taille réduite imitant la structure d’une station spatiale.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Christian Gagné;Denis Laurendeau

Student:

Partner:

Menya Solutions

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and cultural industries; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université Laval

Program:

Accelerate

Design, optimization and development of thermal energy storage for residential buildings

Energy storage can help address the intermittency of renewable energies (such as solar and wind power). Different
methods were developed to store energy for later uses. D’Arcy Mann, the founder of TESS Research Ltd., developed
a method of high temperature thermal storage that would allow surplus power from renewables to be input year-round
and given off as household heat in winter. With refinement, it could also be used as an air conditioning unit not as an
either/or but as a reversible heat pump. It’s a relatively small, above-ground, modular design that is being scaled for
single-family dwellings but chaining them together could be used to heat or cool larger spaces from office buildings to
military barracks. With the help of USASK researchers through Mitacs project, TESS Research Ltd. will be able to move forward with commercializing this product.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Carey Simonson

Student:

Partner:

TESS Research Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Utilities

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program:

Elevate

Former des capacités organisationnelles les technologies émergentes : Le cas de Desjardins et l’intelligence artificielle

L’intelligence artificielle suscite beaucoup d’intérêt de la part des grandes entreprises et Desjardins ne fait pas exception. Cependant, les organisations confrontées à la nature ambiguë et incertaine de cette technologie émergente ont généralement de la difficulté à la saisir et l’intégrer dans leurs pratiques et processus. Dans cette optique, ce stage tente d’investiguer les mécanismes par lesquels une organisation peut faciliter la construction d’un cadre commun afin diriger l’action collective envers l’intégration d’une technologie émergente telle que l’intelligence artificielle. La formation d’une communauté d’intérêt et les pratiques discursives sont de tels mécanismes permettant de converger vers une vision cohérente d’une technologie émergente qui seront explorés dans ce stage.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Marine Agogué

Student:

Partner:

Mouvement des caisses Desjardins

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Artificial Intelligence; Information and Communications Technology; Technology

University:

HEC Montréal

Program:

Accelerate

Targeting Peritoneal Adhesions

In about 4% of patients that have had an abdominal surgery ranging from a C-section, to appendectomy, to removal of the gall bladder, they will develop bands of scar tissue that can cause extreme pain and/or life-threatening complications such as bowel obstruction which requires emergency operation. The only temporary cure is a second operation which usually only provides temporary relief. No therapeutic is available to prevent adhesion formation. We have the technology to look inside the belly and see these adhesions form and we discovered how this happens. We can also see whether any drugs can prevent the adhesions from forming and at least in mice we were able to discover a new drug. We wish to develop a test tube system (so we can begin to use human systems) to determine whether the same molecules work in humans as mice. While we have a core molecule that blocks the adhesions, we hope to make better versions of the molecule so that it has less side effects and blocks adhesion formation better. Our goal is to develop a drug that could be given at the end of a surgical operation to all patients to ensure none develop adhesions.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Kubes

Student:

Partner:

Medhesions Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Elevate

All-solid-state batteries: Interface modification/engineering of solid electrolytes for enhanced lithium transport properties

Developing high safety Li-ion battery technology is essential for high energy, and long-range applications. However, the current state-of-the-art Li-ion battery technology cannot fulfill the industry requirements due to its theoretical limitations. All solid-state Li-ion batteries (ASSLiB) using inorganic solid-state Li-ion conductors, holds promising features of high energy density, and enhanced safety over conventional Li-ion batteries. Among various solid electrolytes, garnet oxide-based exhibits the great advantage owing to its excellent lithium-ion conductivity (1.1 mS/cm at RT) and good chemical stability in contact with lithium metal. However, the commercial utilizations of solid-state battery hampered due to the brittle, and rigid nature of solid electrolyte, and also interface issues in the integration of active electrodes and solid-state electrolyte. The poor interfacial contact between the electrodes and electrolyte causes the high interfacial resistance, inhomogeneous current distributions, dendrite formation, and large cell polarizations etc. Hence, herein we proposed to give utmost importance to make intimate contact between the active electrodes and solid electrolytes by surface engineering/modification techniques to reduce the interfacial resistance of ASSLiB test cells.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Seonghwan Kim

Student:

Partner:

MakeSens Advanced Battery Materials

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Advanced Manufacturing; Clean Technology; Nanotechnology

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Elevate

Silicon Nanoparticle and Cellulose Nanocrystal Reinforced Polymer Composites

Cellulose and Silicon are two of the most abundant natural materials in the world, thus it is only “natural” to combine the two materials. Specifically, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been attractive sustainable additives for the mechanical reinforcement of polymers and silicon can be easily converted to silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) for use in biosensing, coatings, and used as quantum dots in optical films, and medical and display applications. By harnessing the mechanical advantage of CNCs and SiNPs with the sensing and luminescent properties of silicon quantum dots (SiQDs), the possibility for advanced functional materials is extensive. This project aims to develop CNC-SiNP and SiQD polymer hybrid materials. The project will include the development of additive materials using functionalized CNCs with SiNPs and SiQDs. Potential product developments include sensors for medicine and agriculture, stronger tubing for pipelines, and enhanced textiles. More importantly, this project takes advantage of two materials that are manufactured in Canada, specifically Alberta. By showcasing the advantages of using sustainable materials to Canadians, we can help boost the Canadian forestry industry and create more robust and durable materials.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Cagri Ayranci;Mark McDermott;Mark McDermott

Student:

Partner:

Applied Quantum Materials Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Elevate

Cooperators : Analyse d’images en assurance commerciale

The Co-operators est une coopérative qui offre de multiples services financiers dont des produits d’assurance dans plusieurs lignes d’affaires. Elle offre notamment de l’assurance commerciale à plusieurs types d’entreprises. Dans le processus de souscription, il est commun pour the Co-operators d’effectuer des inspections pour obtenir une meilleure idée du risque souscrit et pour donner des recommandations dans le but d’améliorer la sécurité et la conformité des lieux. Le processus d’inspection peut être réalisé par un inspecteur interne, un consultant externe ou bien avec la collaboration du client à distance. Dans la plupart des cas, plusieurs images du bâtiment et installations sont capturées par l’inspecteur ou le client. Pour toutes sortes de raisons, que ce soit de manière consciente ou non, il est possible que la personne chargée de prendre les photos ait inclus des photos provenant d’un autre commerce ou lieu. L’ajout de photos ne provenant pas réellement du risque souscrit peut avoir des impacts conséquents sur l’évaluation de ce risque pour the Co-operators et mettre la compagnie dans une situation précaire. Ce projet vise à résoudre ce problème en identifiant les images potentiellement étrangères au risque à évaluer.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Christian Gagné;Philippe Giguère

Student:

Partner:

Co-operators (General Insurance)

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Technology; Information and Communications Technology

University:

Université Laval

Program:

Accelerate

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Mitacs — Return on Innovation

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.