Innovative Projects Realized

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

31914 Completed Projects

3006
AB
5256
BC
878
MB
703
NL
913
SK
9488
ON
9949
QC
98
PE
629
NB
1215
NS

Projects by Category

Monitoring biocultural diversity in the Foothills and Rocky Mountains of Alberta

This project is focused on investigating the necessary methods and tools required to monitor and restore biocultural diversity in the Central Foothills and Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Current biodiversity monitoring is primarily focused on study design and methods that draw from ecological research principles. There is, however, growing recognition of the value and importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge in the monitoring and restoration of biodiversity including recent evidence that 80% of the world’s biodiversity exists on the 20% of lands that Indigenous peoples manage. This study will take a community-engaged, place-based approach to explore how biodiversity study design is impacted by foregrounding Indigenous place-based knowledge, practices and ethical protocols.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Kim TallBear;Brenda Parlee

Student:

Partner:

Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University; University of Alberta

Program:

Accelerate

IMU Assisted real time precise point positioning with smartphones

In May 2016, Google revealed that users would be able to access the raw global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements through a new API implemented on Android 7 or later versions. Afterward, many research have been conducting to investigate and to improve smartphone positioning. This project aims to improve the real-time precise point positioning (PPP) performance using smartphones, by utilizing the measurements from the inertial measurement units (IMU) embedded in the smartphones. The GNSS observations from Android smartphones can be utilized to estimate absolute position information. However, they might face challenges such as signal blockages or interference in urban environments, overpasses and similar scenarios. To address these issues, the inertial navigation system (INS) provides continuous position and velocity updates unaffected by external signals. In this research, the INS solution is integrated with the GNSS solution to improve the smartphone positioning in challenging environments. Different algorithms will be applied in this project to achieve the desired objectives. The potential benefits to Profound Positioning Inc. (PPI) through my internship can be substantial, primarily driven by my extensive expertise in navigation systems, smartphone positioning, and sensor fusion. My strong academic background and research experience in Geomatics Engineering, particularly in smartphone positioning using the PPP method, will give the company significant technical knowledge and a unique perspective in developing advanced navigation solutions employing the low-cost smartphone devices. It could also make the company stronger by improving its ability to design navigation solutions navigation in challenging environments and GNSS-degraded areas.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Xin Wang

Student:

Partner:

Profound Positioning Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Elevate

Biodiversity conservation planning tools using species distribution models in eastern Canada

Land cover change is the largest driver of global biodiversity loss but often the relationships between habitats and species occurrence are unknown. The conservation community requires tools to assess variation in biodiversity related to land cover for prioritizing conservation actions. Our objective is to develop a biodiversity mapping and assessment tool for eastern Canada using species distribution models. Tools the intern contributes to building in this project will assist Ducks Unlimited Canada in identifying places to work and prioritizing types of actions to conserve biodiversity.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Julie Lee-Yaw

Student:

Partner:

Ducks Unlimited Canada (MB)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Ottawa

Program:

Accelerate

Phase trimming of polarization beam splitters in LiDAR photonic chips

Planar lightwave circuits (PLCs), a type of photonic chip, play an increasingly large role in a range of applications and have the potential to become a preferable platform in telecommunication, optical computing, and LiDAR systems. LiDAR technology empowers a variety of industries to enhance safety and automation. In the automotive realm, it enables collision avoidance systems and autonomous driving capabilities. LiDAR PLC chips include sensitive components that require the optical properties of the glass waveguides in which the light propagates to be precisely tuned. Currently, optimal performances cannot be reached in mass-produced chips, compromising deployment. Efficient localized tuning in post-production of the optical property of the glass waveguides is needed, but existing approaches are not compatible with the LiDAR chips and scale of interest. The proposed research consists of developing a generalized method for tuning these properties with high precision and high spatial resolution using ultraviolet laser pulses. The project involves developing an irradiation and characterization setup, investigating the influence of various parameters on the laser-induced changes and their stability, developing a predictive model, and optimizing LiDAR chips. The proposed research will enable PLCs to reach their full potential in various areas and contribute to enhance safety in transportation.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Hubert Jean-Ruel

Student:

Partner:

Enablence

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

Carleton University

Program:

Accelerate

Probabilistic performance-based wind design (P-PBWD) frameworks for tall mass-timber buildings

Existing wind design approaches in building codes and literature are formulated considering the aerodynamics and structural dynamics of tall buildings constructed with conventional materials such as concrete and steel. Consequently, their use for tall mass timber building design may produce inaccurate or costly design solutions. Therefore, in collaboration with the partner organization (Fast + Epp), the proposed research aims to develop two computationally efficient Probabilistic Performance-Based Wind Design (P-PBWD) frameworks for tall mass timber buildings. The development process, real-world application, and degree of complexity differentiate the two frameworks. The design frameworks from the project will provide Fast + Epp and other Canadian design engineers the tools and knowledge needed to design tall mass timber buildings for wind using performance-based approaches. The proposed project will help boost the use of timber and decarbonize the construction industry, which will assist Canada in reaching its goal of becoming a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Matiyas Bezabeh

Student:

Partner:

Fast + Epp Structural Engineers Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program:

Accelerate

Development of a CBD microencapsulation system for food and cosmetic application

As one of the main pharmacologically active phytocannabinoids of Cannabis and hemp plants, cannabidiol
(CBD) is non-psychoactive but exerts pharmacological effects in alleviating chronic pain. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make CBD particularly useful for skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. However, CBD is lipophilic and only soluble in oil, making it difficult to be added in aqueous formulations. The overall goal of this research between the University of Alberta and PBG BioPharma is to develop an edible CBD microencapsulation technology. We will then study the efficiency of the microencapsulations to load and protect CBD. The optimized microcapsules will be evaluated in food and cosmetic formulations and scale up at the pilot level. Achieving the research objectives will lead to a plant protein-based microencapsulation platform to unlock the full potentials of CBD for food and cosmetic applications.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Lingyun Chen

Student:

Partner:

PBG BioPharma

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Accelerate

Quantum-inspired machine learning

In recent years, the need for more powerful computers has grown due to the availability of large amounts of data and significant progress in the artificial intelligence and machine learning fields. However, making computer chips smaller and more powerful is becoming increasingly harder and more expensive. To address this challenge, we are exploring a new approach called Quantum-inspired Machine Learning (QiML) to reproduce quantum machine learning using regular computing devices. Our project will examine how well QiML works compared to traditional methods, focusing on applications in telecommunications. By using these new techniques, our goal is to help our partner organization stay ahead in the technology field, offering them new ways to use the advantages of quantum concepts without needing actual quantum computers, thus leading to significant improvements in their products and services portfolio.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Bassant Selim;Éric Granger

Student:

Partner:

Ericsson Canada Inc (Quebec)

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

École de technologie supérieure

Program:

Accelerate

Reimagining responses to suicide: arts-based research and community strengthening.

Suicide is a pressing issue, currently ranking as the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-24 internationally. Despite the research, funding, and efforts dedicated to its prevention, we face persistently high rates of suicide. This suggests that we don’t know all the answers, or even all the questions that need to be asked to better understand suicidality. Thus, we need to be more creative in our ways of understanding, researching, and responding to suicide. Critical Suicide Studies is a group of researchers, practitioners, activist, and people with lived/living experience of suicide that came together in response to the perceived limitations of the available suicide prevention practices, calling for more inclusive, just, and contextualized practices. In this context, this project aims to reimagine responses to suicide in two specific ways: (1) Exploring how incorporating theatre into research can provide deeper understandings of youth’s experiences with suicide prevention practices; (2) Strengthen the Critical Suicide Studies Network by providing administrative support, enhancing communication, and revitalizing the network’s activities. The partnership organization, the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division, will benefit by the strengthening of its research capacity, bringing together scientific data and decision-making in mental health and youth suicide prevention.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Jennifer White

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Mental Health Association (British Columbia)

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Victoria

Program:

Accelerate

The effect of thermal stress on the physiology of juvenile bull trout

Bull trout are particularly understudied from a physiological perspective. Laboratory measurements of their thermal physiology can help identify the life stages most sensitive to projected warming. The objective of this research is to gain a mechanistic understanding of how thermal stress affects early developmental stages and to characterize transcriptional signatures using a novel approach that can be applied to wild populations. The partner organization, fRI Research, has deployed hundreds of temperature loggers throughout the bull trout’s range in Alberta. The combination of long-term temperature data with a physiological toolkit to assess thermal stress will help fRI Research determine the quantity and quality of current and forecasted habitat that meet the thermal requirements of bull trout at various life stages. This will allow the identification of “hotspots” where bull trout are most sensitive to climate warming to prioritize the protection and restoration of streams with the greatest need.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Kenneth Jeffries

Student:

Partner:

fRI Research

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Manitoba

Program:

Elevate

Digitalizing On-Demand Inventory with AddManuChain Platform: An innovative bridge between AI and Additive Manufacturing for Sustainable Industrial Operations

This project, “AddManuChain,” involves the development of an innovative web application designed to revolutionize supply management for businesses in remote locations, such as offshore oil platforms and distant mining operations. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, traditional supply chain dependencies on distant physical inventories are being transformed into a streamlined, on-demand production system using 3D printing. Using this approach, downtime and operational inefficiencies will reduce significantly. Also, the integration of AI and AM within the platform is expected to improve production efficiency, material usage optimization, and design flexibility. By development of AddManuChain through this MITACS project, the partner organization will be able to improve their operational efficiency and profitability by increasing their customer satisfaction and retention by reducing their physical inventory and shipping costs.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Hamed Aly

Student:

Partner:

ALMA TECH

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Accelerate

Understanding White-Tailed Deer Range Expansion in the Columbia Mountains

The intern plans to better understand where, why, and to what degree white-tailed deer are expanding in the Columbia Mountains with the warming climate. She hopes to use trail camera data from Biodiversity Pathways Ltd. to estimate the number of deer observed in various habitats over time, and to link those patterns with other species, such as predators and competing herbivores, within that space. She also hopes to investigate the how the habitat, climate, and other species interact with white-tailed deer fawn recruitment. She would use the results to map out where white-tailed deer are and where we can expect them to be in the future. The partner organization would benefit from the intern’s enthusiasm for better understanding white-tailed deer populations in Southern Mountain Caribou ranges and from her work experiences with predator-prey research, working with diverse groups of people and deploying hundreds of trail cameras across the United States.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Tal Avgar

Student:

Partner:

Biodiversity Pathways

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Forestry; Natural Resources

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program:

Accelerate

Examination of lipid nanoparticle loaded hydrogels for localized silencing of spermidine/spermine acetyl transferase-1 (SATl) expression in tumor and enhanced radiation response

Radiation therapy is an important part of cancer treatment. However, many tumor cells have the ability to survive radiation exposure resulting in a reduced overall effectiveness and increased risk of treatment failure. Spermidine/spermine acetyl transferase-1 (SATl) is a cellular enzyme over-expressed in many cancers including brain, lung and breast . We have identified a way to knock-down levels of SATl in cells using small nano-sized particles carrying an RNA-based compound that interferes with the production of SATl. Treatment of glioblastoma tumor cells with these nanoparticles enhanced the killing action of radiation. As the sensitizing effects of the nanoparticles were not observed in normal cells, we belief this approach can be developed into safe and effective method for sensitizing tumor to radiation exposure. The proposed proof-of-concept studies involve the development and testing of an injectable drug delivery platform (which we are calling RestorTM) for localized and sustained delivery of SATl­ targeted nanoparticles to improve and restore radiation responses in a variety of cancers including brain, lung, and breast. Completion of studies will provide necessary proof-of-concept for the effectiveness of RestorTM as a localized radiation sensitizing agent for improved treatment of cancers

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Faculty Supervisor:

Donald Miller

Student:

Partner:

Biomark Diagnostics Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Manitoba

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.