Innovative Projects Realized

Portable Colorectal Screening Colorimetric Metabolite Biosensor

This project involves designing a portable biosensor that measures the concentration of multiple metabolites in a person’s urine. The device measures the colour of the urine after reacting with the developed reactions to get metabolite concentrations. These concentrations are input to an algorithm to get a diagnosis. The first test will screen for colorectal cancer. Tricca Technologies Inc. will use this technology to make metabolomic diagnosis affordable and accessible to everyone and this project is the first step.

Maximizing Oil Recovery from the Hibernia Oil Field

The project focuses on screening and testing state-of-art Enhanced Oil Recovery techniques. It is carried out through both experiment study in core scale and simulation research in field scale. The new knowledge that will be accrued will be the culmination of a truly collaborative approach. First and foremost, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador will gain a holistic perspective recovering ultimate oil from its offshore east coast reserves.

In vivo and ex vivo anabolic potential of dietary amino acids with exercise

Resistance exercise training and the provision of dietary protein is known to bring about beneficial adaptations for muscle mass and strength. Substantial research has been conducted to identify the optimal protein supplements that permit the greatest anabolic response following an exercise stimulus. This research project will examine if a novel protein supplement can increase anabolism when provided after a bout of resistance exercise to a greater extent than branched chain amino acid or carbohydrate ingestion. Whole-body and ex vivo models will be employed to help understand the effects of this supplement on leucine retention, molecular signaling, and skeletal muscle growth and breakdown. The results of this project will then inform the industry collaborator, Iovate Health Sciences International, as to the efficacy of this formulation and how best to market it.

Liquid–Liquid Encapsulation of Omega-3 Oils for Controlled Release Under Dynamic Gastrointestinal Conditions

This project aims to improve the delivery of omega-3 oils—nutrients that readily degrade during digestion, by developing soft liquid–liquid capsules that protect these oils as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. Initial formulation and testing will be conducted at the University of Waterloo, where capsules will be created to achieve high stability and controlled release. Because Canada does not currently have facilities that simulate dynamic digestive conditions, the capsules will then be evaluated at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), a leader in food science and digestion modelling.

At WUR, the capsules will undergo digestion tests and assessment using a dynamic gastrointestinal simulator that reproduces stomach motion, enzyme activity, and fluid mixing. These experiments will show how the capsules break down, when Omega-3 is released, and how the nutrient becomes available for absorption. By combining Waterloo’s expertise in encapsulation with WUR’s advanced digestion tools, the project will generate insights into the design of effective nutraceuticals and functional foods.

This collaboration will strengthen research capacity at both institutions, support partnerships, and advance the development of nutrition technologies. It also provides training, allowing researchers to work with leading facilities and bring skills back to Canada’s innovation sectors.

Synergistic effects of biological sex and sleep loss in an AD mouse model.

Women have a two-fold risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) compared to men, though the cause of this risk remains largely unclear. Several studies have proposed female-specific risk factors (such as menopause) and modifiable risk factors (such as circadian disturbance), that could contribute to the exacerbation of AD pathology and symptoms through inflammatory mechanisms in the brain. Our proposed project aims to investigate whether increase inflammation experienced during menopause, in combination with circadian disruption, could potentially underlie an acceleration of brain aging and AD pathology. Our research will investigate the interactions between hormonal changes and sleep disruption, as well as the independent effects of both, to explore the underlying neural mechanisms to increased AD-risk in women. Findings from this Mitacs Globalink research project will be integrated into the intern’s dissertation that explores the contribution of biological sex (hormones and chromosomes) on AD vulnerability and neuroinflammation. Additionally, it may serve as initial data for future grant applications, that foster collaboration between the host and home institution, on sex-specific AD progression, and lay the groundwork for co-authored publications.

Development of Repair Strategies of Aluminum-Alumina Metal Matrix Composite using Cold-spraying Additive Manufacturing and Friction Stir Processing

This project aims to enhance the surface durability of aluminum components used in industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and renewable energy, while maintaining aluminum’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant qualities. The research will employ a cost-effective coating method, low-pressure cold spray, to apply aluminum–alumina composite coatings, followed by friction stir processing to further improve their quality. By investigating how processing parameters and particle properties affect the bonding between the coating and the substrate, as well as hardness, wear, and erosion resistance, the project will develop stronger, more reliable surface coatings. The expected outcomes include a better understanding of coating behavior, improved performance characteristics, and practical guidelines for scalable industrial applications. Participating institutions will benefit from new scientific insights, advanced processing capabilities, high-impact publications, and stronger industry connections focused on durable, energy-efficient materials for demanding applications. The project will also support the training of highly skilled researchers and generate transferable expertise in advanced surface engineering. Ultimately, it will enhance institutional leadership in sustainable materials innovation and facilitate real-world impact through industry-ready coating solutions.

Digital Transformation and Global Expansion: A Comparative Analysis of Haier and Xiaomi in Europe’s Smart Home Industry

This project aims to understand how two major Chinese technology companies, Haier and Xiaomi, use digital tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to expand their smart home products in Europe. The intern will study how these technologies improve daily life by making homes more efficient, comfortable, and secure, and how the companies adapt their strategies to meet the needs and expectations of European consumers. By comparing the approaches of both firms, the project will identify what helps or limits the adoption of smart home technologies, and how these innovations can be implemented responsibly. The findings of this research will help support better digital strategies for international companies and provide valuable insights for Canada as it strengthens its participation and innovation capacity in the global digital economy.

Generation of Squeezed States in Erbium-Doped Fiber for Quantum-Enhanced Dual-Comb Spectroscopy

This project focuses on improving the sensitivity of advanced laser measurement tools, known as dual-comb spectrometers, by using quantum mechanics to reduce noise below standard physical limits. During a research internship at the University of Colorado Boulder, the student will learn to generate “squeezed” states of light and aim to adapt this cutting-edge technology to cost-effective fiber lasers, making high-precision sensing more widely accessible for applications like environmental monitoring. This collaboration benefits both institutions by combining the University of Colorado’s world-class experimental facilities in quantum optics with Université Laval’s expertise in signal processing, ultimately allowing the latter to import rare engineering knowledge to build Québec’s first quantum-enhanced spectroscopy setup.

Technical and Business Interns working within cross functional teams to commercialize AI-powered solutions

The intern listed (Divena Raina) on this particular application will work alongside the Government of Alberta on the Smart Document Extraction Agent team. The goal of a Government of Alberta Redaction Assistant would be to empower the government to handle sensitive information and access requests with greater eff iciency and security.
? Focus: using the SDP application template to create an Automated PII Redaction Tool. The main reason for the project is to automate the identification and masking of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in high-volume, unstructured public sector documents, such as those related to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) requests. This automation replaces the current manual, time-consuming, and error-prone redaction process, directly addressing the growing volume of digital data and the increasing regulatory burden under new privacy legislation.
? Value: The Value of the project is substantial in terms of financial savings, risk mitigation, and operational eff iciency. The automation of redaction provides financial benefit by freeing up highly skilled FOIP analysts and records management off icers from repetitive, manual tasks, allowing them to focus on complex policy interpretation and disclosure decisions. The solution brings value to citizens by ensuring the GoA is compliant with the Protection of Privacy Act (PPA), drastically reducing the risk of accidental PII disclosure (data breach risk).
The intern listed (Nicholas Chin) on this particular application will be working alongside the Government of Alberta team to streamline the deployment of “Smart Document Extraction Agents” using Machine Learning. The goal of a Government of Alberta Redaction Assistant would be to empower the government to handle sensitive information and access requests with greater eff iciency and security..
? Focus: using the SDP application template to create an Automated PII Redaction Tool. The main reason for the project is to automate the identification and masking of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in high-volume, unstructured public sector documents, such as those related to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) requests. This automation replaces the current manual, time-consuming, and error-prone redaction process, directly addressing the growing volume of digital data and the increasing regulatory burden under new privacy legislation.
? Value: The Value of the project is substantial in terms of financial savings, risk mitigation, and operational eff iciency. The automation of redaction provides financial benefit by freeing up highly skilled FOIP analysts and records management off icers from repetitive, manual tasks, allowing them to focus on complex policy interpretation and disclosure decisions. The solution brings value to citizens by ensuring the GoA is compliant with the Protection of Privacy Act (PPA), drastically reducing the risk of accidental PII disclosure (data breach risk).
The intern listed (Syra Singh) on this particular application will be working alongside the AltaForge team to streamline the product management and product marketing eff orts for AltaForge, which is AltaML’s proprietary AI Agent platform. The goal of this platform is to consolidate Agentic AI solutions built by AltaML.
? Focus: The main reason for this project is to standardize Agentic AI solutions, such as the “Smart Document Extraction Agents”, into a client-facing application that allows the client to interact with, observe the performance of, and view key performance indicators related to their solution. This proprietary platform allows for standardizing how AltaML creates and delivers AI solutions for diff erent clients, rectifying the ineff iciencies of developing bespoke solutions.
? Value: The value of this project lies in the standardization of how AltaML develops and delivers secure, observable, and managed AI solutions for their clients. Furthermore, it brings value across all AltaML’s clients by serving as a governance layer for AI Agents provisioned for clients with focus on transparency, robustness, and clear metrics that relay an AI Agent’s performance to key stakeholders through KPI dashboards
The interns listed (Joseph Zhang, Anderson Yang) on this particular application will be working alongside the AltaForge team to develop features for AltaForge, which is AltaML’s proprietary AI Agent platform. The goal of this platform is to consolidate Agentic AI solutions built by AltaML.
? Focus: The main reason for this project is to take a real-world problem and deliver a solution where parts of it can be built as reusable IP for AltaForge
? Value: The value of this project lies in the development of a reusable IP that will bring value across many more AltaML clients.

New Perspectives in Quantum Materials: Floquet Circuits and Magnetic Aspects of Hyperbolic Lattices

This project aims to develop new driving protocols and investigate the exotic physical properties of hyperbolic quantum materials using time-periodically modulated (“Floquet”) electrical circuits under magnetic driving. By leveraging these programmable circuits, we will explore how curvature and periodic modulation influence energy flow, spectral features, and effective magnetic behavior in synthetic hyperbolic lattices. The collaboration combines the University of Saskatchewan’s groundbreaking expertise in synthetic hyperbolic materials and hyperbolic band theory with the University of Würzburg’s world-leading capabilities in circuit-based quantum material simulation. Together, the partnership will advance the fundamental understanding of hyperbolic quantum systems while strengthening international ties and supporting future innovations in quantum science and technology.

QV Studio – Validate 2026 – Anne

Simulation of quantum systems is important for modern technologies. However, obtaining quantum solutions is known to be harder than we can expect to accomplish with any efficient algorithm. The discovery of new technologies is highly reliant on improving existing simulation techniques. Our proposal is to radically reinvent how simulations of quantum problems is performed. We have generated new simulation techniques that offer rapidly convergent solutions based on quantum information principles, and we will apply them to systems of interest for quantum chemistry, biology, and the construction of quantum computers.
There are very few companies in Canada that work directly with the simulation of quantum materials. We pledge to work collaboratively with the few existing companies that are in this area and expand their capabilities to bring practical and relevant technologies to market. Partnering with the QV Studio will allow for efficient dissemination of critical research results to combat some of the outstanding challenges that modern society faces.

QV Studio – Validate 2026 – Suyash

This project investigates whether it is possible to use today’s commercial semiconductor technologies to build next generation of quantum devices and the electronics needed to control them at extremely low temperatures. Early research suggests this may be possible in modern semiconductor processes, offering a promising path toward more accessible, scalable quantum hardware. The project has potential to impact multiple sectors including quantum computing, precision sensing and metrology, semiconductor manufacturing, defense and aerospace, and secure communications—by enabling scalable, low-power quantum–classical hardware built directly in commercial CMOS technologies. The key question—and the purpose of working with QV Studio—is to determine whether this scientific insight can become a practical, high-impact startup idea. QV Studio’s validation program will help assess real industry needs, explore potential applications in quantum computing and sensing, and evaluate whether this approach can solve meaningful problems in the quantum technology ecosystem. The work requires a combination of expertise in quantum technologies, semiconductor design, and market and product validation to understand whether this concept can evolve into a viable commercial venture.