Innovative Projects Realized

Enhance analyses and improve processes for communication of infectious disease trends and insights

Globally, there have been challenges in pulling together data, analyses, epidemiological insights, and unusual infection disease trends into comprehensive and regular reporting, that support pharmaceutical and life sciences organizations with timely intelligence for decision making. BlueDot has the knowledge and expertise to bring together these insights in a highly visual, easily understandable regular reporting format, by leveraging proprietary and publicly available data. However, there are challenges in scaling across diseases and locations to meet the growing demand for this content, as well as limited resourcing to improve upon processes, analyses, and methods to deepen our insights and improve efficiency.
Through previous MITACS projects, BlueDot began developing the infrastructure for the regular reporting format, by automating data pipelines and repeatable analyses and processes. In this project the interns will be leveraging the pre-built data pipelines and models to conduct repeatable and scalable analyses of global infectious disease trends. They will contribute their growing expertise by developing data-driven insights, and continue building upon the foundation that has been developed by adding new statistical and mathematical models and data visualizations as automated repeatable analyses across diseases and locations to meet the variety of needs of our clients.
This project has several challenges and opportunities that interns with subject matter expertise and experience with relevant data can help with and learn from. The interns can be helpful every step of the way – determining usability of new data sources for communication of disease trends, thinking about how the data can be used for generating actionable insights, producing these regular reports with support from senior team members, including more complex analyses, and improving the overall processes for report generation and automation.

L2M – Transforming Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Interventions: A Novel Model for Enhancing Social Skills and Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Children with ASD and ADHD

The Interactive Multisensory Physical Movement (IMPM) model addresses a critical and growing gap in pediatric neurodevelopmental care. It offers a rigorously designed, non-pharmacological therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Current treatments often focus on short-term symptom management, have adverse side effects, and produce limited long-lasting improvements in social functioning, attention regulation, and daily living (Cook et al., 2022; Reijnders, 2019).

The IMPM utilizes a multifaceted approach, integrating holography, immersive virtual and augmented reality, and advanced eye-tracking technology to create a multisensory therapeutic environment. This environment facilitates simultaneous multisensory stimulation and movement-based learning, targeting fundamental neurodevelopmental mechanisms such as sensory integration, attentional networks, motor planning, and social reciprocity. The IMPM approach enables measurable and sustained functional improvements, avoiding the risks associated with pharmacotherapy.

By validating a scalable, technology-enabled, holistic intervention that is both clinically effective and cost-conscious, IMPM has the potential to transform pediatric neurodevelopmental services. This transformation would improve developmental trajectories, reduce long-term care burdens, and deliver higher quality of life for millions of children and families. The pathway from validation to commercialization is meticulously designed to yield peer-reviewed evidence, regulatory alignment, and robust stakeholder engagement, thereby facilitating the expeditious adoption of responsible practices within healthcare and educational systems on a global scale.

Stage IREC – Intégration des NWA (Non-wire alternatives) dans le contexte québécois de transition énergétique

Dans un contexte de transition énergétique, le Québec prévoit accroître sa production d’énergies renouvelables comme l’éolien et le solaire. Cependant, cette évolution ne peut reposer uniquement sur de nouveaux investissements massifs dans les infrastructures électriques. Les Non-Wire Alternatives (NWA) telles que la gestion de la demande, le stockage d’énergie, les microréseaux ou les plateformes numériques de flexibilité représentent des solutions locales, évolutives et souvent plus économiques. Déjà utilisées ailleurs dans le monde, elles permettent de stabiliser le réseau, d’optimiser les installations existantes et de faciliter l’intégration des énergies renouvelables. Au Québec, ces approches restent peu développées. Le modèle actuel, centré sur une planification centralisée par Hydro-Québec, évolue toutefois sous la pression des objectifs climatiques et des besoins de développement régional. Cette situation ouvre une fenêtre d’opportunité pour repenser notre gouvernance énergétique. Ce projet vise à analyser comment les NWA pourraient s’intégrer dans le contexte québécois économique, réglementaire et politique afin de soutenir à la fois la transition énergétique et la vitalité des régions.

L2M-Local Connect

This project aims to develop a scalable, data-driven model for regional food distribution that connects local producers with restaurants, retailers, and institutions through an efficient cold-chain supply network. By addressing current logistics challenges—such as fragmented delivery routes, inconsistent volumes, and lack of shared infrastructure—the project will design a system for demand aggregation, route optimization, and coordinated supplier distribution, reducing empty miles, emissions, and operational costs while improving food security and producer profitability. Building on Local Connect’s existing operations, the internship will focus on gathering purchasing data, negotiating supplier pricing, forecasting volumes, and testing real-world delivery routes to validate a financially sustainable and environmentally responsible model for regional food systems. This proposal directly supports Mitacs’ goals by advancing innovation in supply chain processes, enhancing economic resilience in the agri-food sector, and creating a replicable framework that strengthens local economies and community food access.

L2M Launch – Wonder Guard: An AI-Powered Catheter Sensor System to Detect and Predict Infection

Wonder Guard is an AI-powered catheter sensor system that is capable of detecting and predicting infection. We are developing an infection surveillance system using electrochemical DNA biosensors and AI-driven analytics to make assisted diagnoses. The device is a module add-on to existing hospital catheter systems that can continuously produce and analyze data to monitor UTIs, with faster results than standard urine cultures and richer insights than urine dipsticks. This project will be run by Lab2Market Launch as a four-month program that will turn this project into a scalable venture through structured mentorship and hands-on workshops to build a clear, fundable business case.

L2M – InclusivAI: AI-powered Instructional Design Agent

This project focuses on validating InclusivAI, an AI-powered instructional design agent that helps faculty redesign courses for greater inclusivity and accessibility. Grounded in established frameworks for inclusive education and accessibility, InclusivAI applies AI to support evidence-informed course design and faculty development. Through the Mitacs Lab2Market Validate program, the project will analyze insights from faculty and institutional leaders, test a low-fidelity prototype using no-code tools, and assess its feasibility for institutional integration. By advancing InclusivAI from a research concept to a validated and scalable solution, the project contributes to Canada’s goals for digital equity, lifelong learning, and innovation in higher education.

L2M – The Edge-Aware Diffusion for Contrast Enhancement

Artificial intelligence tools for contrast enhancement in medical imaging often improve visibility but may remove subtle structural details, reducing diagnostic reliability and clinical confidence. This project focuses on validating and preparing for the commercialization of the Edge-Aware Diffusion for Contrast Enhancement framework, which uses an edge-aware diffusion process to improve image contrast while preserving fine anatomical boundaries.

Through the Lab2Market Validate program, this internship will connect with radiologists, imaging engineers, and artificial intelligence specialists to evaluate clinical usability, interpretability, and integration needs. Insights from expert interviews will guide prototype refinement and the development of a business model and commercialization plan.

The project supports the growth of Canada’s medical technology sector by combining scientific validation with stakeholder engagement to build safer, more reliable imaging tools that improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce healthcare costs.

L2M – SensRIM

For manual wheelchair users, mobility means pushing thousands of times each day, often leading to pain, fatigue, and upper-limb injuries. SensRIM is an innovative, sensor-integrated ergonomic pushrim designed to transform this daily effort into data-driven mobility, enhancing independence, comfort, and health outcomes. By embedding soft tactile sensors that directly measure propulsion forces and detect user intent, SensRIM provides a novel, intuitive control input surface for power-assist applications while delivering real-time feedback on propulsion technique. This enables smarter power-assist control, fitness tracking, and clinical insights for rehabilitation. Bridging the gap between manual and power-assist mobility solutions, SensRIM offers a lightweight, ergonomic, and low-maintenance alternative that minimizes the moving parts found in traditional force-inferred control systems. With broad potential across rehabilitation, smart mobility, and health monitoring, SensRIM addresses critical unmet needs in a global wheelchair market projected to exceed USD 10 billion by 2032, offering a smarter, safer, and more independent approach to mobility.

L2M – GradientX

Nowadays, many young Canadians [2] and newcomers [1] begin their financial journey with limited access to guidance on saving and investing, which leaves them at risk of debt and missed opportunities to build wealth. Existing tools are often complex and designed for experienced investors, not beginners. This project aims to develop and validate GradientX, an AI-powered financial tutor that helps individuals improve their financial literacy through personalized guidance, real-time market insights, spending analysis, and a risk-free virtual investing “sandbox“. Through participation in the Lab2Market program, the project will conduct user discovery and market validation to identify key pain points and refine the business model. The collaboration will benefit Lab2Market by contributing to its mission of translating academic research into viable market solutions and fostering Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurial researchers.

L2M Launch – Commercialization of Natural Polymer-Based Wound Dressings

In collaboration with the Lab2Market Launch program, our goal is to transition our natural polymer-based wound dressing from the lab bench to commercial scale. Designed specifically for individuals with chronic wounds and fragile skin conditions, our hydrogel-based dressing aims to fill a critical gap in the market. Through the program, we seek to
deepen our understanding of the market landscape by interviewing potential clients, including healthcare professionals and patients. Their feedback will be invaluable in refining our product to better meet user needs.
Additionally, the L2M program provides an opportunity to connect with industry experts who have successfully brought similar technologies to market. We will also gain insights from regulatory specialists on securing government clearance and protecting our intellectual property.

L2M – Miniature EEG BCI with Wireless Power Charging

L2M – Miniature EEG BCI with Wireless Power Charging Proposal

L2M – Low-carbon modular concrete buildings

Housing shortage is one of the most serious societal issues that Canada is dealing with. On the other hand, the shrinking number of workforce is expected to increase the construction duration and cost of the new project. Furthermore, the influence of climate change in the form of wildfires and hurricanes threatens the conventional methods of construction. As such, the current project sets out to understand the market pull for a new mode and material of construction, i.e., low-carbon pre-cast and modular concrete structures. The factory-built structures are expected to increase the construction speed and enhance the quality of construction. The concrete product that are designed to use the minimal amount of cement and develop strength by capturing CO2 will benefit from climate resiliency and reduced environmental impact.