Innovative Projects Realized

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

30156 Completed Projects

2861
AB
5059
BC
812
MB
673
NL
842
SK
8957
ON
9368
QC
96
PE
579
NB
1120
NS

Projects by Category

Tracking the fate of Tetrodotoxin bound sodium channels

Pain is a global clinical problem. Chronic pain caused by cancer, osteo/rheumatoid arthritis, operations, injuries and spinal problems affects millions of people worldwide. The current treatments for severe pain is unsatisfactory and include opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and tricyclic anti-depressants. Most of these
drugs have limitations with regard to addiction, toxicity and thus there is a growing need for newer analgesic drugs that have greater efficacy, reduced toxicity and addiction. Chronic pain results from aberrant electrical signalling in the nervous system. Pain-sensing neurons in the peripheral nervous system express several isoforms of sodium channels. Sodium channel blockers currently in clinical use, though beneficial, are limited by their safety profiles. Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a naturally occurring toxin in puffer fish is currently being tested in clinical trials as analgesic by WEX Pharmaceuticals. TTX is non-opioid and is non-addictive. It is also 2000 times more potent than morphine. This project will address whether TTX affects sodium channel expression, trafficking and other targets in the pain pathway and thus will assist the industrial partner interpret their clinical findings by providing the molecular basis of mechanism of action of TTX.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Peter Ruben

Student:

Partner:

WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program:

Elevate

Tracking the fate of Tetrodotoxin bound sodium channels

Pain is a global clinical problem. Chronic pain caused by cancer, osteo/rheumatoid arthritis, operations, injuries and spinal problems affects millions of people worldwide. The current treatments for severe pain is unsatisfactory and include opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and tricyclic anti-depressants. Most of these
drugs have limitations with regard to addiction, toxicity and thus there is a growing need for newer analgesic drugs that have greater efficacy, reduced toxicity and addiction. Chronic pain results from aberrant electrical signalling in the nervous system. Pain-sensing neurons in the peripheral nervous system express several isoforms of sodium channels. Sodium channel blockers currently in clinical use, though beneficial, are limited by their safety profiles. Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a naturally occurring toxin in puffer fish is currently being tested in clinical trials as analgesic by WEX Pharmaceuticals. TTX is non-opioid and is non-addictive. It is also 2000 times more potent than morphine. This project will address whether TTX affects sodium channel expression, trafficking and other targets in the pain pathway and thus will assist the industrial partner interpret their clinical findings by providing the molecular basis of mechanism of action of TTX.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Peter Ruben

Student:

Partner:

WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program:

Elevate

Promotion de la sphère entrepreneuriale Montréalaise

Le projet permettra d’établir une stratégie de relation entre les différents médias attitrés à la couverture de l’entreprenariat à Montréal afin de promouvoir cet environnement. Il faudra assurer le développement et le rayonnement de la marque développée par les partenaires en l’adaptant aux besoins du grand public et des organismes de secteurs; 2 clientèles bien différentes. Le projet mettra au point une méthode de cueillette de cas en situation d’observation réelle et d’intervention sur le terrain. Il identifiera les enjeux et caractéristiques communicationnels de la promotion de l’entrepreneuriat. De plus, il permettra d’alimenter la base de données de cas de la Chaire avec un exemple de campagne promotionnelle

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Faculty Supervisor:

Bernard Motulsky

Student:

Partner:

Republik

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program:

Accelerate

Assessing the suitability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for data collection

The research project intends to test various aspects of data collection using a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) in order to assess the suitability for small sites (~1 ha). Ideal conditions for UAV based mapping will be determined and compared to other traditional methods. To identify suitable conditions, the relationship between accuracy and several factors (the flying height, observational angle) will be assessed as well as limitations such as the effect of wind and distance to target. Various software will be utilized to address the accuracy of image stitching. Outcomes from the experiments will inform the partner organization (JD Barnes) of expectations and variability of the suitability of UAV mapping for small projects. In addition, the results will provide ideal parameters and best practices for data collection. The proposed research project assists JD Barnes in developing a strong working relationship with York University and the intern while building the foundation for future mapping work in more remote environments.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Tarmo Remmel

Student:

Partner:

J.D. Barnes Ltd

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

York University

Program:

Accelerate

Using fast optimization techniques to fine tune label placement in an automatically generated image

Randomly created question and solution problem sets will frequently include scaled images that are generated with a series of variables. These figures contain labels for such things as dimensions, coordinates, angles, sub-titles and vertex names. When images are created manually, labels are placed in a manner which avoids them from obscuring other labels or the images itself. In an automated setting however, this is not so easily managed. The purpose of this project is to research, design and apply machine learning methodologies for optimal placement of all image labels on a computer-generated image so all labels are near their correct location, clearly identifiable and do not overlap the image or other labels nearby.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Osmar Zaiane

Student:

Partner:

Varafy

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Accelerate

Automatic crack detection in stamped auto-parts

The objective of the project is to develop a non-destructive test protocol to accurately and reliably detect cracked, pre-welded automotive parts within the constraints of an industrial assembly cell. This will involve reviewing, developing and testing one or more test procedures based on vibration excitation of the part and the measurement and analysis of the response. In particular the work will focus on exploring existing potential test protocols, defining the capabilities of different sensors that could be used in the given environment (non-contact vibration transducers), developing appropriate vibration signal analysis algorithms for crack detection and decision making. The final result of the work will be a test protocol suitable for implementation in an actual assembly cell. The goal will be to achieve crack detection performance that is 100% accurate and reliable. Kirchhoff Van-Rob will benefit through participation and guidance of an investigation into the possibility of developing a new completely automated, accurate and reliable crack detection system. A successful system could be used in a wide range of applications where inspection is done manually. Reliable detection of cracked parts early in the manufacturing process will result in improved efficiency and improved customer satisfaction.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Chris Mechefske

Student:

Partner:

Van-Rob Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Queen's University

Program:

Accelerate

HVDC “Superline” for improved angular stability of AC-DC system

High Voltage DC Transmission (HVDC) is used for bulk power transfer over long distances. Manitoba Hydro’s power system involves collection of AC power in the north, where it is converted to DC and then transferred to southern Manitoba (approx. 900km) where it is converted back to AC to feed consumers and for export. Recently, inter-area oscillation problems have been reported in the system. Along with conventional methods of applying damping to the power system such as Power System Stabilizers (PSSs) on generators and Power Oscillation Damping (POD) controllers on Static Var Compensators (SVCs), Manitoba Hydro uses feedback signals, such as frequency from the converter stations, as control input to modulate power through HVDC links to help damp these oscillations. However, sometimes these feedback signals may lack the observability of critical modes which could result in sustained oscillations, power system transfer limitations and eventually in system collapse if left unmitigated. In this research, we will investigate local and remote signals rich in modal information to design the control system. Furthermore, we will develop a control strategy which is robust towards the loss or delay in these remote signals.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Aniruddha Gole

Student:

Partner:

Manitoba Hydro

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

University of Manitoba

Program:

Accelerate

Water-Safe UV Curable Antimicrobials Nanoscale coatings for Plastics

The treatment of Hospital acquired infections from pathogenic bacteria continues to be a serious and significant burden on health care resources both nationally and globally. Currently, about 1 in 10 persons will acquire an HAI as result of a medical procedure which can result in an additional hospital stay, treatment and in some severe cases, death. To counter HAI’s, we propose the use of a new UV-curable antimicrobial coatings which will protect common touch surfaces (hospital beds, plastic items) from pathogenic bacteria. The new antimicrobial coating is a water-based formulation and can be sprayed on to surfaces, followed by a low power UV cure that grafts them to the surface.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Foucher

Student:

Partner:

Bioshield Technologies (Edmonton, AB);CHG Hospital Beds

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Management of companies and enterprises

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program:

Accelerate

Statistical Analysis of Prostate Brachytherapy Treatment Data

This project is a continuation of a previous internship that made use of longitudinal data on patients with prostate cancer obtained over a period of fifteen to seventeen years to initiate a long-term comparison of external-beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy treatments. The key objective is to demonstrate that Brachytherapy treatments offer the best outcomes at the lowest cost in comparison to other treatment modalities. Much work has been completed; however a great deal more still remains. Statistical analyses based on Kaplan-Meier curves, logistic regression, and transition models will be continued. Transition models are used to analyze data where a strong dependence is suspected between successive observations on a patient. They allow for transitions into and out of a set of states defined by the response variable instead of focusing on the time for a certain event to occur. The probability estimates derived from this type of model can enable the determination of the expected years gained in remission by one treatment over the other as well as a comparison of expected costs for these treatments. The partner organization, Best Medical Canada, expects to reference the above research in the interest of promoting the Brachytherapy products that it manufactures.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Patrick Farrell

Student:

Partner:

Best Medical Canada

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Carleton University

Program:

Accelerate

Étude sur l’efficacité énergétique et la stabilisation biologique et chimique de la technologie ATAD optimisée. Applications aux résidus domestiques et aux résidus verts

Devant l’augmentation des problèmes environnementaux dus aux changements climatiques causés par l’homme. Et face aux diverses solutions de protection de l’environnement, en terme de nouvelles technologies et/ou amélioration d’un procédé, les scientifiques cherchent constamment des solutions réalistes et raisonnables, voire de nouvelles technologies émergentes. Pour sa part, la MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, intéressée par le développement de méthodes durables et économiques de valorisation des résidus organiques respectueuse de l’environnement, elle vise par ce projet, évaluer le procédé d’une technologie novatrice de traitement ATAD d’une génération « optimisé ». (autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion). La technologie vise la déshydratation des résidus alimentaires, résidus verts, boues municipales et industrielles par un procédé ATAD suivi d’une désinfection suivi d’une granulation des résidus sans compression de la matière. Diverses analyses devront être effectuées dans le cadre de ce projet en ce qui a trait aux intrants de même qu’aux extrants. Le produit fini considéré comme un amendement de sol (matière résiduelle fertilisante) devra également être soumis à des analyses afin d’en vérifier la stabilité, la maturité, l’innocuité du produit fini, son potentiel commercialisable et déterminer avec précisions les paramètres du procédé, le bilan de masse et la consommation énergétique de celui-ci.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Alfred Jaouich

Student:

Partner:

Municipalité régionale de comté de Vaudreuil-Soulanges;Compostage GL – 9053 9081 Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Public administration

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program:

Accelerate

Parallel and online machine learning algorithms for cloud-based predictive analytics engine

Cloud-based predictive analytics service allows businesses to improve their performance with a minimal investment in infrastructure. Moreover, it enables collaboration and simplifies decision making. However, there are technical obstacles that prevent the large-scale deployment of such service to support millions of users. In fact, a cloud analytics platform runs on a distributed clustercomputing system. Hence, it is crucial to develop new algorithms that are optimized for parallel processing and efficiently use the cloud computing resources. Therefore, the goal of this research project is to develop such algorithms to enable fast and scalable predictive analytics. Precisely, the focus will be on developing new techniques for training the machine learning models by processing the data in parallel or by sequentially building the model in an online manner. These algorithms should be efficient in terms of computing costs and communication overhead. The new algorithms and a prototype application will be implemented in Haskell.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Vijay Bhargava

Student:

Partner:

D&B Cloud Innovation Center

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Finance and Insurance

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

Conception d’un système polyvalent d’intégration des vélos dans différents types d’intérieurs de train

Pour favoriser l’utilisation des transports en commun de manière efficace et répondre aux besoins précis de chacun des utilisateurs, les autorités de transport tendent vers une intégration les différents modes de transports complémentaires (voitures, vélo, covoiturages…). Dans ce cadre, une des problématiques que Bombardier rencontre souvent est l’intégration des vélos dans la définition de l’intérieur de ses véhicules. Plusieurs solutions ont été proposées, chacune ayant ses forces et ses faiblesses. A chaque projet, la problématique vélo est à repenser en fonction des contraintes uniques présentes dans ces projets. Le projet vise donc à développer une solution sécuritaire, pratique et économique permettant aux usagers à vélo utilisant différents types de véhicules (LRV, Metro, Commuter) de les amener à l’intérieur et de développer une solution plateforme qui puisse s’adapter facilement aux produits existants du fabricant et ses futurs projets.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Steve Vezeau

Student:

Partner:

Bombardier Transportation Canada Inc

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Manufacturing; Transportation and warehousing

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program:

Accelerate