Innovative Projects Realized

L2M – Ultracoustics Development Project

Ultracoustics Technologies Ltd. is developing ultrasensitive optical microphones to detect high-frequency sounds (20 kHz–2 MHz) for industrial applications like non-destructive testing (NDT) and leak detection. While the technology is proven, the company lacks market-ready products and a clear commercialization path. This Mitacs Business Strategy Internship project will bridge that gap by: (1) finalizing a certified Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and deploying it in pilot trials to gather performance data and user feedback; (2) identifying and targeting the most viable niche market (e.g., aerospace or energy infrastructure) through rigorous analysis and outreach; and (3) creating investor-ready materials and a long-term strategic roadmap. The intern will leverage the Lab2Market (L2M) Launch program’s mentorship and resources to execute these objectives.

The project will transform a lab prototype into a market-validated product, accelerating its path to revenue. Pilot trials will demonstrate real-world value to customers, while the targeted market strategy will secure early adopters. The deliverables—including a refined MVP, business plan, and investor pitch—will position Ultracoustics for fundraising, scalable manufacturing, and entry into North American/EU markets, directly boosting commercial viability and competitive advantage.

L2M-Validation of solid lubricant coatings for industry applications

The proposed Lab2Market internship program will support the intern, who is currently working with AraMill, in strengthening their understanding of validation processes vital for the commercialization of innovative lubrication solutions. The organization specializes in developing advanced, sustainable metallic solid lubricant coatings for machining tools, which significantly reduce friction and eliminate the need for traditional liquid lubricants. Currently, the organization’s primary focus is to validate the effectiveness and industrial applicability of these coatings. Traditional lubricants are often environmentally impactful, costly, and less effective under challenging machining conditions. Through rigorous field validation, the organization aims to demonstrate that metallic coatings can reliably enhance productivity and sustainability in real-world manufacturing environments. This internship offers a unique educational opportunity for the intern to actively engage in validation activities, gain firsthand insights from industry experts, and develop a deeper understanding of industry-specific testing and performance evaluation techniques. Through active learning and mentorship, the intern will acquire practical skills and knowledge that will prepare them to contribute meaningfully to the adoption of innovative coatings in industrial settings. With their background in manufacturing engineering, surface coatings, and tribology, they will be empowered to enhance their expertise and support the advancement of sustainable, cost-effective machining solutions.

L2M — Development and Validation of a Novel Pain-Conscious Tool for IUD and Endometrial Biopsy Procedures

This project supports the development of an innovative device that makes IUD insertions and endometrial biopsies less painful and more accurate. By replacing outdated tools with one integrated system, it improves patient comfort and clinical efficiency. The project will provide ReFem Technologies with real-world feedback, regulatory insights, and a clear path to market, accelerating the device’s commercialization.

L2M- A Strategic Commercialization Pathway for Electrochemical Antifouling Membranes

This project will support the commercialization of a new electrochemical membrane (ECM) technology that actively prevents fouling in wastewater treatment systems, offering a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to conventional membranes. Through structured market research, stakeholder engagement, and techno-economic analysis, the project will identify high-potential market segments and build a clear commercialization roadmap. The partner organization will benefit from a de-risked, evidence-based strategy to bring this innovation to market, opening new business opportunities and strengthening their position in the cleantech sector. At the same time, the project will provide the intern with hands-on experience in market-driven innovation, helping bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. This aligns with the goals of the L2M Validate program by equipping emerging researchers with the practical skills, industry exposure, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive future commercialization efforts—whether in industry or academia.

L2M – Antioxidant-rich Functional Fiber Developed from Co-products of Cereals and Legumes

Antioxidant dietary fiber is an emerging concept that combines the health benefits of dietary fiber and natural polyphenolic antioxidants into a single functional ingredient. Dietary fiber supports gut and heart health, blood sugar regulation, weight management, and digestive well-being. Phenolic compounds, commonly found in colorful fruits and vegetables, help protect the body from oxidative damage that can lead to serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. In addition, there is a growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic food additives. While antioxidant-rich dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables has been widely studied, less attention has been paid to similar compounds found in cereal and legume by-products, such as wheat and oat bran, as well as faba bean and lentil hulls. These by-products are generated in large quantities by the food industry and are often discarded or used as low-value animal feed, contributing to environmental waste and greenhouse gas emissions. These agricultural residues are rich in both dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds, but 35-65% of the polyphenols are bound within the fiber and cannot be used by the body. This project aims to transform these underutilized by-products into high-value, health-promoting ingredients. By applying special heat-based and non-heat-based processing methods, we will release these polyphenolic antioxidants and improve the way dietary fiber works in our body. This approach offers a dual benefit of improving the health effects of both antioxidants and dietary fiber. The result is a novel natural ingredient that can serve as functional food ingredients, supplements, and even pet food, supporting better health in people and animals alike. By upcycling these by-products, we aim to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable food system for everyone.

Building a Multimodal AI/ML Insights Engine for Data-Driven VLT Game Optimization

This project aims to help International Game Technology (IGT), a global leader in gaming, better understand what makes their Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) games successful. Currently, IGT finds it hard to link specific game features (like bonus rounds or themes) to how well a game performs or how long players stay engaged. This project will solve this by using advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to analyze both player feedback (from focus groups) and game performance data. By combining these different types of information, IGT will get a powerful “AI/ML Insights Engine”. This new tool will allow them to make more informed decisions about designing games, allocating resources, and improving player engagement, moving beyond guesswork to a data-driven approach.

Green Strategies for the Urban Design and Development of a Public Square for The City of Kitchener’s Intermodal Transit Hub

The research project will use a case study approach at the proposed Transit Hub for the City of Kitchener. In its objectives, the research will focus on the opportunities for a high quality green public space/square to better integrate a new LRT line and a new GO/VIA rail station into the surrounding city. It will look at how to create a healthy people oriented public environment that will also transfer people from one mode of transit to another. With the surrounding new mixed use developments and heritage architecture of Kitchener’s industrial past, the case study is typical of the situation facing most urban centres undertaking transit expansion in Ontario. Masri O Architects will benefit from the research undertaken in the Mitacs partnership by acquiring a better understanding of the potential of new ideas in green urbanism and sustainable materials strategies which they will then be able to incorporate into their architectural and urban design in the future.

L2M – Forge Climate Business Development

Cement manufacturing is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to all gas-powered passenger vehicles on the road today. The primary emissions source is the high-temperature decomposition of limestone, a process deeply embedded in traditional cement production. Forge Climate is tackling this challenge with a novel, electricity-driven solution: the cement electrolyzer. Powered by renewable energy, our system produces key cement precursors at room temperature. This approach not only avoids combustion-related emissions but also releases a pure stream of CO2, enabling low-cost carbon capture without the energy penalties of current technologies. Forge Climate’s process is projected to maintain cost parity with today’s cement, a stark contrast to post-combustion capture methods, which may double or triple costs. To move toward commercialization, Forge aims to build a pilot plant to support third-party certification and small-scale deployment, proving technical viability and product-market fit. This Mitacs project supports the development of a business strategy to bring the cement electrolyzer to market. It will assess customer needs, market segmentation, policy impact, financial models, and environmental benefits. The goal: to position Forge Climate for successful capital raising and ultimately, industry-scale deployment of clean cement production.

L2M – Modular Hybrid Air Purification System

Indoor air pollution has become a growing concern, especially in homes, schools, offices, and healthcare facilities where people spend most of their time. Existing commercial air purifiers are often limited in function, focusing on removing specific pollutants while requiring frequent manual filter replacements. Many are not compatible with HVAC systems and often produce noise and airflow that can disrupt comfortable environments. This project proposes the development of a modular hybrid air purification system that solves these issues by combining multiple purification methods into a single, smart, low-maintenance device.

The system integrates mechanical filtration, activated carbon adsorption, bipolar ionization, and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) to target a wide range of air pollutants, including particulate matter, odors, volatile organic compounds, and airborne pathogens. What makes this system unique is the use of regenerable filters with embedded Joule heating elements that allow self-cleaning, extending the filter life and reducing waste and maintenance costs. It also features wind-free air dispersion for silent, draft-free operation and can function as either a standalone unit or integrate directly into HVAC systems. Smart sensors monitor air quality in real-time and automatically control the purifier’s operation and cleaning cycles.

This project will benefit potential industry partners by offering a sustainable, scalable air purification solution that can meet diverse customer needs in residential and commercial settings. Through Lab2Market Validate, we will explore customer requirements, validate the market opportunity, and build a commercialization strategy that connects real-world needs with an innovative, practical, and manufacturable product.

L2M Validation / Qc Automne 2025 / Sécurisation des ordinateurs quantiques contre des cybermenaces

La concrétisation des ordinateurs quantiques introduit de nouveaux vecteurs d’attaque tels que les virus quantiques, les cyberattaques quantiques. Les outils actuels de détection des virus informatiques ou des menaces cyber n’ont pas été conçus pour les ordinateurs quantiques, les exposant ainsi à des nouvelles vulnérabilités qui peuvent être exploitées par les acteurs malicieux. Les fournisseurs des services quantiques sur le cloud, les institutions financières et de recherche, les gouvernements et les firmes de cybersécurité utilisent les services quantiques aussi bien sur le cloud que sur place et ces services peuvent être compromis si rien n’est fait. Nous proposons de développer un pare-feu couplé à un antivirus quantique pour détecter et neutraliser les virus et cybermenaces dans les environnements de calcul quantique.

L2M –Sustainable alternative supplementary cementitious materials using oat husk

This project explores innovative ways to convert agricultural residues (i.e., oat husks) into sustainable construction materials. Specifically, the research focuses on developing and validating cement replacement products derived from agro-waste, which can help reduce the carbon footprint of concrete, a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The intern will work closely with both academic researchers and industry partners to assess the market potential of these alternative materials. The project aims to support the commercialization of a low-carbon supplementary cementitious material (SCM) by refining the product’s value proposition, identifying key stakeholders, and developing a go-to-market strategy.
By combining scientific testing with business strategy development, this initiative supports Canada’s clean technology sector and contributes to more sustainable infrastructure development.

L2M – Validate, ComfiDam

This project will help evaluate the market for ComfiDam, a breathable rubber dam that makes dental procedures safer and more comfortable for patients. Rubber dams are considered mandatory for root canal procedures, which are performed over 15 million times each year in the United States, essential for infection control and patient safety. However, their adoption remains low due to discomfort caused by restricted mouth breathing. By talking to dentists, industry experts, and other stakeholders, we will test whether ComfiDam addresses this issue effectively, identify the best market segments, and build a plan for launching the product. The expected benefit to the partner organization, DMZ Ventures Inc., is the development of a commercialization strategy for a promising dental innovation, contributing to its goal of supporting startups with high-impact technologies.