Innovative Projects Realized

FabStation Outside-in Tracking

This research project will explore how to make augmented reality (AR) tools more accurate and easier to use in steel fabrication workshops. The intern will work with Eterio Realities Inc., a Canadian company that created FabStation. This AR system helps workers see 3D digital models overlaid on steel parts to guide their work. Currently, FabStation uses tracking, which sometimes becomes inaccurate in large or busy environments. To fix this, the intern will test a different tracking system that uses external cameras to understand the position of tools and devices better. The intern will compare how well this system works and try connecting it to the existing FabStation platform. By the end of the project, a working prototype will be built to show the improved accuracy on devices like tablets. This will help Eterio make FabStation more reliable, cost-effective, and easier to use in actual factories, allowing the company to reach more customers and stay ahead in the AR technology market.

Electrochemical Synthesis of a-Manganese Dioxide on Oxidized Carbon Felt for Enhanced Fuel Cell Catalysis

Gaia Refinery is a Canadian cleantech company focused on sustainable resource recovery and carbon management. Its core mission is to develop low-impact technologies for converting waste carbon streams into high-value products such as bio-carbon materials, fuels, and catalysts. In collaboration with Lambton College, Gaia Refinery is supporting this project to explore the development of low-cost, high-performance electrocatalysts based on modified carbon felt for fuel cell applications.
One of the company’s current technical challenges is identifying scalable, eco-friendly materials and surface treatments that can enhance electrochemical reactivity without relying on precious metals. This project addresses that need by chemically oxidizing carbon felts and electrodepositing a-MnO2, a low-cost, earth-abundant catalyst, onto their surfaces.
The outcomes will support Gaia Refinery’s R&D objectives by generating technical data and scalable fabrication protocols for novel catalyst structures. Economically, this could reduce catalyst costs in fuel cell stacks and broaden their applications in clean energy technologies. Socially, the project contributes to Canada’s net-zero goals by advancing green alternatives to fossil-fuel-based energy systems. The project also helps build applied research capacity at Lambton College while training students in clean energy and materials innovation as identified in Mitacs – Umbrella Part 1 application section 2.1.1 and 2.1.2.

The Pulse of Rural MB: 2025

This project, led by the Rural Development Institute (RDI) and Rural Manitoba Economic Development (RMED), aims to understand the key trends and challenges facing rural communities in Manitoba. Many rural communities struggle due to limited access to reliable, local data. This makes it hard for decision-makers like mayors, planners, and local leaders to create effective policies or programs. The project will collect and analyze information on things like population changes, jobs, housing, internet access, climate change, and more. The interns will work with data from several sources to spot patterns, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. The results will be shared in a final report and webinar, helping local communities make better decisions and plans. For RMED, this research will provide critical insights to support rural growth and resilience across the province.

Analysis of Injuries Resulting from Use of Non-traditional Vehicles

The expanding use of non-traditional vehicles has led to increasing trends of injuries and admissions to hospitals in many countries. Since these vehicles represent a new mode of transportation, the impact of their use is not clear due to limited number of studies that have been conducted, especially in Canada with its unique environments and settings. As a result, there is a great need for describing these sorts of injuries, their hosts, and the mechanisms of injury, since their prevention may require differing strategies. Using traffic collision data, this research project will examine the characteristics of injuries related to non-traditional vehicles and identify risk factors, which will serve as a basis for developing a model to predict injury risk and severity. The project aims to provide the knowledge base for strategies that ultimately aim to reduce these injuries, and so not only help people in the population served, but also help the organization itself by reducing the number of traumatized people it cares for and the associated costs to the organization.

Identification of transcription factors involved in cannabinoid biosynthesis and glandular trichome formation

As an important medicinal plant, Cannabis sativa produces bioactive molecules that provide symptom relief for
conditions such as severe cancer pain, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The cannabinoid
biosynthetic pathway that generates bioactive molecules has been studied for over a decade. However, understanding
of transcriptional regulators that control cannabinoid synthesis is fairly limited. The primary site of cannabinoid
biosynthesis is glandular trichomes that form on female flowers. Transcription factors have been shown to play a role
of importance in trichome formation and development in model plant Arabidopsis and a closely-related species
Humulus. The underling regulation mechanisms of cannabis trichome formation remain ambiguous. If the regulatory
network controlling cannabinoids synthesis can be well established, it will open the door to modify or breed marijuana
plants for improved pharmacological properties. Identifying transcription factors that involved in cannabinoid
biosynthesis and glandular trichome formation will enrich the knowledge for biotechnological modification of
cannabis.

Cultivating a Thriving Workforce at St. Joesph’s Health Centre of Sudbury

The Cultivating a Thriving Workforce project at St. Joseph’s Health Centre of Sudbury project aims to address the critical health human resources staffing crisis through a comprehensive three-phase approach. The project will evaluate recruitment effectiveness, define and communicate a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP), and develop a human capital workforce planning strategy. Expected benefits include data-informed recruitment improvements, enhanced employer branding aligned with organizational culture, and strategic workforce planning to address skill gaps and future needs. Key deliverables include a Recruitment Evaluation Report, Needs Assessment Scope, draft EVP with communication strategy, and Phase 1 of a Human Capital Workforce Planning Framework. This initiative directly supports the organization’s 2025-2029 Strategic Direction to “Cultivate a thriving workforce” while providing practical solutions to workforce shortages during a time of significant organizational growth across their multiple healthcare facilities.

Developing a Data-Driven Supply Chain Dashboard for Kisaan Die Tech (KDT): Enhancing Visibility, Forecasting, and Operational Efficiency

The proposed project aims to develop a robust, data-driven supply chain dashboard for Kisaan Die Tech (KDT) to enhance visibility, improve decision-making, and align production schedules with customer demand. The dashboard will integrate data from multiple sources, optimize inventory levels, and enhance cash flow management, addressing challenges related to overseas supplier lead time, transit time, and manufacturing lead time. By improving supply chain efficiency, the project will help KDT minimize delays, reduce inventory costs, and streamline operations, ultimately supporting their global manufacturing processes and increasing competitiveness. This solution will provide KDT with a strategic tool that not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens their market position in various industries.

Identifying Tissue Protective Probiotics and Their Immunomodulatory Properties

The gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms residing within the digestive tract, plays a significant role in modulating host immune responses. This project aims to identify specific gut microbial species that influence the immune response and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. To study these microbe-host interactions, mice cells will be exposed to different microorganisms, subsequently quantifying their release of signaling molecules, i.e. cytokines. A particular focus will be placed on the cytokine interferon-gamma because it has recently been discovered that this signaling molecule is involved in an additional mechanism to protect the host by improving disease tolerance.
In cooperation with Lallemand Health Solutions, a company specializing in probiotic development, this research will contribute to the refinement of existing probiotic formulations and the development of novel probiotic products. These advancements are expected to enhance Lallemand’s product portfolio and potentially contribute to improved human health.

Manitoba League for Persons with Disabilities Development

This project will help MLPD redevelop and improve accessibility audit materials and expand their work to include partnerships with Indigenous communities

Integrated Innovation Project: Digital Marketing, AI, and U.S. Expansion

Collins Executive Search (CES) is a small, specialized firm focused on executive-level placements across industries. While the firm has a strong reputation in Canada, its limited digital presence—including an outdated website, minimal social media activity, and no structured digital marketing—has constrained growth, particularly in the U.S. market.

This project has five key components:

1. AI-Driven Process Innovation:
AI tools such as Power Automate and Power BI will be integrated into CES’s CRM system to centralize client data, automate routine administrative tasks, and generate actionable insights. These enhancements will improve efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and enhance the client experience. AI will also be applied to candidate sourcing and screening to streamline workflows and increase productivity.

2. AI-Enhanced Outreach:
AI-powered email marketing platforms will segment audiences and personalize outreach based on user behavior, improving engagement rates. AI chatbots will be deployed on the website to offer real-time support for candidates and clients, improving user experience and lead conversion.

3. Digital Marketing Strategy:
The intern will develop a digital marketing strategy that includes an audit of CES’s digital footprint, target audience profiling, SEO improvements, social media campaigns, and content creation to enhance visibility and build brand authority.

4. Website Revamp:
The CES website will be redesigned for modern usability, including intuitive navigation and SEO optimization. AI-enabled features like chatbots and analytics dashboards will support user engagement and continuous improvement.

5. Strategic U.S. Expansion Plan:
Through market research, this project will identify high-potential U.S. regions and industries. The intern will deliver a roadmap covering regulatory considerations, service localization, and targeted outreach to support CES’s US expansion plans.

Effects of Mobile Technologies on Emergency Response

Workplace incidents usually need to be reported and it is important to ensure that they are resolved in a timely manner. To understand the procedures involved in an emergency response to a workplace incident, we have started investigating the existing practices of the McGill University Safety office by interviewing their personnel. We focused our investigation on chemical spills that occur in the workplace, and found potential areas of improvement in their practices. These potential areas of improvement can be addressed by mobile sensing. Therefore, we intend to develop a mobile application to provide the first responders with instantaneous and ubiquitous access to the requisite information in the lab or adjoining labs in order to improve context awareness and lab safety. Our proposed solution needs to be designed, implemented, and tested with users before being deployed as a tool to assist in this use context.

Oak Table Development

JustCity Oak Table (Oak Table) is a non-profit organization in Winnipeg that operates a community outreach center that provides marginalized community members with hospitality, advocacy, and culturally relevant support. Serving between 100 and 150 guests daily, many of whom are Indigenous, experiencing homelessness or coping with mental illness. Oak Table provides individuals with a safe space, healthy meals, supplies, and a sense of community. This program will provide Oak Table with support in their everyday functions, increase community engagement and assist in delivering and planning events for the community.