Innovative Projects Realized

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

31132 Completed Projects

2940
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5159
BC
837
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685
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882
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9291
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601
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Projects by Category

Applying Knowledge in Marine Planning

Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound is located just northwest of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Historically the sound has been significantly impacted by human activities. Now it is experiencing ecological resurgence, and there is increasing interest in both greater understanding the sound and applying marine spatial planning (MSP). MSP allocates human activities in marine areas to achieve multiple objectives. MSP processes are increasingly recognizing the importance of bringing together multiple knowledge systems; yet challenges reside in how to do that. This research has two parts. The first part involves exploring how multiple knowledge systems have been woven into MSP processes around the world, to inform efforts in Átl’ka7tsem and elsewhere. The second part involves developing a conceptual model of the Átl’ka7tsem social-ecological system to identify the social and ecological components where knowledge is important for informing MSP decisions. Outcomes from this research will benefit those working to further MSP within Átl’ka7tsem, and benefit others facing similar challenges in places with similar ecosystems.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Natalie Ban

Student:

Partner:

MakeWay

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Information and cultural industries; Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Victoria

Program:

Accelerate

Innovations in Mass Cytometry

Biological systems are exceptionally complex. To understand the biochemical processes that influence diseases in whole organisms, information about all the cell types present and their activities is required. Mass cytometry is a Canadian invention that enables the simultaneous quantification of a large number of parameters at the cellular level in heterogeneous biological samples. Mass cytometers and their associated reagents are currently produced in Markham, ON by Standard BioTools Canada Inc., our partner on this application. The goal this project is to leverage the unique capabilities of Mass Cytometry to demonstrate valuable measurements that are impossible by other technologies. We will demonstrate how common methods of analyzing tissue in two colours can be done with over 40 colours. We will show an example of how we can find which cells in a complex mixture take up and bind to a drug. Finally we will show how following the response of all cells to a drug simultaneously will reveal selective approaches to target specific immune cells.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Nitz

Student:

Partner:

Standard Biotools Canada Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

Enabling Efficient Coexistence of Low-Power Wide-Area Networks in the Sub-GHz Spectrum

This project between Dalhousie University and Paris-Saclay University focuses on improving how low-power wireless networks share the sub-GHz radio spectrum. These networks, including LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi HaLow, and Sigfox, are widely used in smart cities, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. However, when they operate in the same unlicensed frequency bands, interference can occur, reducing reliability and energy efficiency. This project will develop energy-efficient methods for detecting ongoing transmissions using lightweight artificial intelligence models and will introduce cooperative strategies that help networks share spectrum fairly and adaptively.
The collaboration includes a two-way research exchange. One PhD student from Dalhousie will visit Paris-Saclay for twelve weeks, and one PhD student from Paris-Saclay will spend twelve weeks at Dalhousie. Both students will benefit from joint supervision, complementary expertise, and international training opportunities. Research outputs, including simulation tools, experimental data, and prototype implementations, will be shared openly with academic and industrial communities. The project builds on ongoing connections with international research and industry partners and is expected to inform both technical practices and broader approaches to spectrum use. By promoting collaboration, openness, and adaptability, the project supports more sustainable and accessible wireless connectivity in Canada, France, and beyond.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Samer Lahoud

Student:

Partner:

Université Paris Saclay

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Education

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Assessing Soft Skills in Higher Education: Best Practices and Tools for Holistic Admissions

Soft skills like communication, self-awareness, resilience, or empathy are important for individuals to succeed in higher education (e.g., medical, engineering, or business school). It is therefore important to effectively assess such soft skills when admitting students into education programs. Yet, such assessments must demonstrate predictive validity (i.e., performance in a test or interview should be related to success in school and later in professional settings). A key challenge is to evaluate success in higher education, especially using indicators beyond pure academic performance (e.g., grades, time-to-graduation). This project, a collaboration between Dr. Nicolas Roulin at Saint Mary’s University and Acuity Insights, aims to review multiple literatures to create a comprehensive framework to assess soft skills, soft skills development over time, and holistically evaluate (and predict) student success in higher education. The project will also represent a blueprint that Acuity Insights can use to work with higher education programs to provide comprehensive evidence for the validity of the Casper test (which Acuity owns and administers) and other assessments used in admission.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Nicolas Roulin

Student:

Partner:

Acuity Insights

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Saint Mary's University

Program:

Accelerate

Dietary Fiber in Canadian Wheat Varieties: A comparison between whole grain flour, white flour and bread.

Recognizing the widespread issue of insufficient dietary fiber intake and the significant role of cereal grains, this project focuses on Canadian wheat cultivars as a vital source of these bioactive compounds. The research will comprehensively analyze the dietary fiber content, including cell wall polysaccharides and fermentable oligosaccharides/polysaccharides in whole grain flour, commonly consumed white flour products, and bread, utilizing established methodologies developed at Rothamsted Research, UK. A key focus will be on arabinoxylans (AX), the predominant fiber in wheat, with analysis including quantification in different Canadian wheat cultivars through advanced chromatographic techniques as HPAEC, HPLC and HPLC-MS/MS. Furthermore, this project aims to explore the potential for developing novel functional ingredients derived from Canadian wheat, particularly AX, and evaluate their impact on dough formation and fermentation in bread making, ultimately seeking to improve the nutritional profile of widely accepted cereal-based foods.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Maneka Malalgoda

Student:

Partner:

Rothamsted Research;Purdue University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food

University:

University of Manitoba

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Establishing a long-term biomonitoring programme to assess mine reclamation and advance biodiversity science

The proposed project aims to implement cutting-edge made-in-Canada approaches to assess and improve the restoration of habitats impacted by resource extraction. This process—known as reclamation—is often implemented by consulting firms and typically does not produce new publicly-available technologies nor public biodiversity data. By implementing modern DNA barcoding and metabarcoding technologies at Canada’s largest copper mine, we can discover new species and produce permanent data for biodiversity monitoring, while also providing high-resolution estimates of habitat recovery for the industry partner. We will assess estimates of reclamation and habitat integrity from four key biodiversity monitoring approaches—metabarcoding, eDNA, bioacoustic monitoring, and camera trapping, and identify the pros and const of each. As a part of the project, I am developing new software and laboratory chemistry that will enable researchers around the globe to implement modern molecular taxonomic tools for applied or basic science.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Hebert

Student:

Partner:

Teck Resources Ltd

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Mining

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Elevate

Linking Pleistocene glacial processes and modern groundwater dynamics: a case study of the sediment–bedrock interface in Guelph, Ontario

Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for the City of Guelph, but understanding how it flows underground is complicated by the region’s glacial history. During the Pleistocene, glaciers repeatedly moved across southern Ontario, shaping the land and overlaying sediments onto the underlying bedrock. The resulting sediment?bedrock interface is vital because it influences how water moves underground and how bedrock aquifers recharge.
This research investigates how this interface was modified under glaciers and how it now affects groundwater systems in Guelph. Using a 3D geological model constructed from thousands of boreholes and high-resolution geophysical and hydrological data from select bedrock cored holes in the area, the study will analyze the physical and hydraulic properties of the sediment?bedrock interface. Theories about how water flowed under glaciers will be tested, providing insights into how these historical processes influence modern water flow. Findings will be used to refine existing groundwater models to improve predictions about how water moves underground.
The findings will help the City of Guelph manage its groundwater resource sustainably, ensuring reliable water supplies as the population grows. This research also has broader implications for other regions shaped by glaciers, offering a new approach to studying groundwater systems in these areas. By connecting the glacial past to present-day water challenges, this work will provide tools for better groundwater quality and quantity management.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Emmanuelle Arnaud;Beth Parker

Student:

Partner:

Montrose Environmental

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Elevate

Framework for Analytical Validation of Digital Health-Based Actigraphy Measures in Heart Failure Trials: VALIDATE-HF Program

Heart failure is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and doctors need better ways to track how well patients are doing in their daily lives and how their symptoms develop in time. Smartwatches and similar devices could help by measuring movement and activity, but they lack proper standard. Their accuracy can vary between watches and measures, and doctors are hesitant to implement them until they prove their usefullness. This project aims to create a reliable test that can confirm and compare the accuracy of each device for heart failure research. The plan is to compare data from smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, to a well-established medical test, calculate the error and differences, determine the best threshold that can be tolerated, and place the results in a report for analysis. By checking how well the smartwatch compares with the well-established results, we can determine whether it provides accurate and useful information. If successful, this study will help doctors and scientists confidently use smartwatches in heart failure research, making it easier to track patients’ health inside and outside the hospital. This could lead to better care, earlier detection of problems, and improved treatments for people living with heart disease.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Abhinav Sharma

Student:

Partner:

McGill University Health Centre Foundation;McGill University Health Centre

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Program:

Elevate

Absent but Not Invisible: Investigating the Link Between Chronic School Absenteeism and Mental Health in Canadian Youth

Chronic school absenteeism—missing more than 10% of the school year—is a growing concern in Canada, with some schools seeing very high rates. Children who frequently miss school are at greater risk of social isolation, emotional struggles, and falling behind academically. Many of these children are also dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety, ADHD, depression, or autism. Understanding how mental health and school attendance are connected is important for helping students thrive.
This research project, in partnership with Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre (CCMHC), explores the link between mental health and school attendance. The goal is to better understand the problem and provide helpful information for families, staff, and the community.
Project A will analyze data from CCMHC’s records to see how mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism are linked to school attendance in children. It will also examine how changes in mental health over time impact attendance, helping identify students who may need support earlier.
Project B will assess how well Crossroads’ Day Treatment and transition programs help students with complex mental health needs return to school and improve emotional well-being. It will analyze existing data and staff feedback to develop a plan for tracking program success, including behavior, attendance, and classroom reintegration.
Together, these two parts of the project will provide valuable insights into how mental health and school attendance are connected and how programs can be improved to help students succeed in school.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Maria Rogers

Student:

Partner:

Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Carleton University

Program:

Elevate

Implantation et évaluation du protecteur de hanches gonflable Air-Sequr auprès de résidents aînées à risque de chute en soin de longue durée

Les blessures subies lors des chutes sont la cause principale d’hospitalisation des aînés au Canada. Dans les CHSLD, les chutes sont encore plus fréquentes et impactantes que dans le domicile. Ces chutes imposent un fardeau important au flux clinique, au quotidien du personnel soignant et à la santé des résidents. Pour les résidents en CHSLD à risque de chute, aucun protecteur de hanche n’est actuellement utilisé dans le Laboratoire Communautaire. En effet, certains résidents ne désirent pas en porter et les cliniciens ne sont, en général, pas convaincus de l’efficacité de leur efficacité.
Le projet consiste ainsi à implanter et à évaluer un protecteur de hanches gonflable intelligent et innovant en CHSLD. Les objectifs sont de démontrer que l’ajout de ce dispositif sera accepté et apprécié des résidents et du personnel, affectera positivement le flux clinique des professionnels de la santé et diminuera les blessures subies lors des chutes. Ultimement, le but est de réduire la quantité de blessures majeures comme les fractures pelviennes subies lors des chutes tout en affectant au minimum le flux clinique et opérationnel des professionnels de la santé dans les HSLD.
Le projet vise à recruter 45 patients dans le CHSLD de l’Hôpital Chinois de Montréal et de déployer les dispositifs sur une durée visée de 12 mois. Le centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal ainsi que la Direction SAPA-Hébergement sont les partenaires du milieu public et Azimut Médical est le partenaire privé fournissant la technologie à l’essai.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Mylène Aubertin-Leheudre

Student:

Partner:

Azimut Médical Inc

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program:

Accelerate

SquawkBuster: Detecting Toxicity in Video-Game Voice Chat

The project aims to enhance toxic behavior detection in online multiplayer games through voice chat. While text-based detection models have advanced, voice chat presents unique challenges due to its complexity and resource demands; however, it offers valuable cues like tone and intonation. As such, the project seeks to develop multi-modal models combining voice and text data, optimized for gaming environments with limited resources. Leveraging Ubisoft’s expertise, the initiative aims to improve player safety by identifying toxic behavior more effectively. The project has two main objectives: (1) developing and evaluating models that analyze both voice and text interactions, and (2) optimizing these models for low-resource environments. The research will construct a dataset using open-source and Ubisoft data, comparing models like MuTox and ToxBuster in multi-modal settings. Moreover, the inclusion of optimization techniques such as model distillation and wake-word triggering will reduce computational load while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, spoken term discovery will identify game-specific vocabulary to improve classification and alert potential toxic behavior. The expected deliverables include insights and tools for advanced voice-based toxicity detection systems, enhancing player safety, improving gaming quality, fostering safer communities, and reducing moderator burden. Taken together, this work will advance industry standards in digital safety in gaming.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Ewan Dunbar

Student:

Partner:

Ubisoft Toronto

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

Full Circle Project and Health-Related Quality of Life: Measuring What matters to Older People

Food insecurity and social isolation are both recognized as challenges facing many older adults in Montreal. While several nonprofit organizations have created programs to alleviate this situation, it is often difficult to “measure” a program’s effectiveness. This postdoctoral position will assess a series of community-based programs that are part of The Full Circle: Healthy Living for Empowered Aging Project. Launched by New Hope for Senior Citizens Centre in 2024, Full Circle has four interrelated programs: inter-generational gardening, community lunches, organic food baskets and meals-on-wheels, all using produce grown by its members in collaboration with students from Concordia University. Using Full Circle as a case study, this research will conduct an in-depth examination of what makes each program effective. By deploying an innovative methodology, the “Health-Related Quality of Life: Older People for Active Living” (HRQL-OPAL) tool, this postdoctoral research project will compare the potential benefits of these programs for participants. Do the programs contribute to changing food habits? Do they enhance participants’ social engagement? Which of these programs is having what impact on the lives of participants? In addition, the Postdoctoral research will assess the usefulness of this new research tool by deploying it in an actual situation, reflecting on both the qualitative and quantitative insights it yields on how older adults understand “active living”.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Kim Sawchuk

Student:

Partner:

New Hope Senior Citizens’ Centre

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Elevate

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Mitacs — Return on Innovation

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.