Innovative Projects Realized

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Recapitulating the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Stromal Interactions with Customizable Living 3D Bioprinted Human Solid Tumor Models for High-Throughput Preclinical Oncology and Translational Drug Development

We are developing a library/biobank of in vitro 3D bioprinted living tumor models to accelerate cancer drug development and bridge the translational gap. By incorporating human cells into organ-specific proprietary 3D bioprintable hydrogels we replicate the biochemical and physical properties of the tumor microenvironment with a high degree of complexity using only bio-derived materials. By leveraging 3D bioprinting, we achieve precise spatial control of our tumor constructions to engineer truly biomimetic structures that grow into human tissues to provide high-throughput testing of new therapeutic candidates. This system can be augmented with computer vision analysis and provides the potential for machine-learning integration with biomarker and mechanism of action analysis. The main objective of this project is for the intern to conduct an in-depth market study in the pharmaceutical sector with particular emphasis on large and small biopharmaceutical developers with oncology products in the pipeline for the potential applications of our innovative humanized 3D bioprinted tumor models. Through this project the intern will interact with key industry stakeholders to assess the market potential. The insights from this exercise will be used to present a potential business model and a thorough market analysis to determine the path to follow for the commercial development of the project.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | PROSHIELD – Proactive AI Cybersecurity Defense Platform

In light of the recent concerning growth of cyberattacks in pace, scale, and sophistication empowered by contemporary Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques with multiple complex hacking and penetration tools, Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) suffer continuous and serious technical, financial, and societal hits as severe damages of these attacks. This surge in cyberattacks boosted by AI overpowered the existing defensive techniques such as signature-based intrusion detection, firewalls, antivirus software, and even Machine Learning (ML)-based solutions. The painful proof is that the average cost per data breach is estimated at CA$6.32 million paid by Canadian organizations (IBM Newsroom, 2024).
ProShield is a cutting-edge cybersecurity company that leverages advanced generative artificial intelligence techniques under the large language models (LLMs) architecture and their Natural Language Understanding capabilities to provide state-of-the-art cyber threat detection solutions under the concept of LLM-as-a-Service. Our services are designed to match the sophistication of AI-driven attacks leveraging red teaming-backed methods, offering tailored, efficient, and adaptive vulnerability exploration and their respective defense strategies for businesses of all sizes. ProShield offers multiple service packages, allowing companies to choose the protection they need based on their specific risk profiles and budgets.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Instant Air Risk Detection for Health and Climate (Patholyzer)

Rapid and accurate detection and classification of pathogens (viruses vs. bacteria) is a global challenge affecting healthcare, public health, and environmental safety. Current methods like PCR and CRISPR are accurate but slow, expensive, and require centralized labs and trained personnel. Rapid antigen tests are faster but lack accuracy and cannot differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, leading to misdiagnoses and increased antibiotic resistance.
Patholyzer is an AI-powered, laser-camera-coupled device that detects and classifies bacteria and viruses in real-time (within 32 milliseconds) without sample preparation or lab infrastructure. Built on Nano-Digital Inline Holography Microscopy (Nano-DIHM), a patented and software-copyrighted technology, Patholyzer is a groundbreaking tool for pathogen detection. This innovation has wide-ranging applications, including infection control in hospitals, disease surveillance by public health agencies, bioaerosol monitoring, and environmental pathogen tracking by Research labs. By enabling faster, on-site detection, Patholyzer enhances outbreak prevention and reduces antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Through the Lab2Market (L2M) program, we aim to refine Patholyzer’s go-to-market strategy, validate customer demand, establish industry partnerships, and secure regulatory approvals. This project will accelerate Patholyzer’s transition from research to commercialization, positioning Canada as a leader in AI-driven diagnostics and public health innovation.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Sparx Genomics

Leveraging large-scale genetic data for identifying novel therapeutic targets.

Developing a new drug takes an average of twelve years and costs over a billion dollars. This exorbitant cost is largely due to the high failure rate in drug development. In fact, more than 90% of drugs tested in humans will never reach the market. In most cases, the drug simply does not have the expected therapeutic effect. Thus, the significant effect observed in animal models such as mice fails to translate to humans.
To reduce the high failure rate in drug development, Sparx Genomics has developed the GET (Genetic Evidence for Target) platform, which consolidates public domain data on over 30 million genetic variants and more than 10,000 human traits and diseases. Sparx Genomics has also developed the YETI (Yardstick for Efficient Target Identification) algorithm, which helps identify the most effective and safest therapeutic targets.
By identifying molecules with a higher probability of playing a causal role in disease, Sparx Genomics could help reduce the risk of failure. Ultimately, this reduction in failure risk translates into lower drug development costs, which could decrease by as much as $130 million per approved drug.
Sparx Genomics aims to develop therapeutic candidates validated by its YETI algorithm. It also seeks to partner with other drug development companies to help them focus their efforts on the most promising molecules.
Sparx’s mission is to turn genetic data into therapeutic successes. By reducing drug development costs, Sparx contributes to providing better and more affordable new treatments to all Quebecers, Canadians, and citizens worldwide.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Biosynthèse innovante de CBD (Cannabidiol) : Production durable à partir de microalgues génétiquement optimisées

Nous proposons une solution innovante et respectueuse de l’environnement pour produire du Cannabidiol (CBD), une molécule reconnue pour ses nombreuses applications thérapeutiques. Aujourd’hui, la production de CBD repose principalement sur la culture de la plante de cannabis et sur des procédés d’extraction chimique, des méthodes coûteuses, gourmandes en ressources naturelles et parfois polluantes.
Grâce à notre technologie, nous utilisons des microalgues génétiquement optimisées pour fabriquer un CBD pur et naturel. Ces microalgues fonctionnent comme de véritables petites bio-usines vertes, capables de produire du CBD de manière durable, sans pesticides ni solvants chimiques.
Cette méthode permet non seulement de réduire l’impact environnemental, mais aussi d’améliorer la qualité et la traçabilité du produit final.
Notre solution ouvre la voie à une production de CBD plus responsable et durable, à grande échelle, répondant aux besoins croissants des marchés pharmaceutique, cosmétique et bien-être.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | PsyoCell – Un laboratoire de service pour l’aide au diagnostic de la bipolarité à partir d’échantillons cellulaires de patients

La psychiatrie est la branche de la médecine qui a le moins bénéficié des avancées majeures en biologie au cours du dernier siècle. Aujourd’hui, les diagnostics reposent encore uniquement sur l’observation des symptômes cliniques, souvent communs à plusieurs troubles. Dans le cas de la bipolarité, il faut en moyenne 5 à 10 ans pour établir un diagnostic fiable. Pendant ce temps, les patients voient leur état se détériorer, perdent des capacités et doivent assumer des coûts de santé plus élevés. On estime que ce trouble touche environ 3 % des Canadiens.

PsyoCell propose une solution innovante pour accélérer ce processus. Son test repose sur un simple prélèvement cutané, analysé grâce à une technologie avancée : la microscopie holographique. Cette méthode permet d’identifier un biomarqueur spécifique de la bipolarité, réduisant ainsi le délai de diagnostic à quelques semaines seulement. En plus d’améliorer la prise en charge des patients, l’utilisation de biomarqueurs cellulaires ouvre la voie à de nouvelles avancées en pharmacologie et à une médecine plus personnalisée.

Le présent projet a pour but d’évaluer le marché d’un test d’aide au diagnostic du trouble bipolaire, et notamment de rencontrer des acteurs de ce marché (patients, prescripteurs, organismes de santé public, et assurances privées). La possibilité de travailler en collaboration avec des entreprises pharmaceutiques sera aussi étudié.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Conception d’un Banc d’Essai pour l’Analyse des Performances d’un Ventilateur Minier Axial selon la Norme AMCA

Le projet propose une approche innovante d’instrumentation et de suivi des performances des ventilateurs industriels dédié à un banc de test selon la norme AMCA (Air Movement and Control Association). Dans le cadre du programme Lab2Market, cette initiative intègre des systèmes avancés de mesure et d’acquisition de données, permettant une surveillance en temps réel de paramètres essentiels tels que le débit d’air, la pression et l’efficacité énergétique. Le projet inclut également la mise en place d’une approche de maintenance prédictive, exploitant l’analyse des données recueillies pour anticiper les défaillances et optimiser la durée de vie des ventilateurs. En testant les ventilateurs dans des conditions réelles d’exploitation, nous pourrons valider leurs performances et garantir leur conformité aux exigences industrielles. Cette initiative fournira à l’organisme partenaire des outils technologiques avancés permettant une évaluation précise et continue des performances des ventilateurs avant leur mise en service. En intégrant des solutions de contrôle et de maintenance prédictive, elle contribuera à réduire les coûts d’exploitation, à prolonger la durée de vie des équipements et à minimiser les risques de défaillance. Grâce à ces avancées, l’organisme pourra se démarquer sur le marché, renforcer sa crédibilité auprès des clients et accélérer l’obtention de certifications, un atout clé pour accroître sa compétitivité et saisir de nouvelles opportunités commerciales.

Systems and methods for planning and guidance ofneurosurgical procedures

Synaptive Medical Inc together with researchers at Western University, are developing a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) platform customizersd for clinical neuroimaging. This proposal is to fund a range of student and post-doctoral training activities associated with the development and testing of this new system. The program will also support the development and testing of MRI-compatible devices and technology for use with the new platform. This program presents an opportunity to involve trainees in the creation and development of a new head-only MRI system that is easy to site, lightweight, accessible, uses no liquid cryogens and yet delivers high performance neuroimaging. Overall project objectives include: development of faster and more sensitive diffusion encoding, enhanced methods for the generation of molecularly-specifc contrast, development and evaluation of MR-compatible medical devices and technology. These qualities are essential for bringing the benefits of MRI to healthcare settings where MRI has been unavailable or underutilized to date.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Robust THz technology for efficient and secured data exchange

The surge in data driven by economic expansion has increased the demand for fast, reliable internet. However, existing technologies struggle to keep up, causing video buffering, game lag, and slow file transfers. At the same time, rising cyber threats make data security a top concern, with high-profile breaches compromising millions of users and causing financial losses. Current solutions are costly and require expensive hardware, limiting accessibility and scalability.

To address these challenges, we are developing a chip that integrates into existing systems, enhancing internet speed, reducing congestion, and securing data transfers. Our technology optimizes network performance, enabling smooth real-time video streaming and encrypted file sharing without large-scale infrastructure changes.

Our device stands out by integrating Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Machine Learning (ML), and Terahertz (THz) waves, creating a powerful solution for secure, high-speed data transmission. QKD ensures ultra-secure communication by preventing cyber threats, ML optimizes network performance by detecting congestion and adjusting bandwidth, and THz waves enable ultra-fast, high-capacity data handling, outperforming traditional wireless and fiber-optic solutions.

This innovation benefits several industries. Gaming companies like Ubisoft and Rockstar Games can eliminate latency for real-time experiences, while telecom providers such as Rogers and Bell can enhance 5G and 6G networks. Cloud service providers like AWS and GCP, along with government agencies, can optimize secure data storage and retrieval. Offices and schools engaged in real-time streaming and virtual meetings will experience ultra-fast data transfers.

Canada will benefit from enhanced digital infrastructure and strengthened global competitiveness as it adopts this cutting-edge innovation. This advancement will position Canada at the forefront of secure, high-speed data transmission, fostering economic growth across multiple industries. Furthermore, this breakthrough will enhance national security by safeguarding critical communications, ensuring data integrity, and reducing reliance on foreign network solutions, reinforcing Canada’s role as a leader in the evolving global tech landscape.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | A High-Throughput Platform for Ribomodule Selection and Optimization in Therapeutic RNA

This project aims to assess the market potential of a platform for producing ribomodules, specialized RNA fragments designed to enhance the stability, expression control, and functionality of therapeutic RNA (ARNth). The platform leverages high-throughput screening to develop tailored ribomodules that regulate gene expression and improve RNA stability through optimized circularization. While these innovations hold great promise for overcoming key challenges in RNA therapeutics, such as degradation and off-target effects, their commercial viability remains uncertain.

Through the Lab2Market Validate (L2M Validate) program, this study will engage with biopharmaceutical companies, researchers, and industry stakeholders to evaluate whether the proposed ribomodule platform aligns with real-world market needs. Key questions include whether companies perceive a need for internal RNA regulation mechanisms, how they currently address RNA stability issues, and whether customized ribomodules provide a competitive advantage over existing solutions. By bridging the gap between scientific innovation and commercial feasibility, this project will validate market demand, refine the business strategy, and explore potential paths to commercialization, whether through licensing, partnerships, or direct adoption by biotech firms.

For V1 Studio, this initiative aligns with its mission to support the transition of cutting-edge research into viable businesses. By guiding the market validation process, V1 Studio will strengthen its role in biotech entrepreneurship and help shape the commercialization roadmap for an emerging RNA technology. The insights gained will not only inform the development of this specific platform but also contribute to broader strategies for translating RNA-based innovations into impactful therapies.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Electric axles for semi-trailers

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road freight in Canada have doubled since 1990, now making up a third of transport-related emissions. However, fleet managers hesitate to switch to electric trucks due to high costs, technical limitations, and uncertain government subsidies. This project introduces a motorized electric axle that replaces a traditional axle on a semi-trailer. By assisting in propulsion, it reduces fuel consumption, making trucking more energy-efficient. This market is growing and could reach USD 8.33 billion globally by 2030. The innovation uses special sensors to improve electric axle performance, offering key advantages:

Autonomous operation, allowing use with any truck and lowering implementation costs.
Regenerative braking, improving efficiency and reducing brake wear.
Better maneuverability, reducing tire wear.
Vibration control, improving durability.
Easy retrofitting, making adoption flexible for fleet managers.

The sensors were developed during a PhD research project and installed on a trailer in 2023. Testing has since covered 3,000+ km. Challenges include low awareness of this technology, unclear regulations, unreliable subsidies, and the need for a strong commercialization strategy. The Lab2Market program can help bring this innovation to market, reducing emissions and improving transport efficiency in Canada.

L2M QC Spring 2025 | Nextdriv – An Integrated Decision-Support Platform for EV Fleet Transition and Optimization

Nextdriv is a user-friendly platform that helps fleet operators plan and manage the switch to electric vehicles. By using smart tools and data analysis, it makes it easier to choose the right vehicles, optimise daily operations, and even take advantage of energy market opportunities. For our partner organisation, this means a smoother, more cost-effective transition to a greener fleet and better overall management of operations.