Innovative Projects Realized

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

29670 Completed Projects

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4990
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801
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663
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825
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8841
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9197
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95
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568
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1088
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Projects by Category

Molecular Dynamics Study of the Formation of Laser-Induced Graphene on Poly(furfuryl alcohol)

Graphene is an ultra-thin material with unprecedented chemical and mechanical properties. It is highly desirable for use in technological applications such as biosensors for disease detection and electrodes for energy storage devices, but expensive and energy-intensive synthesis methods have hindered it from widespread commercialization. New, more affordable ways of making graphene have thus been a significant research focus in the last few years. In 2014, it was accidentally discovered that a CO2 infrared laser – similar to those used by hobbyists for wood engraving – would form graphene when it struck a plastic film, dubbed ‘laser-induced graphene’ (LIG). Its advantages were immediately obvious: it was affordable, quick, and versatile, thus highly desirable for widespread use. The scope of this technique is limited, however, due to an unclear mechanism of formation. This project aims to use computational methods to study how poly(furfuryl alcohol), a polymer with many possible structural arrangements, turns into graphene under simulated lasing conditions. These simulations will help form an understanding of how plastics form graphene, which will broaden the potential of LIG and its application in a plethora of industries.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Rodney Smith

Student:

Partner:

Universität Duisburg-Essen

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Quantum Science

University:

University of Waterloo

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Exploring novel feeding strategies to prevent diarrhea incidence and improve intestinal function in dairy beef calves

This study will provide novel insight into the potential benefits of feeding extended colostrum to pre-weaned calves during the first 21 days after arrival at a rearing facility, with a focus on investigating diarrhea incidence and gut function. As scientists, we are aware of the large gap between new scientific concepts and their accessibility to producers. Therefore, our goal is to bridge this gap by conducting practical, high-quality research that can be applied to provide on-farm solutions. We are also strongly committed to communicating these results to dairy and dairy beef producers at conferences and seminars. If the project is successful, we will support targeted feeding strategies that can be applied upon arrival to the rearing facilities to reduce the incidence of diarrhea, thereby improving calves’ health and welfare, and ultimately decreasing production costs and antimicrobial use. The partnership with Saskatoon Colostrum Company (SCCL) will provide relevant insights that will benefit both the academic and industrial partner. Saskatoon Colostrum Company will provide guidance, mentorship, and feedback regarding the fellow’s research plan, execution, and interpretation. At the same time, SCCL will benefit from this research as it will improve their understanding of the use of their colostrum replacer and its potential use as a feeding strategy to improve calves’ health, and gut function, and decrease the incidence of diarrhea. This will improve SCCL’s ability to formulate colostrum replacers for calves to ultimately improve calf growth and health.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Steele

Student:

Partner:

Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Elevate

Experimental verification and development of model based machine condition assessment methodology

This project is a necessary step toward model development for machine condition assessment that is capable of both diagnosis and prognosis including root cause analysis. The analytical model, once validated and calibrated can serve as a baseline model or a template for the detection of machine health problems. Because of the details of a machine internal variables this model can provide, it can allow the root cause determination of machine faults. In a previous Mitacs Accelerate project, we have taken an initial step to construct the analytical model for a reciprocating compressor system using bond graph approach. Model verification has been done by cross examination with a finite element model. The purpose of this project is to conduct further model verification through experiments. In addition, experimental analysis will allow quantification of model performance and deficiency. It will provide useful information for developing data driven adaptation strategies. The successful completion of this project will provide a key cornerstone in the development of a competent and adaptable machinery health assessment system AP Dynamics Inc. is currently undertaking.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Qiao Sun

Student:

Partner:

AP Dynamics Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Accelerate

Benchmarking of nano-fibrillated lignocellulose based on rheological behavior

Lignocellulosic biomass plays a vital role in the global shift away from the utilization of non-renewable petrochemical resources. the market demand for lignocellulose nanofibrils has increased dramatically as they are attractive as a bio-based material due to their high strength, low density, high aspect ratio, functional ability, and biodegradability. Therefore, the sharing of scientific knowledge in the field of the production of lignocellulose nanofibrils, and knowledge about the science of rheological behavior, fosters a collaborative network among participating institutions in this field.
In addition, writing and submitting an ISI article based on the obtained results, taking advantage of valuable expertise and experience, and establishing a scientific relationship to expand cooperation in the future for two specialized groups can be useful for the two universities.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Milad Kamkar

Student:

Partner:

Tarbiat Modares University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Nanotechnology

University:

University of Waterloo

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Fine tuning an LLM for patent drafting

The general objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) for the purpose of enhancing patent generation and brainstorming processes across various domains. The project follows an agile project management approach, emphasizing continuous small releases. The project is important to XLSCOUT as it aims to enhance text clustering, mapping and document ranking using advanced technologies like part of speech tagging, named entity recognition and tree-based models. The project will help the trainee in- 1) Providing practical, real-world experience in a specific field. 2) Developing and enhancing a variety of skills, including technical skills related to the industry, as well as soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. 3) Networking opportunities as interns will have the chance to connect with professionals in their field, potentially leading to mentorship, job offers, and a broader professional network. 4) Allowing individuals to explore different aspects of a particular industry or career path. This firsthand experience can help interns clarify their career goals and make more informed decisions about their future.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Tushar Sharma;Arya Rahgozar

Student:

Partner:

XLSCOUT

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

Dalhousie University; University of Ottawa

Program:

Accelerate

Geotechnical assessment of lightly contaminated soils for increased reuse

CarbOne Biodiversité has engaged with our research team to evaluate potential uses for lightly contaminanted soils to further develop the circular economy. The project will evaluate geotechnical properties of lightly contaminated soils to develop a list of proposed uses (e.g., foundations, fill materials, etc.). CarbOne Biodiversité aims to merge the needs of economic development with the continued protection and rehabilitation of soils for improved revegetation in Quebec. CarbOne Biodiversité works with clients to ensure compliance with the Commission de la protection du territoire Agricole (CPTAQ) and the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte aux Changements Climatiques (MELCC); in this role they often work to develop contaminated soil/site valorisation strategies. Through their industrial activities, they have identified a need for improved management of lightly contaminated soils and are engaging with the Université de Sherbrooke to develop a research project assessing the long-term sustainability of the revalorisation of lightly contaminated soils. This project will aid the project partner in their role of a developing valorisation strategies for contaminated soils and contaminated sites.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Vanessa Di Battista

Student:

Partner:

CarbOne Biodiversité inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program:

Accelerate

Development of optimized one-way vent valves for coffee packaging

In this project, the intern will tackle the production challenges currently faced by the industrial partner. Specifically to overcome inconsistent open/close pressures of a low profile vent valves intended for active packaging of roasted coffee. Vent valves, made of multiple layers of polymeric materials, are capable of relieving the internal pressure of a coffee package due to gradual degassing of CO2 from the roasted coffees, effectively preventing package failure and product staling. The intern will investigate the performance of production and prototype valves, study of the material properties of the polymeric membranes and sealing liquids, and develop methodologies to resolve the production issues. The findings will allow the optimization of open/close pressure of the vent valve, in order to meet CCL’s customers specifications and ensure successful production scale up, enabling the company to capture Canadian and world-wide market.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Loong Tak Lim

Student:

Partner:

CCL Label

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Accelerate

Applications of entanglement renormalization in comparison with density functionals on the quantum computer

We perform computations of quantities relevant for density functional theory including uniform gases in a variety of situations with entanglement renormalization methods. The end-goal is to determine where the limits of existing classical methods are for obtaining quantities relevant for density functional theory. In this case, we solve for energies for the uniform gas in a variety of situations, not just for the ground state. The limitations on these methods demonstrates where quantum computers can be used to solve for density functional theory approximations beyond what is currently known.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Thomas Baker

Student:

Partner:

Université de Strasbourg

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Victoria

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Le rôle de transcendantaux dans la doctrine juridique de Thomas d’Aquin

Le propos de cette thèse est de répondre à la question?: quel est le rôle des transcendantaux dans la doctrine juridique de Thomas d’Aquin. En effet, notre objectif est de bien comprendre comment le bien et le vrai s’articulent dans la formulation du concept de la loi chez l’Aquinate. L’élaboration de cette question a été motivée par l’un des grands défis de la morale contemporaine?: le phénomène des Fake News. Devant ce phénomène, on se rend compte qu’il est difficile de trouver le vrai comme fondement d’un discours juridico-moral dans l’histoire de la philosophie. Si l’on regarde les réflexions des auteurs renommés d’aujourd’hui, comme John Rawls, Martha Nussbaum, Michael J. Sandel, ce qui semble central est la discussion sur le bien (en particulier le bien commun). Dans l’élaboration thomasienne, nous observons que non seulement le bien, mais aussi le vrai a une grande importance pour son discours juridico-moral. Cette perspective nous motive à examiner le rôle du vrai dans la réflexion juridico-morale.

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Faculty Supervisor:

David Piché

Student:

Partner:

University of Fribourg

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Sofvie Analytics Intern

Sofvie is a safe performance platform geared for mining and heavy industry. The goal is to give the tools and insights to all of great decision making and reduce risk/hazards in the workplace. Part of our journey is to offer a great analytical service (PowerBI as a Service). We are looking to have our candidates help us develop the structure and PowerBI support in order to extend our expertise with our clients. Not all clients have access to this level of customized data to make decisions nor do they have the expertise. This is where the future is bright with the Sofvie suite of offerings.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Cheick Ismael Maiga

Student:

Partner:

Sofvie Inc.

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology

Program:

Business Strategy Internship

Special Needs Digital Service Development

The project, set to unfold over the summer, involves the integration and development of Artificial Intelligence and database systems into the organization’s current IT infrastructure. This initiative aims to usher the organization into the next technological era. The specific focuses include streamlining data access, improving data flow, and enhancing information retrieval. These efforts are intended to initiate the automation of generative processes, as well as to foster insight-driven actions within these organizations. Consequently, this will liberate professionals’ time, allowing them to concentrate on tasks more directly related to the organization’s specific line of work.

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Faculty Supervisor:

David Carriere-Acco

Student:

Partner:

Arvo AI

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

McGill University

Program:

Business Strategy Internship

Reinforcement Learning for Micro-Grid Control and Optimization

This project aims at optimizing the use of energy in micro-grids. Reinforcement learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, will be used to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel by better deciding when to charge or discharge batteries. Using reinforcement learning for this automated decision making problem could be interesting as it should allow to handle factors of difficulty that other types of methods struggle to deal with. For example, it should be able to cope with more complex micro-grids, or to better handle uncertainty in the systems predicting the future demand. A key focus of the project is to demonstrate the ability of reinforcement learning to be deployed on real world industrial cases where reliability and respect of industrial standards are critical.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Sarath Chandar Anbil Parthipan;Irina Rish

Student:

Partner:

Institut de Recherche Hydro-Québec;Hydro-Quebec

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Energy and Utilities; Green/Alternative Energy; Artificial Intelligence

University:

Université de Montréal

Program:

Accelerate