Innovative Projects Realized

Community-led monitoring of aquatic species for biodiversity conservation

Indigenous peoples and local communities are stewards of Earth’s biodiversity, with their sustainable practices crucial for global conservation efforts. Effective biodiversity monitoring, including tracking at-risk species populations, is essential for understanding species trends, identifying threats, and guiding conservation strategies. Our Mitacs Globalink project focuses on researching how local communities can monitor the recovery of threatened aquatic species in their territories. We will conduct a literature review incorporating diverse knowledge systems (scientific, Indigenous, and local) to develop a practical guide for community-led monitoring. Partnering with the University of Oxford’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, involved in the international Indigenous people and local community-led Transformative Pathways project, our research aims to support community-led monitoring practices. This project benefits the University of Oxford (host institution) by enhancing their understanding of community-led aquatic monitoring and providing a valuable resource for ongoing discussions with Transformative Pathways community partners. Carleton University (home institution) benefits from expanded research networks and opportunities for collaborating with Canadian government departments, vital for achieving national and global conservation targets.

Green Marine Engine Exhaust Membrane Scrubber Technology for Removal of CAC and GHGs

Ionada has developed a patented marine exhaust gas cleaning system utilizing the latest in membrane technologies to provide the marine industry with a simple solution to save money and satisfy new International Marine Organizations (IMO) emission requirements. The intern will implement (install/retrofit/integrate) Ionada’s product onto existing ships with the aim of improving and optimizing the ship’s exhaust system. In order to install this new marine exhaust gas cleaning system on ships, an intern is needed to do structural design of marine retrofitting for a scrubber system on the ships and study the current configurations and specifications of the ships in order to develop a retrofit solution for the scrubber.

Marketing Intern

Enso Connect is a dynamic guest experience platform that leverages AI and custom automations to streamline, personalize, and monetize guest interactions for vacation rental and hotel businesses.

From upsells, guidebooks, smart lock-connected contactless check-in, white-labeled guest verification, AI-driven multi-channel messaging, and more, Enso Connect navigates guests through an effortless digital journey.

With “if this then that” capabilities, we connect all the tools vacation rental managers love and use, allowing them to better manage the operational complexity of a scaling hospitality business, while increasing profit per guest.

Enso Connect is headquartered in downtown Toronto, with customers in over 50 countries, and is backed by leading Canadian venture capital investors.

The company has grown steadily since its inception in 2019 using traditional marketing methods and is poised to double its revenue over the next year. In order to achieve this objective, the company would like to create and launch a Customer Referral Program whereby customers refer their peers to Enso Connect to take advantage of the software platform. Enso Connect customers are already referring their clients to Enso Connect, however, without a structured referral system in place, the company is not able to take full advantage of this acquisition channel. Therefore the successful design and implementation of the customer referral program will directly contribute to Enso Connect achieving its growth targets.

Optimizing Natatorium (Pool) Design Through a Whole Life Carbon Lens

The proposed research project aims to optimize the design of pool complex natatoriums while through the lens of whole life carbon. Focus will be placed on mechanical system design, while exploring high performance building enclosures. Occupant comfort and energy will be utilized to support the whole life carbon analysis.

Virtual Core Laboratory for Hyperspectral Imagery Data Management, Visualization, and Analysis

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A Case Study: Peskotomuhkati-led Marine Conservation at the Wolves

The Peskotomuhkati people have been living and caring for the lands and waters now colonized as southwestern New Brunswick and eastern Maine since time immemorial, living in balance with nature. The marine space here is rich in nutrients from the highest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy and provides life to many creatures. It is under threat from various pressures, and does not have any formal protection. This project seeks to understand what a Peskotomuhkati-led marine protected area could look like – what conservation tools would best align with Peskotomuhkati values, how best to manage a protected area moving forward, and what lessons can be learned from other Nations across Turtle Island. The research team aims to help prepare the Peskotomuhkati Nation for
future leadership in establishment and management of a marine protected area network to safeguard habitat for future generations.

Advanced Cognitive Artificial Intelligence Systems for LLM-based Conversation Agents

The proposed research addresses fundamental challenges in developing LLM-based AI conversational agents for industry, health and related fields. The partner organization, Industrio AI is interested in overcoming these challenges by using new AI techniques that enable smarter, more natural, empathetic, and responsive AI chatbots for their customers. The goal is to produce a protoype for a new cognitive-based LLM conversational AI chatbots for the IT industry (and related fields) to engage users in deeper conversations. Industrio AI experts and DiPaola’s research lab will work together to begin to update and implement our research in new cognitive-based techniques such as advanced integrated RAGS (Retrieval Augmented Generation systems), emotion recognition, internal memory systems, self-reflection, empathy and self-awareness system. DiPaola’s research lab has worked extensively in this space (DiPaola, Arya 2006; DiPaola, Yalçin 2019; Shakeri, Neustaedter, DiPaola, 2021; Gonzalez, DiPaola, 2024). Ultimately, this collaborative endeavour will enhance the current state-of-the-art systems in advanced AI for conversational agents, including ethical guidelines for the betterment of society to the Canadian public. Integrating empathy, human understanding, and personality modelling into improved AI agents represents a significant advancement that can revolutionize and increase accessibility to education, training and coaching across multiple sectors.

Oral Thin Films for Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery

This proposal aims to investigate the ability to produce an mRNA vaccine that can be delivered orally, rather than by intramuscular injection. The drawbacks of intramuscular injection include a poor patient experience, the costly need for healthcare professionals to perform the administration, the large amount of waste (needles, syringes, vials), and the requirement for cold-chain storage and transport of the vaccine. As an alternative, oral thin films that rapidly dissolve in the mouth and deliver the mRNA payload directly to mucosal t!ssues are highly advantageous as they can be self-administered, do not involve significant waste, and can potentially be stored at ambient temperatures. To develop such an oral vaccine, it must be demonstrated that mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (which are the active component of traditional mRNA vaccines) can remain stable upon film formation and can deliver the mRNA payload to cells after film dissolution. The proposed work will complete the necessary studies to achieve both of these requirements, paving the way to future oral vaccines.

L2M – A unique electrochemical approach using ocean/brine water for gigaton CO2 removal

The PEACH (Practical Electrochemical Air Capture and Hydrogen) DAC (Direct Air Capture) offers a low-cost, nature-inspired ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) using a unique electro-geochemical approach. The PEACH DACquiri is a form of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) that seeks to modify surface ocean water (or other water mass) chemistry, using ion-selective electrode systems to promote the natural drawdown of atmospheric CO2. This process increases the surface ocean alkalinity, thereby promoting CO2 uptake and conversion to stable bicarbonate ions, which are stored in the ocean for long timescales, approaching near-permanent storage. Our innovative approach uses only ocean/saline water and renewable electricity as inputs without the addition of external mined minerals or adsorbents, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact compared to other proposed ocean alkalinity methods. The PEACH electrochemical cell can also be configured to produce hydrogen as a valuable by-product during the process. We have also proposed a battery cell system, which lowers the energy and power consumption of the system to half, thereby lowering the cost to a theoretical $100 per ton of CO2. This technology operates at much lower power and can be entirely powered by off-grid renewable electricity from solar, wave, and wind sources. Besides, the PEACH DACquiri technology is location-independent and flexible in design such that it can be implemented both in coastal and fully marine sites and does not depend on external mineral provision. The technology may also provide a route to a fully electrical DAC system deployable anywhere including on land.

L2M – Advancing Cancer Immunotherapies Through Microbiome-Derived Solutions

We are dedicated to enhancing cancer treatment by leveraging the microbiome’s potential – the diverse microorganisms within our bodies. While existing therapies like immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) show promise, their effectiveness varies widely among patients. Our project focuses on the translation of innovative microbiome-derived compounds from laboratory to the market to improve ICB therapy outcomes. By deciphering the microbiome’s impact on treatment response, we are crafting solutions that benefit more patients, even those undergoing antibiotic treatment. Through our partnership with University Technology International, we are fast-tracking the translation of these compounds from lab discovery to market availability. Our work not only addresses a critical need in immunotherapy but also enriches our partner’s understanding of the market landscape, paving the way for impactful advancements in cancer treatment.

L2M- Biomass-derived solvent for sustainable bitumen recovery

The collaboration between BioOilSolv and Innovate Calgary aims to revolutionize bitumen recovery processes in the oil sands sector by developing biomass-derived solvents as a more sustainable and effective alternative to traditional methods. Through this project, an intern will undertake several key objectives to propel the commercialization of biomass-derived solvent technology. Firstly, the intern will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of end users’ needs, preferences, and pain points regarding biomass-derived solvents, thereby informing product development and marketing strategies. Secondly, the intern will design a robust and adaptable business model tailored to the unique needs of the market, ensuring sustainable revenue generation and maximizing shareholder value. Lastly, the intern will develop a comprehensive pricing framework that balances affordability, profitability, and market competitiveness for biomass-derived solvents, facilitating market penetration and revenue generation. By achieving these objectives, the project aims to overcome technological, market, and regulatory barriers, ultimately accelerating the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies within the oil sands industry. Through strategic guidance and support from Innovate Calgary, this collaboration will contribute to driving innovation, economic growth, and environmental stewardship, thereby benefiting stakeholders and communities across Canada.

L2M – A Modular and Low-Cost Carbon Capture Solution for Rapid Deployment

This project will support the development of a business strategy for a startup company based around the rollout of low-cost carbon dioxide capture technology. Through a series of workshops and from access to mentorship from individuals well versed in the start-up space, the intern/founder will gain crucial knowledge pertaining to the potential end users, structuring of business plans, IP management, and share structures to aid in the growth and stability of the company long term. Furthermore, this will give an opportunity for the intern/founder to gain the valuable soft skills not learned through research settings. The project will also benefit the partner, Innovate Calgary, in their mission to bring new technologies from academic settings into the world. Programs such as Lab2Market help garner a greater chance of success for the companies funded by Innovate Calgary by helping new companies navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.