Innovative Projects Realized

Analysis of measurements derived from next-generation, low-cost, satellite-based navigation antennas for performance characterization and antenna design

GPS – the Global Positioning System and similar positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems, referred to as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), have dramatically improved productivity and safety in our daily lives. Calian GNSS Ltd. has developed a range of novel, low-cost GNSS antennas with advanced technologies. Further improvements are possible to increase antenna performance whilst reducing physical size, power and cost. The interns will 1) develop a custom GNSS measurement analysis tool to assess antenna performance, 2) analyze the PNT performance of smart antennas, and 3) analyze the PNT performance of anti-jam antennas. The proposed research will help Calian improve its antenna technology and increase technology exports; improve Canadian productivity; produce needed graduate-level R&D GNSS engineers for Canadian GNSS and IT companies; and improve Canadians’ safety through PNT availability, accuracy and resiliency.

Test Process Automation with a Robotic Manipulator Arm

Pfizer, a leading global company, is constantly striving to deliver breakthroughs that improve patients’ lives. They achieve this through a dedication to research and development (R&D) and by optimizing their manufacturing processes. The student’s contributions will support Pfizer’s mission of innovation. In this two-part project, we will explore the automation of various tasks with the use of a robotic manipulator arm. The first objective is to develop a proof-of-concept by automating tests such as measuring pH, weight, or drying (loss on drying) and then moving towards more complex techniques such as preparing solutions for testing. The second objective aims to develop an innovative robotic solution by leveraging existing robots and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The overall goal is to enable robotic systems to perform human-like activities with minimal instruction

AI-Powered Leagues Scheduler Project

Numerous barriers exist to participating in sports, and a study by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute has shown that 12% of respondents cited not having anyone to participate with as an obstacle. (Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, 2013). With this project, we aim to leverage algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to better connect sports players, utilizing a wide array of data. Our goal is to increase the likelihood that players will remain engaged throughout the season and return for subsequent seasons. To address these challenges, we propose the AI-Powered Sports League Project. This initiative aims to leverage machine learning and predictive analytics to automate team formation, ensuring they align with individual player needs and organizational capacities. This will help us achieve our goal of using data to enhance player experiences from registration to game day.

Service Delivery Business Intelligence Reporting

We are seeking an intern to join our company and assist in enhancing our reporting efficiency and productivity through Power BI. Currently, our company gains insights into efficiency and productivity using various tools, including Autotask, Project for the Web, and Excel spreadsheets. However, we aim to leverage this data with Microsoft Power BI to create a unified reporting system. This will help standardize reporting processes across the company

Development of a new oxygen generator

The need for medical oxygen is ever-increasing due to increasing air pollution, environmental pollution, fossil-based dirty fuels, pandemics, etc. Although using oxygen cylinders is the common practice for meeting oxygen demands for patients who need oxygen, this approach is not a permanent solution and is associated with numerous complications. There is a certain need for proper and affordable solutions for meeting the oxygen demand constantly for the patients since they need it constantly. Conversely, while there are oxygen generators available in the market, they have certain shortcomings that necessitate resolution in order to facilitate optimal operation and affordability. Hence, the present project aims to develop a novel and mobile oxygen generator for medical purposes. The following novelties and innovations will be developed and included in the device to be developed: (i) The device will be fully mobile with a size of backpack. (ii) The thermally managed battery pack will be developed and included. (iii) The device will be operated silently. (iv) An automatic control system will be included for better operation.

Ontology-based Middleware Services Facilitating Access to Data Sources

Many applications often need access to information from multiple independent data sources, including public sources found on the Internet and private sources e.g., hospitals. Software that sits between an application and the data sources, so called “middleware”, can help facilitate this access. However, development of this “middleware” can be very time consuming, is often only designed to support a limited set of data sources and is developed on a case-by-case basis. In reality, the data sources may not be fixed, i.e., new ones may come and others may change, and there are often semantic differences in the data that resides in those sources. The aim of this project is to look at developing automatic or semi-automatic approaches that can be used to reduce the development effort required to build domain-specific applications that need to access multiple data sources.

Market Research, Analysis and Business Plan Development

We are requesting an MBA student to conduct the market research on whether adding coffee as a product to our water delivery service is a feasible revenue stream for our business within our territory. We have lost a few long-time bottled water delivery customers to another company because we could not provide our customers with the “all in one” service of water and coffee for their offices. We have also lost out on RFPs for the same reason. Should the MBA student find that there is enough market share to expand into this product/service line, we would want them to then create a business plan, including research and discussions with local coffee vendors to see if a partnership can be created.
As a side note, 2 of our main revenue streams are not running at peak efficiency and could use this side revenue stream to move towards a more profitable outcome. There are some cross over skills that our current employees have that would allow us to service this new business line, without increased overhead. Ideally, it would be desirable to use the existing resources (human and otherwise) in this new venture.

Advancing the IPSA World Congress: Integrating Technology and Education

The International Political Science Association (IPSA) is a global organization dedicated to advancing the discipline of political science worldwide. The IPSA World Congress, a major event that brings together over 3000 participants, scholars, analysts, policy makers and students, will be held in Seoul, South Korea in July 2025. To enhance the Congress experience for the participants, IPSA, in partnership with Concordia University and Mitacs, offers an internship for a World Congress Assistant. The intern will integrate innovative technologies and methods to make the event more interactive and accessible. Key objectives include developing a mobile app with real-time updates and networking opportunities, improving the website with AI tools, and organizing educational activities such as workshops and pre-congress courses.

The project timeline runs from August 2024 to post-Congress in August 2025, covering planning, app development, website enhancements, and event execution. Deliverables include a customized mobile app, an enhanced website, and a comprehensive educational program, all documented in detailed reports post-Congress. This project will benefit Canada by advancing digital solutions for conferences and professional development, setting new standards for accessibility and interactivity. The intern will gain valuable skills in project management, technology application, and educational program design, directly applying her knowledge in a real-world setting. Additionally, she will expand her academic and professional network by connecting with diverse scholars, policymakers, and educators, providing opportunities for future collaborations and research partnerships. Regular meetings with IPSA and academic supervisors will ensure the project’s success and provide a rich learning experience for the intern.

Farpoint Alaas Platform Development

The AIaaS (AI as a Service) project aims to develop an advanced, scalable platform to host and manage AI models, ensuring high performance and efficiency. This open-source system will leverage the latest AI technologies and distributed computing to deliver fast and reliable AI services. Key features include automated load balancing, dynamic resource allocation, and real-time monitoring to optimize performance and minimize costs. The platform will significantly enhance the partner organization’s ability to deploy and scale AI applications, leading to improved operational efficiency, reduced latency, and the ability to handle increasing workloads seamlessly.

Rajender Aidhi – BioAro

BioAro Inc. is a biotech startup that provides valuable health insights through genetics and microbiome testing, helping people understand their health risks and make better decisions about diseases, medication, and nutrition. They have recently launched two new products: PanOmiQ, a software that gives quick insights into the human genome, and BioSport, which offers personalized health plans for athletes. BioAro faces challenges in entering the market, setting the right prices, and optimizing their supply chain. Engaging an intern from the Haskayne School of Business, with skills in brand management, strategic planning, and supply chain management, will help BioAro develop market strategies, identify target clients, set competitive prices, and choose the best sales channels.

Mapping sea ice roughness for Inuit Nunangat communities using synthetic aperture radar (SAR)

Travelling on ice is central to Inuit well-being, identity and culture. Rough sea ice can pose as a hazard, or impediment to travel. Currently, regular, quality, high-resolution information is difficult to obtain from satellite instruments, but synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has shown potential in all these aspects. In this project, the intern will analyse the relationship between data from RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) and Sentinel-1 SAR and roughness information obtained by the ICESat-2 instrument. Based on these relationships, a model will be developed to produce maps of sea ice roughness from SAR imagery. After testing and validating the model with independent data, a pipeline to produce regular maps of ice roughness adjacent to Inuit Nunangat communities will be developed. These maps will be distributed to Nunangat communities through SMARTICE’s web platform.

Centre for Local Innovation & Collaboration Cohort 4

The Centre for Local Innovation & Collaboration (CLIC) project will team up with small businesses from Richmond Hill’s Small Business Enterprise Centre. Interns from OCAD University’s Strategic Foresight and Innovation (SFI) Master of Design program will (through research) help these businesses with their innovation challenges using various methods like human-centered design, futures thinking, and strategic planning. This collaboration aims to boost growth and innovation for the businesses, producing action plans and strategies for success.