Innovative Projects Realized

Integration and Application of New HDX-MS Technologies for High Throughput Biopharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing

As pharmaceutical companies look increasingly towards biological macromolecules like antibodies as new drugs, there is a rapidly growing need to be able to characterize these complex ‘drug candidates’ in detail. Rapid Novor, an international leader in antibody sequencing and characterization services, and the Wilson group, an academic leader in the development of HDX technologies, have built a highly impactful collaboration that has already delivered substantial impact on the pharmaceuticals industry in Canada. This includes the adoption of new bioanalytical platforms into real-world drug development pipelines, recruitment of top international talent (Wilson group PDF Dominic Narang is now the Manager of REmAb and HDX services at Rapid Novor) and, ultimately, the ability to develop new business avenues for a highly successful, Canada-based company. The current proposal builds on this collaboration to incorporate new tools and methods into Rapid Novor’s services, which will provide a unique, Canada-based competitive advantage for the company, and new opportunities for Canada’s skilled workforce. The projects proposed herein are entirely suitable for a 50/50 time split between the Rapid Novor site (Waterloo) and the Wilson group site (York university, Toronto), with matching analytical platforms (Waters select series instruments) at both sites.

Environment and Health

Significant scientific knowledge gaps remain with respect to nuclear power production and impacts on the environment and the community. Four specific research areas for interns have been identified to help resolve some of the issues or gaps in knowledge. The specific areas of research include: (A) determining appropriate thresholds for animal population-level effects, (B) assessing the movement and speciation of low level radioisotopes found in the environment near nuclear plants, (C) understanding the effects of very low-dose radiation on humans and biota, and (D) improving health care and research for important stakeholders from aboriginal communities associated with nuclear power production. By partnering with Bruce Power on a multi-year, multi-intern project, we hope to make significant research advances and to help close the knowledge gap in these areas. Project interns will be expected to work closely with Bruce Power staff and/or subcontractors in order to collect samples, validate measurements, and transfer research results to the industrial partner.

Prédiction des stations potentielles pour l’établissement du frêne noir (Fraxinus nigra), une espèce en voie de disparition, à l’aide de la télédétection dans l’Ouest du Québec

Le frêne noir est une espèce emblématique des milieux humide du Québec, mais est actuellement menacé de disparition en raison de la pression combinée causée par l’agrile du frêne, un insecte ravageur exotique, et le changement climatique. Les environnements propices au frêne noir sont aussi souvent petits et donc difficilement suivis par les méthodes d’inventaire forestier conventionnelles. Ce projet vise donc à combiner l’utilisation des technologies de télédétection Radar et LiDAR pour identifier avec précision (2m) les sites propices au frêne noir. Nos résultats permettront de grandement faciliter la protection de cette espèce en danger au Québec.

Advanced Power Electronics Converters for Ocean Wave Energy

In this research project, our intern team, under the guidance of academic supervisor, will focus on developing advanced power electronics converters for harnessing ocean wave energy. This technology aims to efficiently convert the kinetic energy from ocean waves into usable electrical power, contributing to a sustainable and renewable energy future. By improving the performance and reliability of power electronics converters, our research seeks to enhance the overall efficiency of ocean wave energy systems. The partner organization will benefit from cutting-edge solutions that advance their commitment to renewable energy, reduce environmental impact, and potentially pave the way for broader applications in marine energy. This project aligns with the organization’s goals of fostering innovation and sustainability in the field of clean energy.

Genomic detection and monitoring of the Dutch elm disease

The research proposed will address the need for tools that can provide rapid and accurate identification of the pathogens that cause Dutch elm disease. This will address the first General Area of Research to develop forest pest management products as well as the fourth General Area of Research to develop forest pest management strategies. Development of these tools is important, as a gap has been identified by our government partners to provide rapid identification of infected trees for the purpose of early removal of infected trees. The objectives of this project are to develop a DNA-based PCR assay for the detection and monitoring of the Dutch elm disease pathogen directly from infected material or the vector, by-passing the lengthy culturing process that was previously required. The project will test the assays for performance and accuracy and will validate the assay under operational conditions.

Pose estimation of objects of interest by aerial multirotor drone

Aerial drones have been seeing a rise in popularity in a variety of domains such as shipping, search and rescue operations, and photography due to their ability to carry cameras and other packages through trajectories that avoid ground obstacles or offer an advantageous vantage point, all while allowing the operator to remain at a safe distance from any danger. In this project, the objective is to improve the autonomy of aerial drones performing aerial surveillance. The specific goal of this research is to develop a drone-based system that is capable of determining the pose of objects it detects through it’s camera. Research in AI-based image processing has made the detection and recognition of objects possible with high accuracy. This project intends to implement such an object detection and classification algorithm into a drone system where monitoring of large areas can be done from the air and on the move with the drone’s operator. This project will help to develop drone technology and demonstrate their use in human activities. As a project based in Canada, it will also keep establishing Canada as an aerospace technologies hub.

Coach F.: Aider les citoyens à initier et adopter des meilleures habitudes de gestion de leurs finances!

Code F. Santé financière pour tous?! (Code F.) est une entreprise d’économie sociale qui se donne pour objectifs d’éduquer, accompagner et outiller financièrement les citoyens grâce à des services de coaching financier, des ateliers d’éducation financière ainsi que différents guides afin d’aider ces derniers à gérer leur argent.

Alors, que plus de 85% des Québécois disent souffrir d’anxiété financière (Sondage Centraide, Avril 2023), Code F. développe le projet « Coach F. » qui vise à développer une solution numérique qui va induire un changement de comportement chez les citoyens afin de les amener à adopter des bonnes et saines habitudes de gestion financière (personnelle). Ceci afin de les aider à bâtir une résilience financière et améliorer leur santé financière.

SkinopathyOS & Patient Portal Automation and Data Features

Development of an integrated and unified GetSkinHelp Experience powered by Data & Artificial Intelligence

Health and Innovation Analyst for AHS- Early Innovation Advancement Program

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is a large provincial health authority serving the health needs of the population of Alberta with a mission to provide patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Inclusion of technology innovations within the system and in the community can support AHS’ mission. The challenge, however, is to provide evidence-based evaluation of new technologies to ensure they are safe, effective, appropriate, acceptable, accessible and efficient, among other qualities. The Innovation and Business Intelligence (IBI) Department within AHS has been working to achieve an evaluation framework where decisions can be made for potential adoption. The project proposed will assist the IBI team on the creation of processes for both a needs assessment and evidence-based evaluation framework.

AHS has recently been confirmed as a Beachhead with the new envisAGE program through MEDTEQ+ and AGEWELL to assist with improving the quality of life for older adults and/or their caregivers through introduction of AgeTech. In this role, the IBI team will evaluate the clinical effectiveness and implementation feasibility of AgeTech with end users and customer. The focused area of need will be on aging in place, which is defined as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” The IBI team, along with the Mitacs intern, will work to create a comprehensive needs assessment and evidence-based evaluation framework to ensure satisfaction by both end users and consumers of the technology.

Business Strategy

The Pyralume Online Streaming Platform project is a strategic product development initiative aimed at redefining the independent cinema experience. This innovative platform serves as a cutting-edge global stage, providing independent filmmakers with an avenue to showcase their exceptional creations to a worldwide audience. The project emphasizes user-centric design and flexibility by offering a range of subscription plans, consolidating platform management for seamless operations. Utilizing cloud-based technology, this project ensures convenient streaming from any location with an internet connection. This product development project is not only dedicated to celebrating independent cinema but also focused on empowering filmmakers through sustainable monetization avenues.

Developing and Coordinating Communications Strategies for Official Plan, Secondary Plans and Community Improvement Plan Review

Policy planning is overseen by the City Planning Department Policy Planning Group with some projects handled by the Special Projects Planning Group. These groups oversee various policy tasks including incorporating Regional and Provincial Planning into the City’s Planning program, developing Official Plan and Secondary Plan policies and undertaking other policy work related to natural heritage, housing and employment. This group also oversees Community Improvement Plan (CIP) programs, heritage and the sign by-law.
To address the significant growth targets the City has, and to address changes in planning policy as well as to ensure new growth is provided in accordance with planning principles and upper level policies and ensure City needs for housing and employment lands are provided, the City is embarking on an ambitious program which currently includes a new Official Plan and 3 Secondary Plans that are currently underway, with 2 further secondary plans to be initiated within the next 2 years. As well the Policy Group are involved in a review of the CIP program review to ensure grants are targeted to meet the City’s needs, and a review of the Sign By-law.
The primary roles of the Planning Student Intern is to develop and implement community engagement strategies on the Official Plan and secondary plans as well as to assist in the CIP program review. The Planning Student is intended to work primarily in the policy division.

Système automatisé de conformité

Le projet vise à concevoir un système informatique en mode Saas (Software as a service) qui permette de réaliser de façon automatique et autonome le diagnostic des processus d’une PME pour vérifier son niveau de conformité à une réglementation, la production de recommandations personnalisées en fonction de l’entreprise, de ses besoins, de ses processus et de son contexte d’affaires, la certification de conformité après l’implémentation des recommandations. Le système comprendra entre autres un système expert, un moteur de modélisation, un outil de mapping des modèles avec les contraintes de la loi ainsi qu’un moteur et une banque de recommandations.