Innovative Projects Realized

Increasing our understanding of climate change impacts on a keystone species in the Arctic: the hooded seal

Ice seals are considered bio-indicators of the Arctic ecosystem health, yet little is known about how they have responded both horizontally and vertically to seasonal and annual changes in the Arctic ecosystem. As the Arctic continues to lose ice, this study examines future consequences of these ecosystem changes on the Arctic hooded seals. This study combines biologging-derived behavioural and movement data, environmental data, and simulation modelling to 1) characterize foraging behaviours of hooded seals using tri-dimensional movement data, their relation to foraging efficiency, and to their habitat characteristics; 2) assess changes in foraging efficiencies through time-series data and their links to population trajectory; 3) build models that predict the future vertical distribution of the Arctic hooded seal. We will infer mechanistic links between hooded seal’s foraging ecology and their physical environment, and better understand the impacts of environmental changes on individuals and populations from forecasts of climate induced habitat shifts.

Diversio Customer Success

Diversio is a DEI platform solution and service company. Since its inception in 2018, Diversio has remained committed to helping its clients create “the best culture and business outcomes through investments in DEI”. Diversio’s success is highly contingent upon its clients; in particular, the extent to which it is able to onboard new clients and meet their ongoing unique needs. A challenge and opportunity exists in the functions of client development, support, and relationship management. An opportunity exists here for a Mitacs BSI project, where an intern can positively contribute to Diversio’s client engagements. This project will aid the partner in onboarding new clients and cultivating long-term relationships, ultimately ensuring that their individualized needs are met. Additionally, opportunities exists for the intern to innovate within the space of client engagement through process improvements and product/service offerings.

Investigating the Role of Copper Radical Oxidases in Verticillium Pathogenesis

Phytopathogenic fungi secrete diverse enzymes to help them infect host plants. Foliar phytopathogens like Colletotrichum species, contain tandem copper radical oxidase (CRO) and peroxidase genes. The CRO-peroxidase pair is co-secreted during initial leaf penetration phases. The CRO oxidizes long-chain alcohols found in the leaf cuticle while the peroxidase activates the CRO. We discovered that the vascular wilt causing Verticillium fungi, which infect host roots also contained adjacent genes encoding a CRO and catalase/peroxidase. Surprisingly, in vitro tests of Verticillium CROs revealed poor activity on long-chain alcohols and instead displayed activity on aryl alcohols and galactose-containing carbohydrates, reminiscent of plant cell wall components. This project will investigate the roles CROs and peroxidases play in V. dahliae growth, development and virulence through gene knockout studies and tomato infection assays. Natural substrates oxidised by Verticillium CROs will also be identified through mass spectrometry analysis of plant extracts. Novel data generated by this project could further our understanding of verticillium pathogen-host interactions and become applicable toward the development of biochemical means for combatting verticillium wilts. Through this project, participating institutions will benefit through the strengthening of ties to further promote collaboration and the development of future projects through the sharing of knowledge.

Process Optimisation of Smart Locks for self directed, automated keyless check ins in the Hospitality Industry for any lock brand and type.

The proposed R&D project with Linkbase is focused on propelling Canada’s hospitality industry into the digital age. While the sector may be lagging behind counterparts in places like Asia that are leading the digitized hospitality space, this project aims to bridge that gap. By harnessing technology to connect locks and streamline digital check-ins, property managers can offer a seamless and secure experience for guests. Linkbase can lead the way in partnering with top lock companies and developing cutting-edge solutions, ensuring that Canada’s hospitality space keeps pace with global leaders in the digitized hospitality sector, particularly in Asia.

Okos – Cameron Armstrong

Okos’ mission is to create a safe and sustainable world through technology-driven project management and delivery of security and smart products & services. Okos has a first-mover advantage globally with its integrated technology and service platform that is disrupting the industry by providing easy and affordable access to security and energy-efficiency solutions through trusted commercial, institutional, and retail partners. Through the Mitacs program, Okos will explore the best methodology to approach the energy sector with these technologies. As operational needs and regulations are unique for the energy sector, Okos must develop a tailored approach to validate its value proposition. This innovative marketing method would help Okos penetrate a large international market and achieve growth to reach sales targets.

Moby Business Development Plan

Moby, a prominent consulting company specializing in optimizing logistics and supply chain operations, aims to expand its innovative, data-driven solutions into the Canadian market. This business strategy internship project is designed to assist Moby in understanding the intricacies of the Canadian supply chains, identifying unique challenges and opportunities, and developing tailored offerings to meet emerging needs. Moby’s expansion into the Canadian market requires a strategic approach. The project aims to equip Moby with insights and strategies for successful market entry, considering factors like regulatory compliance, market awareness, local competition, and talent acquisition. The project addresses challenges such as understanding Canadian regulations, market dynamics, and competition. It also explores opportunities related to Canada’s untapped and dynamic market, environmental focus, customized solutions, technology integration, cost savings, and strategic partnerships.

This business strategy internship project is a crucial step for Moby in understanding and navigating the complexities of the Canadian market. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, Moby aims to contribute to the Canadian supply chain landscape with innovative, data-driven solutions that align with the country’s unique characteristics and business environment.

L2M – AI-MD Validation Proposal

AI-MD is an AI-driven symptom checker that allows people to monitor their health and scan their body for suspected illness and disease. Millions of people are using symptom checkers online every month that only allow them to describe thier symptom information using text or checking off boxes. Not only are these tools not accurate, but they are also free- which means that instead of charging you for the service, they are selling your data. At AI-MD we allow you to characterize your symptoms and health state using videos, audio recordings, photos, and text- instead of just text- to get a more comprehensive assessment of your symptoms so that we can assess your condition with over 85% accuracy using highly sophisticated AI tools. We will be validating the use of our solution in the enterprise setting with Mitacs.

Peace Arch Curling Club – Membership and Marketing Coordinator Internship

Peace Arch Curling Club (PACC) has been a cornerstone of the South Surrey and White Rock curling community since 1966, providing a home for diverse curling leagues and players of all ages and abilities. With over 500 members, PACC is dedicated to advancing the sport of curling by supporting its members in various competitions and promoting it as a dynamic and inclusive social activity. We aim to revitalize its curling program to reach a wider audience, and the Membership and Marketing Coordinator Intern will play a pivotal role by focusing on improving web presence, SEO, and social media strategies, expanding membership through a comprehensive marketing plan, and revamping the club’s website. Additionally, the intern will assist by boosting communication, enhancing local visibility, and diversifying the membership base through collaboration with local businesses and the introduction of a new Junior program.

Classification and signal processing of radar signals to detect stop of breathing

Despite the low rate of occurrence, inmate suicide is a tragedy that results in a loss of life and leads to a number of problems for the correctional institution. The goal of this project is to remotely monitor inmates in custody using radar technology in order to detect suicide attempts. Current radar systems for vital-sign monitoring and suicide attempt detection have very high false-alarm rate. The partner organization, K&G Spectrum, has developed new radar that can be used for detection of breathing and heartbeat signals. However, algorithms for extraction of breathing signal need to be developed which is the main objective of this project. The intern will work on development of signal processing algorithms for estimation of breathing signal and detection of stop-breathing event from the signal obtained by the K&G Spectrum radar.

Machine learning developer interns within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions (15)

AltaML is an innovative company capitalizing on a major technological trend: artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, enabled by big data, are driving a fourth industrial revolution. AI will transform all industries, but traditional industries face challenges in implementing AI. AltaML has a unique business model to overcome barriers to adoption of AI solutions by industry, which is to bring the innovating startup together with the large organization, thereby bringing together rich datasets, AI talent with a playbook for industry application and the close collaboration of subject matter experts and AI experts–with a mindset for change. In addition to AI expertise, we bring agility that our large, corporate partners often lack, and which is so essential for innovation. With a strategic focus on AI adoption and product, AltaML works across industries as well as with the public sector using a co-development approach to create applied AI solutions as well as joint AI ventures. This rich, complex multisectoral environment provides the breadth that enables insights in one area to be applied in new areas, leading to ever increasing opportunities for innovation.

The project comprises internships in a variety of technical and business roles, which are: associate machine learning developer, business development associate, communications associate, finance associate, associate business solutions consultant, and project delivery associate. Outcomes will include algorithm creation and deployment, data visualizations, market research reports, sales collateral, competitive landscape analysis, feasibility analysis; key messages and content writing such as case studies and feature articles, financial model development, data analysis, financial reports and variance analysis, customer workflow mapping, business case reports, resource allocation plans, project update reports, and project plans.

Vers une éthique vivante au sein d’un centre de réadaptation : projet de recherche-action participative

Les personnes présentant des incapacités physiques peuvent recevoir des services de réadaptation intensive pendant plusieurs semaines en centre de réadaptation. Dans ce contexte, des études ont documenté les expériences de soins et les besoins des personnes usagères (PU) et leurs proches. Les enjeux rapportés sont le manque de considération de leur opinion dans la prise de décision et une communication inefficace avec les professionnels. Ces enjeux sont de nature éthique puisqu’ils résultent souvent de divergences d’opinion ou de valeurs entre les PU, les proches et les professionnels et peuvent occasionner de la détresse émotionnelle et un désengagement dans la réadaptation. L’objectif est de collaborer avec les PU et leurs proches afin de mieux comprendre leurs enjeux éthiques et les soutenir dans la résolution de ces enjeux à l’Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal (IRGLM). Le projet utilisera une approche de recherche-action participative. Des groupes de discussion auprès des PU et des proches seront menés au sein de programmes de réadaptation de l’IRGLM. En utilisant une approche inductive d’analyse qualitative descriptive, les enjeux éthiques seront analysés et regroupés. Des ateliers de cocréation seront menés avec les mêmes participants pour développer les actions clés à l’aide d’activités d’idéation.

Machine learning developer interns within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions (14)

AltaML is an innovative company capitalizing on a major technological trend: artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, enabled by big data, are driving a fourth industrial revolution. AI will transform all industries, but traditional industries face challenges in implementing AI. AltaML has a unique business model to overcome barriers to adoption of AI solutions by industry, which is to bring the innovating startup together with the large organization, thereby bringing together rich datasets, AI talent with a playbook for industry application and the close collaboration of subject matter experts and AI experts–with a mindset for change. In addition to AI expertise, we bring agility that our large, corporate partners often lack, and which is so essential for innovation. With a strategic focus on AI adoption and product, AltaML works across industries as well as with the public sector using a co-development approach to create applied AI solutions as well as joint AI ventures. This rich, complex multisectoral environment provides the breadth that enables insights in one area to be applied in new areas, leading to ever increasing opportunities for innovation.

The project comprises internships in a variety of technical and business roles, which are: associate machine learning developer, business development associate, communications associate, finance associate, associate business solutions consultant, and project delivery associate. Outcomes will include algorithm creation and deployment, data visualizations, market research reports, sales collateral, competitive landscape analysis, feasibility analysis; key messages and content writing such as case studies and feature articles, financial model development, data analysis, financial reports and variance analysis, customer workflow mapping, business case reports, resource allocation plans, project update reports, and project plans.