Innovative Projects Realized

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

31620 Completed Projects

2978
AB
5221
BC
856
MB
696
NL
899
SK
9419
ON
9858
QC
98
PE
619
NB
1192
NS

Projects by Category

Framework for Analytical Validation of Digital Health-Based Actigraphy Measures in Heart Failure Trials: VALIDATE-HF Program

Heart failure is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and doctors need better ways to track how well patients are doing in their daily lives and how their symptoms develop in time. Smartwatches and similar devices could help by measuring movement and activity, but they lack proper standard. Their accuracy can vary between watches and measures, and doctors are hesitant to implement them until they prove their usefullness. This project aims to create a reliable test that can confirm and compare the accuracy of each device for heart failure research. The plan is to compare data from smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, to a well-established medical test, calculate the error and differences, determine the best threshold that can be tolerated, and place the results in a report for analysis. By checking how well the smartwatch compares with the well-established results, we can determine whether it provides accurate and useful information. If successful, this study will help doctors and scientists confidently use smartwatches in heart failure research, making it easier to track patients’ health inside and outside the hospital. This could lead to better care, earlier detection of problems, and improved treatments for people living with heart disease.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Abhinav Sharma

Student:

Partner:

McGill University Health Centre Foundation;McGill University Health Centre

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Program:

Elevate

Absent but Not Invisible: Investigating the Link Between Chronic School Absenteeism and Mental Health in Canadian Youth

Chronic school absenteeism—missing more than 10% of the school year—is a growing concern in Canada, with some schools seeing very high rates. Children who frequently miss school are at greater risk of social isolation, emotional struggles, and falling behind academically. Many of these children are also dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety, ADHD, depression, or autism. Understanding how mental health and school attendance are connected is important for helping students thrive.
This research project, in partnership with Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre (CCMHC), explores the link between mental health and school attendance. The goal is to better understand the problem and provide helpful information for families, staff, and the community.
Project A will analyze data from CCMHC’s records to see how mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism are linked to school attendance in children. It will also examine how changes in mental health over time impact attendance, helping identify students who may need support earlier.
Project B will assess how well Crossroads’ Day Treatment and transition programs help students with complex mental health needs return to school and improve emotional well-being. It will analyze existing data and staff feedback to develop a plan for tracking program success, including behavior, attendance, and classroom reintegration.
Together, these two parts of the project will provide valuable insights into how mental health and school attendance are connected and how programs can be improved to help students succeed in school.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Maria Rogers

Student:

Partner:

Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Carleton University

Program:

Elevate

Implantation et évaluation du protecteur de hanches gonflable Air-Sequr auprès de résidents aînées à risque de chute en soin de longue durée

Les blessures subies lors des chutes sont la cause principale d’hospitalisation des aînés au Canada. Dans les CHSLD, les chutes sont encore plus fréquentes et impactantes que dans le domicile. Ces chutes imposent un fardeau important au flux clinique, au quotidien du personnel soignant et à la santé des résidents. Pour les résidents en CHSLD à risque de chute, aucun protecteur de hanche n’est actuellement utilisé dans le Laboratoire Communautaire. En effet, certains résidents ne désirent pas en porter et les cliniciens ne sont, en général, pas convaincus de l’efficacité de leur efficacité.
Le projet consiste ainsi à implanter et à évaluer un protecteur de hanches gonflable intelligent et innovant en CHSLD. Les objectifs sont de démontrer que l’ajout de ce dispositif sera accepté et apprécié des résidents et du personnel, affectera positivement le flux clinique des professionnels de la santé et diminuera les blessures subies lors des chutes. Ultimement, le but est de réduire la quantité de blessures majeures comme les fractures pelviennes subies lors des chutes tout en affectant au minimum le flux clinique et opérationnel des professionnels de la santé dans les HSLD.
Le projet vise à recruter 45 patients dans le CHSLD de l’Hôpital Chinois de Montréal et de déployer les dispositifs sur une durée visée de 12 mois. Le centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal ainsi que la Direction SAPA-Hébergement sont les partenaires du milieu public et Azimut Médical est le partenaire privé fournissant la technologie à l’essai.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Mylène Aubertin-Leheudre

Student:

Partner:

Azimut Médical Inc

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program:

Accelerate

SquawkBuster: Detecting Toxicity in Video-Game Voice Chat

The project aims to enhance toxic behavior detection in online multiplayer games through voice chat. While text-based detection models have advanced, voice chat presents unique challenges due to its complexity and resource demands; however, it offers valuable cues like tone and intonation. As such, the project seeks to develop multi-modal models combining voice and text data, optimized for gaming environments with limited resources. Leveraging Ubisoft’s expertise, the initiative aims to improve player safety by identifying toxic behavior more effectively. The project has two main objectives: (1) developing and evaluating models that analyze both voice and text interactions, and (2) optimizing these models for low-resource environments. The research will construct a dataset using open-source and Ubisoft data, comparing models like MuTox and ToxBuster in multi-modal settings. Moreover, the inclusion of optimization techniques such as model distillation and wake-word triggering will reduce computational load while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, spoken term discovery will identify game-specific vocabulary to improve classification and alert potential toxic behavior. The expected deliverables include insights and tools for advanced voice-based toxicity detection systems, enhancing player safety, improving gaming quality, fostering safer communities, and reducing moderator burden. Taken together, this work will advance industry standards in digital safety in gaming.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Ewan Dunbar

Student:

Partner:

Ubisoft Toronto

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

Full Circle Project and Health-Related Quality of Life: Measuring What matters to Older People

Food insecurity and social isolation are both recognized as challenges facing many older adults in Montreal. While several nonprofit organizations have created programs to alleviate this situation, it is often difficult to “measure” a program’s effectiveness. This postdoctoral position will assess a series of community-based programs that are part of The Full Circle: Healthy Living for Empowered Aging Project. Launched by New Hope for Senior Citizens Centre in 2024, Full Circle has four interrelated programs: inter-generational gardening, community lunches, organic food baskets and meals-on-wheels, all using produce grown by its members in collaboration with students from Concordia University. Using Full Circle as a case study, this research will conduct an in-depth examination of what makes each program effective. By deploying an innovative methodology, the “Health-Related Quality of Life: Older People for Active Living” (HRQL-OPAL) tool, this postdoctoral research project will compare the potential benefits of these programs for participants. Do the programs contribute to changing food habits? Do they enhance participants’ social engagement? Which of these programs is having what impact on the lives of participants? In addition, the Postdoctoral research will assess the usefulness of this new research tool by deploying it in an actual situation, reflecting on both the qualitative and quantitative insights it yields on how older adults understand “active living”.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Kim Sawchuk

Student:

Partner:

New Hope Senior Citizens’ Centre

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Elevate

Bien vieillir chez soi – Phases 1, 2 et 3

L’accès à du répit pour les personnes proches aidantes (PPA) est difficile puisqu’elles font face à diverses problématiques (liste d’attente, horaire peu flexible, distance géographique, etc.). L’organisation Entraidant veut offrir un service de répit atypique (qui n’a pas lieu sur une base régulière, en semaine) aux PPA à l’aide d’une plateforme informatique qui facilitera le pairage.
Le projet a pour objectif d’en connaitre davantage sur les besoins des PPA et leur satisfaction quant à l’utilisation de la plateforme. Il vise également à dresser un portrait psychologique des PPA qui reçoivent du répit typique et/ou atypique. Le niveau de stress, la qualité de vie, le fardeau et la détresse psychologique seront les variables sondées. Globalement, les résultats de ce projet permettront de mettre en place des services répondant mieux aux besoins des PPA afin de diminuer les conséquences de ce rôle sur leur santé physique et psychologique. Pour Entraidant, les résultats de ce projet leur permettront d’améliorer la plateforme pour la rendre plus facile d’utilisation et en augmenter l’accessibilité.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Bob-Antoine Jerry Menelas;Frédéric Banville;Frédéric Banville;Bob-Antoine Jerry Menelas

Student:

Partner:

Entraidant

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Utilities

University:

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi; Université du Québec à Rimouski

Program:

Accelerate

Incorporating Equity Considerations into Serious Safety Event (SSE) Review Processes

Patient safety events (PSEs) describe instances of avoidable harm within healthcare settings, and among these are serious safety events (SSEs) which represent significant patient harm or death. SSEs are reported by staff and undergo review to investigate factors contributing to the events and develop interventions to prevent recurrence and improve safety. Patients from marginalized backgrounds face unique risks factors in healthcare systems that contribute to PSEs. However, equity concerns are not systematically investigated during SSE review processes as there are no well-defined methods which incorporate these concerns as potential contributors. This project aims to address the gap of a standardized tool to identify potential equity related contributors to SSEs during the event review process at Unity Health and Michael Garron Hospital. We will conduct semi-structured interviews with hospital staff to map current processes, observations of the current SSE review process, and identify the prevalent equity concerns at both institutions and from the literature. This information will be used to inform the development of an equity review tool for the SSE review process. Simulations of the SSE review process will be conducted with event review staff using the designed tool to collect feedback, as well as a three month evaluation trial period. Data collected will be utilized to improve the usability and effectiveness of the design.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Myrtede Alfred

Student:

Partner:

Unity Health Toronto

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Business Strategy Internship

Système d’estimation des coûts de fabrication des charpentes dans une usine

Les coûts d’un projet de construction sont souvent sous-estimés alors que les attentes dans la qualité sont élevées tout en demeurant avec des coûts raisonnables. L’estimation des coûts de construction d’un bâtiment est un processus complexe comportant plusieurs défis : 1) le manque d’information préliminaire ou un manque de détail sur les plans, 2) des bases de données et des données historiques inadéquates pour créer des modèles d’estimation, 3) l’implication d’incertitudes, telles que les fluctuations des coûts des matériaux et des taux de main-d’œuvre et la variabilité des paramètres de conception architecturale, 4) l’expertise et l’expérience des estimateurs et 5) les facteurs des coûts. En ce sens, la précision des estimés devient un enjeu dans un contexte d’inflation, de compétition et dans un contexte où le client prend un décision importante basée sur ce coût. Les systèmes d’estimation des coûts de construction existent depuis quelques années et cela dans plusieurs domaines (résidentiel, pont, autoroute, etc.) et utilisent une variété de technique incluant : le qualitatif (méthode heuristique, jugements d’experts) et le quantitatif (paramétrique, non-paramétrique). Cependant, les solutions proposées dans la littérature ont très peu été étudiées dans le cadre de la fabrication de la charpente préfabriqué en usine.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Martin Otis

Student:

Partner:

La Charpenterie Inc.

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

Program:

Accelerate

Can a mobilization program reduce frailty in hospitalized males and females with cardiovascular disease?

As we age, the number of health deficits we accumulate increases. This accumulation of health deficits is known as frailty, which is particularly pronounced among patients with cardiovascular disease. Additionally, females typically report higher levels of frailty than males. An effective way to mitigate frailty is through physical activity and/or reducing sedentary time. This research project aims to assess the effectiveness of an inpatient mobilization intervention in reducing frailty among in-patients with cardiovascular disease in New Brunswick and to determine whether the intervention impacts males and females differently. During the intervention, Kinesiologists will visit patients at Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital and assist them in mobilizing to the best of their abilities (e.g., walking, standing, or sitting on the edge of the bed). We will assess changes in frailty from hospital admission to discharge to determine whether the intervention leads to reductions in frailty and whether the magnitude of this reduction differs between male and female patients. Additionally, we will equip patients with accelerometers to objectively measure their physical activity and sedentary time throughout the intervention. The proposed research project provides Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital with data on the effectiveness of its mobilization program in reducing frailty among patients with cardiovascular disease and will help guide future care decisions.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Myles O'Brien

Student:

Partner:

Vitalité

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program:

Elevate

Field trials to evaluate bioproducts for the management of Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat

This project investigates whether biocontrol microorganisms from Saskatchewan rhizosphere soils can effectively suppress Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) in wheat under field conditions, supporting their commercialization as sustainable biopesticides. FHB, caused mainly by Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum, severely reduces wheat yields and contaminates grain with the mycotoxin DON. Current control measures face limitations due to resistance, cost, and environmental concerns. In partnership with Biorimor Biosciences Inc. and the University of Saskatchewan, the project aims to transition lab-proven antifungal rhizobacteria into field-viable products through multi-season trials. Key efforts include optimizing formulations, evaluating synergistic strains, and integrating biocontrols into current practices while addressing commercialization hurdles
like production scale and regulatory approval. Economically, the project could generate IP, attract investment, and support local job creation. Socially, it enhances food safety, lowers environmental impact, and bolsters Saskatchewan’s agri-tech sector, while advancing sustainable crop protection and addressing the global threat to wheat production.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Randy Kutcher

Student:

Partner:

Biorimor

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program:

Accelerate

The Second Cycle of Oral History Interviews to Preserve Canadian Engineering Achievements

This second cycle of oral history interviews will continue to preserve for posterity first-person perspectives of the careers and achievements of eminent Canadian engineers since the 1960s. Interviewees will be individuals who have made significant contribution to Canadian achievements in biological, civil, chemical, dam, geotechnical, mechanical, nuclear and tunnelling engineering fields. As much as possible, they will represent a broad diversity of cultures, religions, races, ethnicities, and sexes. Their oral histories will beneficially inform members of the engineering community and has the potential to guide and inspire younger Engineers-in-Training to have more productive and rewarding careers. The information will also assist individuals researching historical aspects of Canadian engineering achievements.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Michelle Hamilton

Student:

Partner:

Engineering Institute of Canada Fund

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program:

Accelerate

Phosphorus removal by calcined eggshell adsorbents from agricultural soil systems and application of the adsorbent as a secondary supply material

This project is focused on reducing water pollution caused by phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) runoff from agricultural soils. Excessive nutrients entering water bodies can result in harmful algal blooms, negatively impacting ecosystems, especially in Areas of Concern near the Canadian Great Lakes. Building upon previous successful research, this study would like to continue for an additional year to develop the efficiency of using calcined eggshells as adsorbents to capture phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural runoff. Eggshells, have improved chemical properties that enable them to effectively bind phosphorus through precipitation reactions and transform the nitrogen. When combined with woodchips in bioreactors, the precipitated hydroxyapatite can also facilitate microbial processes that can remove nitrogen. This research will study whether spent eggshell materials from the bioreactors can be safely reused, enhancing soil fertility sustainably. By extending the duration of this study, we will advance into the long-term performance and practical application of this innovative, environmentally friendly approach, contributing to healthier soils and cleaner watersheds.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Maria Dittrich

Student:

Partner:

AEML Associates Ltd

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

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Mitacs — Return on Innovation

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.