Innovative Projects Realized

Use of a geared bit to reduce drill string vibrations without affecting performances

Drilling deep holes into the earth’s crust is required to extract natural resources such as crude oil and has also been utilized in the geothermal energy industry to extract heat. Drilling these wells is carried out using long slender pipes, and due to the destructive nature of the drilling operation, these pipes undergo torsional, lateral, and axial vibrations. Increasing the stiffness of the drill pipe would reduce torsional vibrations; however, considering the length, this is not economically feasible. Another approach is to increase the apparent stiffness by reducing the torque transmitted through the drill pipe. This is achieved by increasing the rotational speed of the drill pipe and using a reduction gearbox at the bit to maintain the original bit rpm. Similar methodologies have been used in the automotive driveshaft to reduce torsional deflection. The proposed bit has a tri-cutter design due to the gearbox, and this arrangement also eliminates the tendency of bit whirl. Reducing torsional vibrations also enables drillers to increase weight-on-bit (WOB) to control axial vibrations. Reduction in drill string vibration would increase the durability and reduces unexpected failure.

Machine learning developer interns within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions – Part 9

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.

Next generation cellulose modifications, plasticizations, and processing for bioplastics

There is a global effort to replace fossil-derived polymers with more sustainable, and better performing renewable polymers. As Canada is planning to put a ban on single used plastics by the end of 2021, putting an effort to replace these plastics with bio-based, compostable and biodegradable plastics could be a potential solution. The proposed work targets to develop a compostable and/or biodegradable, cost effective, and biodegradable multiphase polymers, such as biopolymer blends and biocomposites for rigid and flexible cosmetic packaging applications from cellulose. This work will support CTK’s activities in extending its sustainability effort in the cosmetics and food containment and packaging applications and other sectors.
Furthermore, the project will form a unique and valuable multidisciplinary training opportunity for highly qualified personnel at various levels

Anomaly Detection in Satellite Data Using Quadratic Neural Networks

The goal of this project is to develop a machine learning tool based on quadratic neural networks to perform automated telemetry analysis and detection of known anomalies faster than the current state-of-the-art, and to produce indicators to possible new and unknown anomalies in satellite data.

Machine learning developer interns within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions – Part 8

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.

Identify MoA of the UCHT1 domain within the TAC receptor

Triumvira, a Canadian-US post series A biotech company, is working on development of new targeted cancer therapies. Our core technology is focused on the genetic engineering of immune cells isolated from patients. This process then enables these engineered immune cells to recognise cancer cells that otherwise are invisible to the immune system. These therapies are ideally suited for a systemic eradication of malignant tumor cells. Future refinement of this core technology requires a detailed biological understanding of the core mechanisms that drives the ability of engineered immune cells to specifically recognize and kill cancer cells. The interns project focuses on research that will help Triumvira to better understand our core technology. This knowledge is expected to enable Triumvira to further refine its core technology providing even more potent anti tumor therapies.

Machine Learning Developer intern within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions – Part 6

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.

Using AI/ML to Search a Knowledge Base

This research project aims to address the challenge of improving customer experience and satisfaction by providing quick, accurate, and efficient answers to their questions about Avid products and services. Avid’s extensive knowledge base (KB) serves as a valuable resource for customers; however, finding relevant information can be time-consuming and challenging. The proposed AI-powered virtual assistant aims to overcome this issue by leveraging state-of-the-art AI and ML technologies to answer customer queries using Avid’s KB.
The primary objective of this project is to develop a virtual assistant capable of providing relevant and accurate answers to customer questions throughout their journey with Avid products and services. Specific objectives include understanding Avid’s KB and customer needs, preparing data for semantic indexing, developing a semantic search system, integrating ChatGPT, implementing the virtual assistant into Avid Link, and monitoring and evaluating its performance. This project holds significant potential for enhancing the customer experience with Avid products and services, ultimately contributing to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Anomaly Detection Models for the Trusted Execution Environment

In this project, Dr. Fung and her students will work with Trustcore Technology to design and develop anomaly detection functions in the trusted execution environment (TEE) of Internet of Things devices. The goal is to provide a robust solution to detect malfunctions and/or intrusions in IoT systems. The project is divided into two parts. Part one is to provide a basic anomaly detection function on the IoT device. Part two is the anomaly detection component built at a remote place. The two components complement each other and provide security and resilience features to IoT devices.

Digital Marketing and Growth Innovation Project

KOJA Consulting is a Vancouver-based consulting firm offering fractional project management and leadership to teams looking to create efficiency or solve a problem. KOJA is preparing to expand to serve more clients across the Greater Vancouver area and beyond. Through webinar events and a targeted LinkedIn marketing strategy, the company aims to develop valuable partnerships and referrals within its industry network. Hiring an intern to facilitate growth-oriented initiatives can provide KOJA with valuable support, fresh perspectives, and specialized skills to expand their client base, strengthen their brand presence, and achieve growth objectives.

Market Research into Replacement Gases for HFCs and HFOs and into SF6 for Switchgear applications

The Intern will do research to identify possible existing and new gases to replace harmful gases used in refrigeration, automotive air conditioning and other similar industrial and consumer uses that are known to deplete the ozone layer or are ‘super-greenhouse gases’. Through literature searches and primary interviews with manufacturers, the student will prepare an analysis that covers the technical merits and limitations of the various alternative gases, and identifies the competitive market dynamic, regulatory framework, and repurposing opportunity for these gases in Canada and globally. Fielding Chemical is investigating the opportunity for developing profitable recycling programs for these alternative gases to expand its business and help create a more sustainable environment, in keeping with its current business as the largest repurposer of refrigerants in Canada. The intern will also analyze the market and ability for FCT to become a recylcer for SF6, a gas used in high voltage switch gear applications, which has limited recycling currently. .

Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer

Project Description Public Project Overview:

This proposal addresses a critical issue faced by Popeyes, a major fast food chain boasting over 45 establishments within the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. Their Google review rating has seen a downturn, and they have set a target to uplift it significantly by 2024. Upon studying the customer feedback, a potential area for improvement has been identified, which could be pivotal in accomplishing this goal.