Innovative Projects Realized

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

13270 Completed Projects

1072
AB
2795
BC
430
MB
106
NF
348
SK
4184
ON
2671
QC
43
PE
209
NB
474
NS

Projects by Category

10%
Computer science
9%
Engineering
1%
Engineering - biomedical
4%
Engineering - chemical / biological

Sustainable Funding Models for Watershed Co-Governance

This research project will analyze different funding options for watershed co-governance in the Nicola River watershed in British Columbia. There are ongoing efforts in the Nicola River watershed to develop and implement a co-governance structure involving the Province of BC and five Nicola First Nations. These efforts are made possible by short-term funding that is intended to last over the course of a two-year pilot project. Upon completion of the pilot in 2020, new sources of permanent, long-term funding will be required. Through background research and interviewees with those involved in the Nicola co-governance initiative, this project will analyze the trade-offs associated with different funding options. Rather than being prescriptive, the project is intended to provide information that will aid decision-makers in choosing a funding model that works in the context of the Nicola River watershed. This project will employ Structured Decision Making (SDM), a framework that allows for systematic analysis of complex, multi-stakeholder decisions.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Evelyn Pinkerton

Student:

Richard Farthing-Nichol

Partner:

Compass Resource Management Ltd.

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program:

Accelerate

Deep learning-based Image Style Transfer with Generative Adversarial Network

The project aims to develop the deep learning-based algorithm that translate the image style of specific object to the reference style. Firstly, the proposed research focuses on identifying the accurate region in image for style transfer, and then translating the image style in that region. Current techniques about image style transfer are struggling to focus on translating the desired objects while keeping the rest of regions in the image unchanged. The competitive advantage gained by the new technologies developed through this project will help Crater Labs to further grow and expand its business in the computer vision, thus creating new employment opportunities in Canada.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Jun Chen

Student:

Kangdi Shi

Partner:

Crater Labs

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

University:

McMaster University

Program:

Accelerate

Uncertainty Quantification for Deep Neural Networks

Deep neural networks are effective at image classification and other types of predictive tasks, achieving higher accuracy than conventional machine learning methods. However, unlike these other methods, the predictions are less interpretable. While accuracy may be enough for applications where errors are not costly, for real world applications, we want to also know when the predictions are more likely to be correct. Estimating the likelihood that a prediction is correct is called confidence, or uncertainty. In order to deploy these methods in a public sphere, we need to better understand why they make the predictions. This project will focus on one aspect of understanding: developing methods to estimate the uncertainty associated with a given prediction. This research will allow us to be more confident when using the predictions of the models.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Adam Oberman

Student:

Mariana Prazeres;Aram Pooladian;Ryan Campbell

Partner:

Fédération des caisses Desjardins

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

University:

McGill University

Program:

Accelerate

Improving hygrothermal modeling as design tools using field measurements to achieve durable and energy efficient wood structures

Computer-based simulation software, called hygrothermal modeling has become increasingly popular and useful to predict and evaluate heat, air, vapour, and water-related performance of buildings. This research project aims to improve such modelling for wood construction through validation using specifically measured property data and field/lab performance data. The goal is to make modelling a more reliable design tool and to subsequently improve the design and construction of both mass timber construction and light wood-frame construction. Mass timber products including crosslaminated timber and nail-laminated timber, both critically important to meet the increasingly growing market in North America for mid-rise and taller timber buildings, will be covered. In addition, the work will focus on improving the simulations for highly energy efficient light wood-frame wall assemblies, commonly used to build high energy performance buildings across the country .

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Faculty Supervisor:

Hua Ge

Student:

Lin Wang

Partner:

FPInnovations

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Accelerate

Emerging Clinical Speech Recognition Technologies in Canada: How to do it Right?

With the rise in electronic health records, we are seeing more reports of clinician job dissatisfaction that is attributed to the amount of data entry work they are now required to do. Therefore, there is a lot of interest to use a speech recognition system to reduce the burden clinicians have by automating the documentation process as it passively listens during clinical visits. However, while many companies and research groups are devoted to construct such a system, there has not been any evaluation on the practicality and usability of this approach. In our research, we examine how a speech recognition agent should be implemented to automatically document clinical notes in a way that does not disrupt clinical workflow and will also explore the barriers and ethical implications this may have.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Khai Truong

Student:

Ding Qiao Brenna Li

Partner:

Mutuo Health Solutions Inc

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

Study the bond strength of adhered manufactured stone/thin brick veneer units and setting bed mortar at different temperatures and different cycles of freeze-thaw (Part 2)

The bond between adhered manufactured stone masonry veneer units and the setting bed mortar will be studied. It will involve testing shear, and tensile bond on small samples. Samples will consist of 2 types of adhered manufactured stones; two types of setting bed mortar (Type S, and modified dry-set cement mortar); and two types of substrates (simulated scratch coat and metal lath, and exterior grade cement board). Samples will be tested at 3 different temperatures (-40, 0 and 20°C), and 2 different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles. Three samples will be cast and tested for each combination. Reliability analysis will be conducted on the results to suggest which combination works best at different temperatures or with respect to the number of cycles of freeze-thaw. In addition, some factors that modify the bond strength equations will be investigated to determine if their inclusion better predict the bond strengths.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Nigel Shrive

Student:

Samira Rizaee

Partner:

Alberta Masonry Council

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Accelerate

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Primary and Secondary Production in the Salish Sea from a Coupled Model (SalishSeaCast with SMELT) – Part 2

We have developed a model that simulates currents, nutrient distributions, and plankton growth in the Salish Sea. This project focuses on continued development of that model and its application to answering scientific questions. These questions include: 1) How much does the timing and amount of plankton growth vary from year to year, and what factors explain increases or decreases? 2) What is the impact of the timing and amount of plankton growth in the Salish Sea on food availability for salmon populations, particularly along migration routes? Answering these questions directly contributes to the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s investigation of the drivers of declines in Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead salmon populations. This work addresses the hypothesis that declines in Salish Sea salmon populations may be due to changes in the timing or amount of phytoplankton and zooplankton growth in the Salish Sea.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Susan Allen

Student:

Elise Olson

Partner:

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

The effect of peer-to-peer video modeling (VM) on socialization and physical literacy in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

According to literature, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can imitate movements since they have learned many social, vocational, speech, and academic skills. However, motor skill deficiency has been mentioned as one of the contributing factors to social isolation, reducing opportunities for people with ASD to be connected to society and peers. Improving motor skills increases their confidence to participate in social interactions. This research project has two aims: (1) to teach fundamental motor skills through video- modeling with tablet technology and (2) to encourage socialization where participants with ASD interact and discuss their performances with peers with ASD through peer-to-peer learning using a structured format. The Asperger Autism Friendship Society (AAFS) provides support to a large Autism population in Calgary. This project will provide support for a research-based program that will increase the validity of various kinds of interventions, attract more clients to be a part of intervention programs, and increase the social skills and physical literacy of persons with ASD.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Larry Katz

Student:

Homa Rafiei Milajerdi

Partner:

Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

Health care and social assistance

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Accelerate

Engaging More Men in Mentoring

A key factor in fostering the resilience of children and youth is the presence of at least one caring adult who holds high but reasonable expectations of them. In some instances, this relationship is formally facilitated by an organization in the form of mentorship. Despite the documented positive effects men have in the lives of children, the majority of mentors are women. Many organizations report having significant difficulty recruiting and retaining male mentors despite a growing demand. To date, virtually no research has been conducted in Canada to explore this issue. In this project, we will carefully examine the research that has been conducted in the United States and abroad and have systematic discussions with organizations in Alberta who are engaged in mentoring. The overarching goal of this project is to provide Canadian based guidance and resources to mentoring agencies to support them in recruiting more male mentors.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Phillip Sevigny

Student:

Vincenza Martinovich

Partner:

Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area

Discipline:

Education

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Accelerate

Joint Perception and Motion Prediction System for Autonomous Vehicles

The project is concerned with delivering a real-world joint perception prediction and tracking system that outperforms the current system implemented in the Uber ATG software stack. This will be achieved by implementing a production version of a state-of-the-art academic paper developed by the research team, testing it against real world scenarios, and then modifying the neural network, inputs, architecture, and operations to obtain better within system results.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Murat Erdogdu

Student:

Zhen Gou

Partner:

Uber Advanced Technologies Group

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

Developing Cannabis resources for the 21st century

Over the past few years Cannabis has gone through a revolution with respect to its applications to both the medical and recreational markets. For legal reasons, much Cannabis genetics has been hap hazard but now with legalization scientific approaches can be used to develop useful Cannabis strains for the industry. In this proposal, we will develop two transformative programs to revolutionize Cannabis genetics. The first involves the development of a cheap fast method to identify Cannabis strains. The second approach involves increasing the genetic variation of Cannabis strains for future industrial needs. The development of both a high throughput genotyping tool and mutagenized Cannabis germplasms is key to future breeding strategies with Cannabis licensed producers in Canada and abroad.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Shelley Lumba

Student:

Hayley Mckay

Partner:

Ascendant Laboratories Inc

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

Arctic-Nesting Bird Monitoring and the Impacts of Mining Disturbances

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. has proposed the Whale Tail Project, approximately 130km North of Baker Lake, NU. The project includes the construction a dyke within Whale Tail Lake that will divert water from the proposed mining pit into the surrounding lakes and tributaries, resulting in flooding that will elevate the water levels by 4 m above current levels over two years, causing approximately 157 ha of tundra to become flooded during the time of birds? nest initiation. The Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994) prohibits the harm of migratory birds and the disturbance or destruction of nests and eggs. The research project intends to explore mitigation options for the proposed flooding during the construction of the Whale Tail Pit and to assess the degree of risk posed to migratory birds by mining-induced flooding during the nesting period. The study looks to determine the impact of mining-induced flooding on nest loss, success and dispersal of arctic-nesting birds, by outlining the timing and distribution of bird behaviour relative to the timing and distribution of the flooding.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Erica Nol

Student:

Gillian Holmes

Partner:

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

Trent University

Program:

Accelerate