Innovative Projects Realized

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

30156 Completed Projects

2861
AB
5059
BC
812
MB
673
NL
842
SK
8957
ON
9368
QC
96
PE
579
NB
1120
NS

Projects by Category

Architecture and National Identity: The CentennialProjects 50 years on

This project represents the final phase of an extensive research project, culminating in an exhibition of national significance on the subject of Canada’s 1967 Centennial architectural projects and their role in the creation of national identity. The intern’s role is related to two main areas of activity: a curatorial exercise that involves the selection of material for exhibition in relation to the curatorial position, established by the academic supervisor; and design, production and fabrication of exhibition elements in collaboration with the industry partner, RVTR. This will provide the intern with a unique opportunity to participate in a major architectural exhibition and be involved in both the establishment and creation of content, and the physical design of the exhibition, enhancing skills in both areas of critical scholarly research and hands-on design and installation, and to thereby better understand the relationship between form and content, medium and message.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Marco Polo

Student:

Partner:

RVTR

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program:

Accelerate

Assimilating Buddhism in Victorian Literature: Exploring Rudyard Kipling’s Engagement and Reception

This project aims to explore the Victorian reception of Buddhism, focusing on the renowned British writer Rudyard Kipling and his works. By examining Kipling’s growth experience, reading history, and knowledge sources, we seek to understand how he conceived Buddhism and represented it in his literary works.
During the turn of the century, there was a growing fascination with Oriental religions, and Buddhism captivated the attention of intellectuals and writers. This project aims to examine the influence of this trend on literature, with Kipling and his works serving as an outstanding example of cultural encounters, where numerous Buddhist elements can be found.
Through this project, we will delve into how Kipling assimilated Buddhist ideas and integrated them into his literary creation. Our objective is to unravel the nuances of Kipling’s understanding of Buddhism and explore the ways in which he portrayed it in his literary creations.
By closely analyzing Kipling’s reading history, knowledge sources, and representation of Buddhism, this project will foster a deeper understanding of the cultural dynamics and intellectual influences that shaped Victorian literature. Moreover, it will provide valuable insights into the broader cross-cultural encounters of the time and shed light on the enduring impact they had on Western society’s perception

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Faculty Supervisor:

Jinhua Chen

Student:

Partner:

Shanghai International Studies University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Methodology for the detection and characterization of corrosion under insulation for pipe using digital radiography and computer vision techniques

Radiographic Testing is a versatile non-destructive testing method that uses either x-rays or gamma rays to examine the internal structure of components identifying any defects in various industries. Digital radiography has replaced screen-film radiography and is used extensively in inspections of insulated pipes in petrochemical industries. The principal task of this project is to assess the corrosion under insulation. Radiography data is frequently examined by qualified human inspectors. This manual method is time-consuming, costly, and operator-dependent. Furthermore, manual analysis effort in inspections is a limiting issue in terms of robustness and capacity. Computer vision aims to carry out and automate tasks that replicate human capabilities. Therefore, this study, in collaboration with TORNGATS Services Techniques, intends to integrate the cutting-edge method using computer vision, with the digital radiographic technique to develop a digital information model for processing, analyzing, and communicating inspection data. The proposed approach will be used by the industrial partner (TORNGATS Services Techniques) to provide cost-effective automated digital radiography inspection services for clients, thus satisfying the significant industrial demand in the Canadian petrochemical industry.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Xavier Maldague

Student:

Partner:

TORNGATS Technical Services Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université Laval

Program:

Accelerate

Development of an in planta soybean transformation method

This research project aims at establishing a cheap and simple alternative genetic transformation method for soybean termed in planta. Three in planta methods, named (i) tissue-culture independent callus and adventitious buds generation (TCICABG), (ii) sonication and in vivo selection/regeneration (SivSR) and (iii) in vitro embryonic axis sonication and direct regeneration (EAR), will be tested to evaluate their efficiencies, success rates and levels of difficulty. The development of this method would enable us to perform high-throughput gene editing with CRISPR-cas9 and confirm the functions of candidate genes involved in a plethora of important field traits. Currently, there is no Canadian research institution that have found a high-throughput method for plant transformation in soybean although the crop is one of the most important for Canadian farmers. Consequently, the development of this protocol could be a major stepping-stone in the support of Canadian agriculture and would contribute to the expansion of the soybean sector.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Valerio Hoyos-Villegas

Student:

Partner:

CÉROM

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology

University:

McGill University

Program:

Accelerate

Post Harvest Antimicrobial Treatments of Cannabis sativa

In order to maintain the quality and safety of dried cannabis, it is essential to control microbial contaminants through post-harvest irradiation. This research study focuses on the identification of optimal dosages for effectively reducing fungal pathogens in dried cannabis using customized Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology, which employs a basic form of electronic beam (e-beam) radiation. Additionally, the study examines the effects of both low and high dosage irradiation on the chemical composition of cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis. By determining the appropriate dosages and understanding the impact on important cannabis compounds, this study aims to contribute to the development of a cost-effective alternative to traditional gamma irradiation methods, benefiting licensed producers by reducing operational expenses and benefiting the environment by reducing unnecessary energy consumption to achieve the high dose, and reduce environmental pollution due to transportation of controlled substances to and from distant irradiation facilities.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Lefsrud

Student:

Partner:

Innokore Solutions

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program:

Accelerate

Pyrolysis of forestry residues for the production of sustainable aviation fuels

The production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will be a critical step in reduction of CO2 emissions from the aviation industry, which currently lacks scalable solutions for emissions reduction. Greenfield Global has developed a process for production of SAF from biomass waste through a patented process that converts residues into fuel. However, transportation of low energy density feedstock such as biomass to a centralized biorefinery where the fuel is produced is energy intensive and releases high amounts of CO2. Therefore, pre-processing is necessary to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with transportation of waste to a biorefinery. Pyrolysis provides an inexpensive pathway for densification of waste residues by converting biomass into liquid and solid products with a high energy density and low volume. In this project, we will develop a pathway for the production of energy dense intermediates from forestry residues using our Continuous Pyrolysis Rotating Horizontal Reactor (PYROH). The project work will evaluate the potential for products made from forestry residues at Western University to be applied in Greenfield Global’s gasification process for making SAF.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Naomi Klinghoffer

Student:

Partner:

Greenfield Global

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program:

Elevate

Human well-being, ecosystem services and watershed management in the Credit River Valley: Web-distributed mechanisms and indicators for communication and awareness

The importance of ecosystem services to human well-being, and of management of water and other watershed resources in maintaining such services, is not commonly understood by the general public, and not well-enough articulated by environmental management and governance organizations. Beneficiaries of such services are often unaware of the nature of their dependence upon supporting ecosystems. This is particularly true in urbanized watersheds, to the point where researchers discuss “nature deficit disorder” as an aspect of this disconnection. Watershed management organizations are aware of such benefits to watershed residents, but they very rarely track and report measures of human well-being to demonstrate the efficacy of their work. This project will address both sides of this issue by identifying indicators of human well-being associated with ecosystem services, including economic valuations, developing an internet-based tool to communicate these indicators, and assessing the efficacy of this tool in an application to the Credit River Watershed, southern Ontario. Developing indicators and the corresponding communication tools will allow reporting to the communities to create awareness about key factors affecting their health and well-being. Concurrently, this project will contribute to enhancing community governance by encouraging engagement in stewardship activities.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Martin Bunch

Student:

Partner:

Credit Valley Conservation Authority

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

York University

Program:

Accelerate

Using individual traits to enhance predictions of mind wandering

Mind wandering refers to when attention shifts away from the task at hand towards unrelated thoughts, which can
interfere with learning. Researchers have identified various signs of mind wandering, such as changes in eye movements,
heart rate, and brain activity. These signs can then be utilized to train computer models that predict when mind wandering is
likely to occur. However, these models often face difficulties when applied to different tasks and different individuals.
Furthermore, some indicators, like brain activity, are challenging to measure in everyday situations. Accordingly, this project
investigates whether accounting for stable individual differences can improve the accuracy and practicality of these models.
This project, conducted in collaboration with Exo Insights, a company that uses virtual reality for training, could provide
innovative methods for monitoring attention.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Smilek

Student:

Partner:

Exo Insights Corp

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program:

Accelerate

Examining the Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Access to Care in Nova Scotia: Addressing Health Disparities and Promoting Equity in Mental Health and Addiction Services

This research project aims to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and addiction care utilization in Nova Scotia. Mental health challenges have increased during the pandemic, affecting individuals’
well-being due to factors such as social isolation, economic strain, and heightened stress. Our study will analyze data on outpatient physician visits, community-based mental health and addiction care utilization, emergency
department visits, and inpatient hospitalizations. We will also explore the use of virtual care services compared to in-person care for individuals with mental health and addiction conditions. By identifying significant changes in
care utilization and assessing disparities among different subpopulations, we can develop targeted interventions to promote equitable access to mental health services in Nova Scotia. This research will greatly benefit our partner
organization by informing evidence-based strategies for improving mental health care in the region.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Cindy Feng

Student:

Partner:

Research Nova Scotia;Nova Scotia Health

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Accelerate

Evaluation of Drug Checking Program

Including people who use drugs (PWUD) in research related to the use of substances and community harm-reduction
interventions is crucial for understanding the target population. This population can be difficult capture in research and may
be hesitant to participate due to the stigmatized nature of substance use. This scoping review will summarize the existing
literature on facilitating the engagement of PWUD in research, and identify the best practices and barriers to facilitating their
participation. The Sanguen CTS will be able to leverage these findings to inform the planning and implementation of further
research and evaluation activities within the site. It will provide recommendations for how to design research to maximize
participation from this unique population.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Zahid Butt

Student:

Partner:

Sanguen Health Centre Foundation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Waterloo

Program:

Accelerate

Promoting Gender Equality through Social Innovation

From women-only taxi companies in New Delhi to smokeless stoves in Uganda, innovation can transform the lives of women and girls around the globe. While it is well known that social innovation and women’s empowerment are each processes that drive change, there is little research to date connecting social innovation to the empowerment of women and girls. This project will identify how social innovation can empower women, through a partnership with the MATCH International Women’s Fund. This project will support MATCH through the launch, and development of first year of the fund. As the first of its kind in Canada, the fund will invest in social innovation projects proposed by women and girls in the global South. Through an extensive, multidisciplinary literature review, interviews with key players in the fields of social innovation and gender and development, the development of an evaluative framework, and profiles of the projects funded by MATCH, this project will help to shape the emerging field of “women and social innovation,” produce key recommendations, identify future areas of research and provide new insights to help empower women and girls in the developing world through innovation.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Bipasha Baruah

Student:

Partner:

Match International

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Western University

Program:

Accelerate

Exploring methods of intelligent development of P&IDs and generation of HAZOP notes

Safety is one of the greatest concerns during projects lifecycles, due to the potential risks and hazards inherent
in their activities. To reach an acceptable level of safety in projects and guarantee a hazard-free work
environment, some structured approaches should be applied. In this respect, Hazard and Operability (HAZOP)
analysis is a systematic process for identifying potential hazards and operability problems in projects. Piping and
Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) serve as the primary input for HAZOP analysis. By using P&IDs, HAZOP
analysis can be beneficial in identifying process deviations, human errors, equipment failures, and other factors
that may lead to any hazardous situation. However, the traditional HAZOP analysis is mostly based on manual
checklists and lengthy brainstorming meetings which make the process slow, error-prone, tedious, and costly. In
this respect, and with the assistance of AI technology, the hazard identification phase can be automated by
automating the information extraction from P&IDs. In the proposed research project, the main focus is on
carrying out a comprehensive literature review and an industry-wide related survey to capture the challenges
and opportunities, and bottlenecks of current methods and investigate potentials of using AI methods to make
the process smart.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Osama Moselhi

Student:

Partner:

Hatch Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Accelerate