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

Design and development of techniques to characterize optical, mechanical and chemical properties of metallic and semiconductor thin films with applications in MEMS structures and their packaging

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are complex systems with sizes in the range of few microns (human hair has thickness of 150-200 microns) which have both mechanical and electronic components. MEMS technology has entered in many industries such as optical technology, point of care diagnostics, telecommunications, automotive, and military. Today, there are hundreds of MEMS devices, e.g. microscale gyroscopes and accelerometers, used in cars to control different components, including wheels, brakes, steering, and air bags. Although MEMS have been around for a few decades, there are still some fundamental issues related to the thin films and suspended components, vital to devices performances, that must be resolved. Packaging of MEMS is also a very challenging task given that the packaging techniques vary from one device to another. It is the purpose of this study to evaluate critical of MEMS elements, specifically thin films used in their structures and packaging.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Mojtaba Kahrizi

Student:

Parsoua Abedinisohi

Partner:

Centre de Collaboration MiQro Innovation

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Accelerate

Investigation of Innovative Methods, Tools and Processes on BC Housing’s First IPD Project

In this unique research project, the researchers will document and analyze the collaborative processes and technologies in a housing project, which follows a formal Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach. IPD is an emerging procurement method in the construction industry that engages all major stakeholders from the beginning of the construction project. However, there is still a great need for understanding better the required organizational settings, innovative processes, and collaborative tools in order to conduct successfully an IPD project. The research will inform the partner organization and the construction industry in general about the best practices for implementing IPD on a project as well as using specific beneficial aspects of IPD on other traditional projects.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Sheryl Staub-French

Student:

Devarsh Bhonde

Partner:

Chandos

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

Analysis and Prototype Development of a Drive System and Novel Control Algorithm for Direct Drive Brushless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

Brushless permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) are widely used in many applications including automations, instrumentation, propulsion, vehicular systems, etc. This project is focused on research and development of a modified drive system and novel control algorithms for PMSMs that could improve efficiency and torque performance compared to conventional methods. Collaboration with the University of British Columbia (UBC) would provide the benefits to the Partner organization and to Canada as it is anticipated that new knowledge and technology have the potential for subsequent commercialisation. Canada has a growing high-tech sector particularly related to energy, manufacturing, mining and processing industries, robotics and industrial automation, etc., where the use of brushless PMSMs is rapidly increasing. Therefore, developing technologies that can even slightly improve the operation and efficiency of such motors can have a very significant and long-lasting impact on all devices and systems with such motors as well as on their energy efficiency and reliability.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Juri Jatskevich

Student:

Yevhen Monakhov

Partner:

Dynacircumotion Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

D2K+: Deep Learning of System Crash and Failure Reports for DevOps

The objective of this project is to develop techniques and tools that leverage artificial intelligence to automate the process of handling system crashes at Ericsson, one of the largest telecom and software companies in the world, and where the handling of crash reports (CRs) and continuous monitoring of key infrastructures tend to be particularly complex due to the large client base the company serves. In this project, we will explore the use of deep learning algorithms to classify CRs based on a variety of features including crash traces, CR descriptions, and a combination of both. Crashes in the same group can be processed in a similar way, reducing the time to process each crash separately. In addition, we will conduct qualitative studies in order to understand the relationship between CRs and faults, providing Ericsson teams with the ability to prioritize problems, collect statistics, and gain actionable insights into their deployed systems. Furthermore, this project will be essential in conducting root cause analysis of faults and crashes, developing organizational guidelines for CR reporting, and setting the ground work for powerful operational intelligence capabilities.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Abdelwahab Hamou-Lhadj

Student:

Fatima Ait-Mahammed;Keyur Patel

Partner:

Ericsson Canada

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Accelerate

Assessing the Efficacy of Empathetic Computing

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly more important to understand how technology affects cognition, emotion, and behaviour. This rapid growth of technology has also led to the development of empathetic computing programs with the goal of augmenting people’s lives. It is crucial to discover the practical implications of these systems. This project will focus on analyzing Maslo’s (and the industry’s) empathetic computing technologies through the lenses of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology. The two key questions are: 1) To what degree can the current industry of personalized computing augment human empathy, and 2) What are the best methodologies available to quantify or assess this augmentation? Collectively, this work will inform theories of emotion, attention, and cognition while also impacting empathetic computing design. We will be applying a variety of behavioural measures ranging from interviews to mobile eye tracking.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Alan Kingstone

Student:

Oliver Jacobs

Partner:

Maslo Inc

Discipline:

Psychology

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

Redefining Fatigue: considerations for the calculation of critical power

Humans have a finite capacity for hard exercise. Sports scientists can mathematically determine this capacity by using multiple tests to exhaustion at different exercise intensities and looking at the relationship. However, the current testing protocols assume that once the initial point of fatigue is reached, exercise must be stopped. In the proposed study, we aim to quantify the ability of an athlete to perform work after reaching that initial point of fatigue by gradually decreasing the work rate. This project supports the cutting-edge analytical model called Xert being developed by our collaborative partner Baron Biosystems, Ltd. Furthermore, the results obtained from this study will be used to provide future direction for the software engineers at our partner organization and help them assume a commanding presence in the field of performance data analytics.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Stephen Cheung;Michael Holmes

Student:

Scott Steele

Partner:

Baron Biosystems Ltd

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

University:

Brock University

Program:

Accelerate

Climate volatility and its impact on baseline trends, natural variability, productivity, and disaster potential in the Canadian ecozones

This project is designed to assess both natural variability and the future change of forest productivity and natural disaster risks that are related to climate. These areas are important to study as climatic change is projected to impact northern latitudes more strongly and disasters, such as floods, droughts, and fires, are predicted to increasingly impact human populations and infrastructure. To assess these components, a combination of satellite remote sensing, in-situ and UAV data will be utilized in conjunction with large ensemble modelling.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Gerardo Arturo Sanchez-Azofeifa

Student:

Saulo Castro;Kayla Stan;Sofia Calvo-Rodriguez

Partner:

RBC Royal Bank

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Accelerate

Phenotypic characterization of Martha cultivar and development of molecular markers for selection

The partner organizations (1812 Hemp) is a traditional hemp breeding company, looking to create high-CBD cultivars for industrial use. The organization is currently growing 3 varieties and looking to develop additional varieties for production in North America. However, the conventional breeding method requires numerous generation of crossings to fix the desired trait in the population. Furthermore, the open pollination and dioecious nature of hemp makes breeding cumbersome. As a result, developed hemp varieties are still heterogeneous. Therefore, the project proposes documentation of various traits of agronomic and genetic importance of the Martha cultivar currently licensed by 1812 Hemp. Secondly, genetic markers allow the selection of plants with desirable traits at early stage of plant growth with precision. The project is designed to study DNA polymorphism of the genes that are related to cannabinoid biosynthesis in Cannabis species using Martha cultivar which comprises of subpopulations with varied levels of CBD content as well as other inter-varietal phenotypic differences. Identification of DNA marker(s) and development of genotyping method aid in selection of parent and progenies in hemp breeding and, thus, accelerate hemp variety development at 1812 Hemp.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Stewart Cameron

Student:

Jamuna Risal Paudel

Partner:

1812 Hemp

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of New Brunswick

Program:

Accelerate

Usability evaluation of a runway testing device interface

Various forms of usability testing can be used to optimize interface design and maximize human-computer interaction principles . A well-integrated, intuitive interface has the capacity to improve human efficiency, mitigate errors or lapses and improve situational awareness. Usability methodologies such as heuristic evaluations and cognitive walkthroughs can be performed at any point in the design process to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, in-field usability testing with users of the technology can further pinpoint inadequacies in software or hardware design. The proposed project will evaluate an interface design for an aviation braking availability tester (BAT) device by completing a systematic evaluation by an HCI expert. Outcomes to the partner organization include delination of any problem areas according to human factors principles, suggestions on improvements to the BAT system operation, and usage guidelines to be considered for future training applications.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Ratvinder Grewal;Alison Godwin

Student:

Amy Doan

Partner:

Team Eagle Ltd

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Transportation and warehousing

University:

Laurentian University

Program:

Accelerate

Industrial application of genomics derived biomarkers of salmon performance

The Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry is becoming a strategic economic sector for Canada. Aquaculture in Canada employs approximately 25,000 people with a total economic impact of over $5B. While farmed salmon is already Canada’s top aquaculture export, salmon aquaculture has significant capacity for growth in this country. Atlantic salmon farmed in sea cages on the Canadian coasts face multiple environmental stressors that can impair their growth performance and immune status. Aquafeeds can be formulated to improve fish resistance to disease (i.e., health-promoting) or healing after adverse environmental conditions (e.g., harmful algal blooms, hypoxia). The main goal of this research is to develop and apply diagnostic molecular tools such as multiplex PCR assays to evaluate these feeds. Through this collaborative research between a Canadian university (MUN) and a world-leading company in the production of aquafeeds [Cargill Animal Nutrition (CAN)], the intern will gain industry-relevant experience while ensuring the right to publish their research to help in building an academic career.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Matthew Rise;Christopher Parrish

Student:

Mohamed Emam

Partner:

EWOS Canada Ltd

Discipline:

Oceanography

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program:

Accelerate

Investigation of Novel HPGR and Size Classification Comminution Circuit

Crushing and grinding rock is the largest consumer of energy at a mining operation. Ball Mill grinding is the main technology that is used for fine grinding, yet it is known to be very inefficient with respect to energy consumptions; estimates are that less than 2% of energy input to ball mills translate into particle breakage. The High-Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) is known to be much more energy efficient for breaking coarse particles and the present proposal is aimed at demonstrating that the HPGR is more energy efficient than ball mill grinding of fine particles. The target is to reduce energy usage by 50% by replacing ball mills with the HPGR. The research will investigate technical challenges of applying the technology for fine particle breakage and demonstrate the novel process.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Bern Klein

Student:

Amit Kumar;Chengtie Fisher Wang;Darren Daozhen Gong;Cherezade Saud Soto

Partner:

COREM

Discipline:

Engineering - other

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

Integrating Inclusive Design into Project Workflows

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has published a set of guidelines to assist designers in the task of designing digital content which will be accessible to users with a wide range of abilities. These guidelines are known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), version 2.1. Students in the Inclusive Design program learn to think about WCAG as a good starting point for how to design inclusively in a variety of contexts, but also about ways in which they fall short of providing ideal accessibility. This project will draw on WCAG, and other resources, to research how content and technologies developed by the eBook company Rakuten Kobo can be made more accessible, and how those insights can be integrated into existing workflows to help avoid introducing accessibility barriers in future.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Peter Coppin

Student:

Stephen Murgaski

Partner:

Rakuten Kobo Inc

Discipline:

Design

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

OCAD University

Program:

Accelerate