Innovative Projects Realized

Floor plans Generation: Using deep learning to improve functional output

Maket is developing a generative pipeline for schematic floor plan creation that can adapt to various user-defined constraints and preferences. Maket plans to improve the functional output of the platform by using a machine learning approach that can produce floor plans representing the diversity and quality of those in the real world, while respecting the specific constraints and preferences defined by the user.
This could save AEC professionals significant time while improving building design quality and sustainability.

Evaluation of lodgepole pine drought resilience in interior BC

Forestry is a cornerstone for many communities, and maintaining forest ecosystems is critical for habitat conservation and the maintenance of wildlife. The aim of this project is to build knowledge that will aid in promoting sustainable forestry and more resilient forest ecosystems. Climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of drought events. In this project we will test if trees that are grown with other species are more resilient to drought. This study will evaluate the resilience of the mixed species forests (lodgepole pine and Aspen) across a moisture gradient. Knowledge gained will contribute to developing forest management strategies that will help BCCF in habitat restoration through forest management and conservation. This project will grow and expand our expertise in habitat conservation, increase our base of expert researchers and contractors, and increase BCCF ability to contribute to policy and decision-making across the province.

Historical Chemical and Mining Extractivism and Indigenous Jurisdiction over Infrastructure in Northern Ontario, Canada

This research project will provide an original historical overview of the connections between metal and mineral mining, metal and mineral mining chemical production, material transport via road and railway infrastructure, and Indigenous jurisdiction, in the Northern Great Lakes bioregion of Ontario, Canada. The intention of this project is to use a historical perspective gleaned through cross-analysis of several existing archival mining, chemical, and transportation infrastructure databases to inform existing and future conversations about the connections between infrastructure, resource extraction, and jurisdiction in the area. The project output will be a report published in collaboration with RAVEN. Put into dialogue with a literature review of present, global, examples of Indigenous jurisdiction over road and railway infrastructure, as well as Indigenous legal scholar articulations of Indigenous law in Northern Ontario, the information generated will provide a valuable information resource that can be used by RAVEN in its ongoing support of Indigenous Nations’ legal campaigns.

Development of polymer hydrogels to support engineered stem cell-derived liver tissue function and implantation

Morphocell has developed a cell therapy platform for the treatment of acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure, consisting in the implantation of organoids that can fulfill the liver’s main functions. These liver tissues are embedded within a hydrogel that forms a support to the biological material. This hydrogel enables the diffusion of all nutrients, small molecules and liver-specific proteins while blocking the contact with the recipient’s immune system, thus preventing any adverse reaction to the implanted organoids. The hydrogel’s formulation needs to be revisited and optimized to facilitate the encapsulation of liver tissues. Specifically, the gel must form in a fast and complete fashion, support the viability and functions of the embedded organoids, and must not trigger a response from the patient’s immune system. The development and thorough characterization of such a hydrogel will participate to the development of the implant for the planned clinical trials.

Étude de marché et développement de la commercialisation de meubles sur mesure et importés au Canada

Le projet consiste en une étude de marché visant à développer la commercialisation de meubles produits sur mesure au canada ainsi que des meubles importés. Bien que l’industrie de la fabrication de meubles ait connu une transformation importante ces dernières années, elle demeure l’un des plus grands secteurs d’emploi dans le domaine des produits de consommation. En effet, elle se positionne en deuxième place après la transformation des aliments et des boissons. De plus, l’industrie du meuble est bien implantée à l’échelle nationale, avec une présence régionale dans chaque province du Canada. Le projet vise à répondre aux besoins des clients particuliers et des restaurants, en proposant des meubles sur mesure conçus et fabriqués de manière personnalisée. En parallèle, l’étude de marché permettra d’identifier les opportunités de commercialisation des meubles importés en provenance de la Colombie. Le stagiaire, M. Haitam Nezhari, étudiant en génie mécanique et technologie de l’informatique, effectuera cette recherche pour Decor Upholstery, une entreprise située à Gatineau. Le stage durera 6 mois, avec la possibilité de prolongation. Le coût total du projet s’élève à 15 000 dollars. L’objectif de cette recherche est de déterminer les créneau x du marché pour les meubles sur mesure, identifier les compétences nécessaires et la valeur ajoutée du service proposé, ainsi que les canaux de distribution à utiliser pour commercialiser les meubles.

Synergistic actions of nutraceuticals on pain and inflammation in experimental arthritis

Arthritis is among the most common chronic conditions in Canada in both children and adults. Arthritis is a potentially disabling disease causing joint inflammation and pain. Increasingly, people suffering from arthritis are using alternative therapies including nutraceuticals. This research aims to create new knowledge about the synergistic effects of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) with and without boswellia serrate extract to improve pain and inflammation in models of juvenile and adult arthritis. Our research, by studying the mechanisms and key factors that produce pain associated with inflammation in arthritis, will provide scientific evidence for the efficacy of these unique nutraceutical combinations in these two differing age groups to improve care and outcomes in arthritis.

Text mining API (application programming interface) for automated key words extraction and tag analysis

Datahoot Technologies Inc applies text-mining technology to perform international trade data analysis, and enables our customers (small and medium B2B enterprises) to gain quick and in-depth insights into their markets so that they can generate actionable sales leads or prospect new vendors. The goal of this project is to develop a text-mining API (application programming interface) that will be embedded into our cloud-based market intelligence software as part of the service to our customers. The main task of the API is then to extract keywords from tens of thousands of texts that are generated from the goods descriptions or company descriptions along the supply chains in different industries. Rather than doing manually we will use this project to realize automation by application of text mining technology via machine learning. The benefit of this project is to enhance our current products and bring more value to our customers.

Intelligence artificielle pour l’évaluation des langues

Le but de ce projet est la création d’un outil permettant d’évaluer automatiquement le niveau de maitrise d’une
deuxième langue via l’utilisation de l’intelligence artificielle. L’intégration de l’intelligence artificielle dans un processus
d’évaluation permet de réduire les aspects humains de la prise de décision. En effet, le jugement d’une
personne peut être affecté par différent facteur comme son état émotionnel ou son niveau de fatigue mais aussi,
de manière inconsciente dû par exemple des biais cognitifs. L’utilisation de tel système permet de réduire ces
bais et d’ainsi avoir une évaluation plus juste et plus constante de la performance d’une étudiante ou d’un étudiant.

LysisLogic – Nazil Abdul Azeez

In this strategic project, LysisLogic Scientific Inc. aims to accelerate the commercialization of its innovative technologies. The project involves a detailed examination of the current technology portfolio and the creation of comprehensive innovation roadmaps. These roadmaps will blend R&D strategies with business tactics to streamline the path from lab to market. Expected benefits to LysisLogic include sustainable growth of the innovation portfolio and alignment of scientific pursuits with real-world market conditions, ultimately enhancing its presence in the industries served.

3D printing superstrong structural component from cellulose using silicate as binder

This project intends to use Canada’s rich forest fiber resources for the development of strong structural products, and improve the performance of cellulose-based products. Such high-performance cellulose-based products will be realized by binding 3D printed cellulose using the partner organization (National Silicates)’s sodium/potassium silicates products. The partner will also benefit significantly from this project as it is actively seeking for expanding the applications of silicates in 3D printing. Such applications can be potentially expanded to housing and other structural applications.

Utilisation de l’inférence causale pour l’attribution des ventes en assurance de dommage

Un client est soumis à plusieurs facteurs (notoriété de la marque, marketing numérique et marketing relationnel) simultanément. Dans ce projet de recherche, on vise de préciser l’apport de chacun de ces points de contacts, de la détention actuelle de produit au sein de l’entreprise ainsi que l’importance des différents types de canaux sur une vente en assurance de dommage. En d’autres termes, on veut quantifier l’importance de chacun des points de contact sur la vente. L’objectif étant de pouvoir pondérer les actions marketing par rapport à la vente afin d’améliorer notre connaissance de l’influence de ces points de contact et canaux en termes d’impact sur un individu.

L’optimisation des actions devrait être faite par rapport aux caractéristiques des clients en utilisant les notions de fractions attribuables et d’analyse causale qui sont des concepts souvent utilisés en médecine personnalisée et dont l’expertise pourrait être facilement transférable dans le domaine des assurances.

Standard -Development of Microalgal Protein Extraction and Purification Methodology for Human Food Production.

Naturia Technologies Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company start-up founded in 2021 with the aim of developing biological innovations for tackling modern medical and environmental challenges. The interests of the company are divided into three main axes: Agri-food; Biopharmaceuticals; and Bioenergy. The company is currently focusing on the Agri-food axis and this project is part of R&D efforts through which Naturia Technologies aims to pursue patent applications in the US and Canada and operations on a larger scale in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices for the production of various protein-based products for human food production.

This project aims to develop a method for efficient extraction and purification of microalgal proteins in order to produce safe protein-based products for human food production. These ventures are motivated by consumer demand for products that are environmentally-friendly, safe to consume, vegan-certified, tasteless, and less expensive as a source of alternative proteins for human food.