Innovative Projects Realized

Novel oxyfluoride photosensitive glasses and glass ceramics

As a PhD student, my work revolves around the synthesis and characterization of novel oxyfluoride indium-based glass ceramics with a wide transmission range in the infrared, for an application in small-scale photonic components. Our team discovered a new crystalline phase exhibiting interesting optical properties ; my goal is to synthetize this phase in as many physical forms as possible and to analyze it through various methods of characterization. The search for this knowledge will also lead us to explore new glass and glass-ceramics compositions based on the crystal. This extensive study will allow for a much better understanding of the properties and potential applications of this entirely new compound.”

Near Infrared Camera Utilizing Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies

Near-infrared (NIR) imaging systems play a vital role in human tissue imaging. These systems can facilitate various vital clinical applications. Such applications enable real-time metabolic monitoring, non-invasive imaging of the lymphatic system, and mapping of microvasculature blood flow. In this research, the problem to be addressed is the lack of accessibility to cheap near infrared (NIR) imaging systems used for regular health examinations. This is especially true for the people residing in remote areas. The design of the NIR imaging camera incorporated a silicon CMOS chip integrated with colloidal quantum dots. To ensure the accuracy of the imaging, optimization and calibration of the imaging system can be performed. To test and validate the camera’s performance, we can perform experimental studies and compare them with the existing NIR imaging systems. User feedback can be collected to ensure the effectiveness of the camera. The diagnostic capabilities of the camera can be assessed by comparing them with established clinical standards.

Bio Fermentation Process for High Performance Dyes Manufacturing

The dye and pigment industry is identified as one of the biggest pollutive and toxic industries. For instance, the textile dye industry is the second largest water polluter, producing 20% of the world’s wastewater using 800,000 tones of synthetic dyes annually. Many of the dyes and chemicals used have been highlighted as causing irretrievable damage to the environment, health of workers and citizens near the facilities.
Lite-1 utilizes innovative technologies like synthetic biology and biofabrication in pursuit of a novel solution. Many bacteria naturally produce colourful, non-toxic pigments. Through the lens of design, we identify and study organisms that produce the market’s desired colours. Lite-1 dyes reduce water pollution, are safe for workers as well as the ecosystem, and eliminate our dependence on nonrenewable resources. The product offers an overhaul to the dye industry to shift from one of the preeminent polluters to a regenerative and more humane industry.
This project is focused on scaling up our biomanufacturing process using precision fermentation allowing us to increase our production capacity, improve our efficiency, and reduce our per-unit production costs. These are important challenges to overcome to allow us to build and deliver our commercialization milestones.

Increasing the efficiency of quantum computers through semiconductor structuring

Since the mid-nineteenth century, technology has advanced at an exponential rate due to the large demand for computing power and performance. We are presently at a critical point where the switch from classical to quantum computing is required, however, the technology is still in its infancy. Unlike classical computers, which control information flow through bits of either 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, that can contain both the 0 and 1 bits via a superposition. While many methods have since been proposed to improve the application and feasibility quantum computing, one of promise is using photonics. Here, entangled photons (particles of light) are used as qubits, however, the efficiency of qubit creation is currently quite low. Making use of our optics and photonics expertise, this work will look to design, fabricate, and implement new semiconducting structures to yield higher qubit efficiency and improve upon the growing field of quantum computing.

Mines Intelligentes et autonomes

Les activités d’exploitation minière souterraines, mènent souvent à des événements sismiques qui ne peuvent pas être évités ou anticipés. C’est donc très nécessaire pour les compagnies minières d’investir dans les solutions technologiques qui peuvent au maximum moins exposer voire éliminer la présence humaine sous terre. L’opération de soutènement de la roche retient notre attention en ce sens que les technologies actuelles exposent encore les opérateurs à des zones plus ou moins dangereuses sous terre; les équipements utilisés sont sujets à de nombreuses défaillances du fait du manque de contrôle. Notre projet consiste à développer un logiciel de supervision des opérations de soutènement des galeries minières à distance. Ceci inclura les indicateurs de performance des outils utilisés pour le support terrain et une multitude de données. Nous souhaitons par-là, optimiser la production, réduire la présence humaine sous terre, gagner en temps et réduire les coûts de maintenance.

Multiscale Molecular Modeling on Green & Sustainable Catalysis- Industrial Application

In the energy sector, developing renewable energies such as carbon capture and utilization (CCU), bioenergy (biogas, biofuels, or green bio-chemicals), and hydrogen-based technology depends on improving catalytic technology. Technology providers in these sustainable areas are focused on developing better catalytic technology, while stakeholders must decide which technology to bet on. The challenge lies in the poor knowledge of these technologies and the aggressive targets worldwide governments are setting for reducing greenhouse gases (GHG), causing different industrial sectors to drastically reduce their carbon intensity in the coming years without necessarily having the technology to achieve it. This project consists of creating a consulting company that provides a database and technical studies to technology providers, clients, and investors throughout the value chain interested in participating in the sustainable energy sector. This database and specialized studies will be conducted with computational tools well-tested in industry and academia, licensed and open-sourced…

Étude de la viabilité commerciale des procédés de borylation sans métal

Les métaux lourds sont utilisés couramment dans les procédés de l’industrie chimique. Cependant, leur utilisation est problématique en raison de leur coût élevé, de leur toxicité et des dommages environnementaux que ceux-ci
causent. Dans ce projet de recherche, le potentiel commercial et industriel des alternatives sans métaux sera évalué. Ces procédés permettront entre autres de fabriquer des composantes cruciales pour l’industrie
pharmaceutique et celle des matériaux semi-conducteurs organiques, deux milieux en plein essor. D’un côté, la faisabilité à l’échelle commerciale de ces procédés sera testée. En parallèle, le marché potentiel pour ce genre
de produits sera établi à travers plusieurs interactions avec différentes parties prenantes. Cela permettra de promouvoir les procédés durables et fera du Canada un chef de file en matière de procédés verts.

New/Mode Electoral Representative Data Aggregation

New/Mode is a Canada-based social enterprise that facilitates communication between elected representatives and their constituents on the behalf of progressive NGOs. This project will bring novel machine learning technologies to bear in an effort to improve accuracy and efficiency in the maintenance and evolution of a repository of contact information for these elected representatives.

Machine learning developer interns within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions – Part 10

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.

Audience Mass Control of Livestream Game Actions

A video game livestream is when one or more “streamers” broadcast themselves playing a video game to an online audience in real time. Our research project will explore the design of video games that allow large audiences (50+ people) to directly control aspects of a game during a livestream. We will investigate ways the audience input can affect the gameplay, how to provide effective visual feedback to audience members, and how we can let the audience continue to interact even when the streamer is not online. A series of play-test experiments will compare variants of game implementations. The code created from this project will be used directly by the partner organization in their core product, and it will also provide valuable intellectual property for the partner organization.

Cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions – Part E

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.

Assessing the Financial Performance and Competitive Advantage in Organic Food Market.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in organic products such as foods and personal care products. Consumers are becoming more attracted to these products due to the benefits they bring both to consumers and the environment. Given that, this internship aims to examine and assess the company’s financial performance and competitive positioning within the organic food market. Specifically, this will involve comparing its financial performance against that of competitors as well as identifying its key drivers of financial success and areas with possible improvement. These insights should inform future financial strategy development initiatives as well as aid with informed decisions related to investments, risk management, and growth opportunities for the company.