Innovative Projects Realized

Développement et transfert technologique d’un procédé de biométhanisation hybride en voie humide/sèche pour valoriser des résidus de ferme agricoles et forestiers

Les changements climatiques causés par l’augmentation des émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) constituent l’un des plus grands enjeux environnementaux de notre époque. Le secteur de l’élevage contribue considérablement à ces émissions en gérant mal ses résidus. Dans ce contexte, Écoboeuf une entreprise de production bovine tend à améliorer la gestion des fumiers et des résidus problématiques de son entourage. Ce projet vise à développer et transférer au partenaire un procédé de biométhanisation hybride en voie humide/voie sèche des résidus bovins, agricoles et forestiers dans la ferme. Ce procédé permet de générer des produits valorisables sous forme de biogaz (méthane) utilisable comme source d’énergie verte et de digestat valorisable dans la biofertilisation. La biométhanisation hybride est en développement au Canada, ce projet sera une opportunité à approfondir les connaissances sur la biotransformation de nouveaux intrants et leurs impacts sur la production d’énergie renouvelable. L’installation d’une unité pilote de biométhanisation à l’échelle industriel permet de réduire les nuisances environnementales, d’assurer le développement durable et de renforcer l’économie circulaire.

Nano-absorbents for CO2 Capture Enhancement

Suitable nanomaterials will be selected to be used as nano-absorbents for CO2 capture (CC). The nano-absorbents will be
suspended in a base fluid used for CC to create a nanofluid. The performance of both the pure base fluid and the developed
nanofluid for CC will be evaluated experimentally in the lab and compared. Similarly, the nanomaterials will be mixed with a
base material for manufacturing a nanocomposite membrane and compare the performance for CC experimentally in the lab
with the base material membrane. Afterwards, a mathematical optimisation model will be developed to optimise the process
parameters for both technologies. Finally, the developed nanofluids and nanocomposite membranes performances for CC will
be compared and analyzed at lab to industrial scales.

Development of an integrated land-based system for wastewater treatment for remote and rural communities

Residential wastewater is one of the largest sources of water pollution in Canada. Before being discharged to the environment, the wastewater needs to be treated to reduce risks posed to human health and the environment. However, the vast territory of Canada and the disparate locations of communities makes it a huge challenge to set up wastewater treatment infrastructure and provide necessary training and maintenance. This project aims to develop an integrated land-based wastewater treatment system for wastewater treatment with the features of low-temperature adaptation, low (or no) power consumption. The developed system could be applied to rural and remote areas that are not served by wastewater treatment systems. This system can be modularized and is scalable and reusable. It is cost-effective with high efficiency and is easy for maintenance.

Traitement de l’eau par plasma pour l’agriculture urbaine

L’accès à l’eau est un défi majeur de notre époque en raison de la croissance démographique mondiale. D’ici 2050, la population mondiale dépassera 10 milliards de personnes, ce qui soulève des inquiétudes quant à
l’approvisionnement en eau potable et à l’irrigation agricole. L’agriculture est le principal utilisateur d’eau douce, représentant près de 70% des ressources disponibles.
Dans ce contexte, ce projet vise à développer un système de traitement de l’eau innovant en utilisant la technologie plasma. Le plasma génère des espèces actives permettant en une seule étape de stériliser et enrichir l’eau pour favoriser la croissance des plantes. Cette technologie nécessite uniquement de l’air et de l’électricité réduisant ainsi la consommation énergétique associé au traitement de l’eau.
En collaboration avec des entreprises agricoles québécoises, nous cherchons à optimiser les processus physicochimiques de dégradation et de rétention des éléments nutritifs afin d’améliorer les performances de notre
technologie.

L’adaptation aux changements climatiques du déneigement et du déglaçage dans les villes du sud du Québec

Lors de la période hivernale, les municipalités du Québec doivent effectuer des opérations de déneigement et de déglaçage des rues, trottoirs et pistes cyclables afin de favoriser la circulation automobile, piétonnière et cycliste. En fonction des changements climatiques anticipés, les municipalités devront modifier la planification de leurs activités en adoptant de bonnes mesures d’adaptation aux changements climatiques. Dans ce mandat de recherche, une revue des meilleures pratiques au Québec, au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde en matière d’adaptation des opérations de déneigement et de déglaçage aux changements climatiques sera réalisée. Par la suite, l’évolution future du nombre de tempêtes de neige et d’épisodes de pluie verglaçante durant les 20 prochaines années sera calculée à partir de simulations climatiques régionales. En fonction des pratiques identifiées et de l’évolution projetée des intempéries hivernales à l’horizon 2050, des mesures d’adaptation aux changements climatiques seront proposées. Ce mandat de recherche servira à appuyer les municipalités du Québec dans leurs prises de décision et dans l’identification de pistes de solution pour répondre à leurs enjeux concernant l’adaptation du déneigement et du déglaçage aux changements climatiques.

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

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.

Use of a geared bit to reduce drill string vibrations without affecting performances

Drilling deep holes into the earth’s crust is required to extract natural resources such as crude oil and has also been utilized in the geothermal energy industry to extract heat. Drilling these wells is carried out using long slender pipes, and due to the destructive nature of the drilling operation, these pipes undergo torsional, lateral, and axial vibrations. Increasing the stiffness of the drill pipe would reduce torsional vibrations; however, considering the length, this is not economically feasible. Another approach is to increase the apparent stiffness by reducing the torque transmitted through the drill pipe. This is achieved by increasing the rotational speed of the drill pipe and using a reduction gearbox at the bit to maintain the original bit rpm. Similar methodologies have been used in the automotive driveshaft to reduce torsional deflection. The proposed bit has a tri-cutter design due to the gearbox, and this arrangement also eliminates the tendency of bit whirl. Reducing torsional vibrations also enables drillers to increase weight-on-bit (WOB) to control axial vibrations. Reduction in drill string vibration would increase the durability and reduces unexpected failure.

Machine learning developer interns within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions – Part 9

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.

Next generation cellulose modifications, plasticizations, and processing for bioplastics

There is a global effort to replace fossil-derived polymers with more sustainable, and better performing renewable polymers. As Canada is planning to put a ban on single used plastics by the end of 2021, putting an effort to replace these plastics with bio-based, compostable and biodegradable plastics could be a potential solution. The proposed work targets to develop a compostable and/or biodegradable, cost effective, and biodegradable multiphase polymers, such as biopolymer blends and biocomposites for rigid and flexible cosmetic packaging applications from cellulose. This work will support CTK’s activities in extending its sustainability effort in the cosmetics and food containment and packaging applications and other sectors.
Furthermore, the project will form a unique and valuable multidisciplinary training opportunity for highly qualified personnel at various levels

Anomaly Detection in Satellite Data Using Quadratic Neural Networks

The goal of this project is to develop a machine learning tool based on quadratic neural networks to perform automated telemetry analysis and detection of known anomalies faster than the current state-of-the-art, and to produce indicators to possible new and unknown anomalies in satellite data.

Machine learning developer interns within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions – Part 8

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.

Identify MoA of the UCHT1 domain within the TAC receptor

Triumvira, a Canadian-US post series A biotech company, is working on development of new targeted cancer therapies. Our core technology is focused on the genetic engineering of immune cells isolated from patients. This process then enables these engineered immune cells to recognise cancer cells that otherwise are invisible to the immune system. These therapies are ideally suited for a systemic eradication of malignant tumor cells. Future refinement of this core technology requires a detailed biological understanding of the core mechanisms that drives the ability of engineered immune cells to specifically recognize and kill cancer cells. The interns project focuses on research that will help Triumvira to better understand our core technology. This knowledge is expected to enable Triumvira to further refine its core technology providing even more potent anti tumor therapies.