Innovations 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

Diversity of coastal eelgrass communities and their importance for maintaining juvenile Pacific salmon – Year Two

On the coast of British Columbia, both eelgrass meadows and Pacific salmon species are declining, yet eelgrass community dynamics and reliance of juvenile salmon on these communities are poorly understood. We will assemble the first large-scale dataset from monitoring efforts of coastal BC organizations in order to assess eelgrass community diversity and structure across environmental and human disturbance gradients (including boating, fishing, and non-native species). The final outcome of this research will be an index of eelgrass ecosystem health for all monitored meadows based on their ability to provide ecosystem services including provision of habitat for juveniles of salmon and other commercially-important fishes. In addition, the assembled dataset will enable an assessment of monitoring gaps. This project supports the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s (PSF) mission to guide management of Pacific salmon and their ecosystems, and contributes to research sanctioned by PSF’s ongoing Salish Sea Marine Survival Project.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Julia Baum

Student:

Josephine Iacarella

Partner:

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

University of Victoria

Program:

Elevate

Development and Delivery of Inhibitors for Viral Pathogenic Deubiquitinases – Year Two

In human viral diseases, misbehaviour of the cellular machinery utilizing ubiquitin is frequently observed. Ubiquitin is a small protein that attaches to target proteins in human cells and signals for their destruction. Human deubiquitinases are enzymes that remove ubiquitin to keep protein levels in balance. Viral pathogens have evolved proteins that mimic human deubiquitinases to evade the immune system by interfering with host ubiquitin-dependent processes. Unfortunately, the lack of molecules that can block the activity of viral deubiquitinases has severely hampered attempts to manipulate them for therapeutic benefits. The Sidhu group has invented a new technology to develop synthetic protein modulators for any ubiquitin-interacting proteins. The goal of this project is to generate highly specific and potent inhibitors for viral pathogenic deubiquitinases and a platform to deliver these molecules into human cells. This will lead to effective antiviral therapy, expanding the existing therapeutic portfolio of CCAB.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Jason Moffat

Student:

Wei Zhang

Partner:

Centre for the Commercialization of Antibodies and Biologics

Discipline:

Biochemistry / Molecular biology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Elevate

Versatile applications of a safe and efficient peptide in gene/drug delivery – Year Two

Gene therapy is one of the most attractive new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of multiple diseases. However, to apply gene therapy in clinic, an efficient and safe delivery system must be developed to transport these therapeutic reagents to target organs. The existing gene carriers suffer from either high cytotoxicity or immunogenicity problems, which will cause severe side effects when used in human. The new peptide based delivery system we developed demonstrated better performance and lower toxicity than the commercialized product on market. Preliminary animal experiments also proved the great therapeutic potential of this novel peptide. Now we propose to further confirm the efficiency of this peptide on various cells from different tissues, as well as to extend the application to deliver other therapeutic molecules. The partner organization will benefit from the potential of commercializing a product with bright market prospect and promising therapeutic applications.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Pu Chen

Student:

Wen Xu

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of Waterloo

Program:

Elevate

Magneto-Rheological Actuator for Active Vehicle Suspensions – Year two

Increased interest in active vehicle suspensions has been shown in recent years as active suspensions improve ride comfort and handling over passive suspensions. Active suspensions replace passive fluidic dampers with highly controllable actuators to minimize transmission of road induced disturbances and actively control vehicle’s roll and pitch. However, integration of active suspensions in vehicles is hindered by conventional actuators that do not meet requirements of cost, bandwidth, weight, power consumption and reliability. The main goal of this MITACS-Elevate fellowship project is to assess the feasibility of using magneto-rheological actuators as an effective solution for active vehicle suspensions. Such actuators have been demonstrated in past research to be a reliable, lightweight and cost-effective alternative to conventional actuators for applications involving high frequency force or vibration control. The project will lead to a design of an automobile front suspension using MR actuators and to its experimental characterization on a full-scale prototype.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Patrice Masson

Student:

Patrick Chouinard

Partner:

Exonetik Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Automotive and transportation

University:

Program:

Elevate

Manitoba Rural Broadband: A Capitals Assessment in Rural Communities

Researchers have recognized Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) potential but have not fully understood the benefits of ICTs as ways of strengthening rural communities in places such as Manitoba. This project’s goals are to create and improve research methods and tools to determine how rural communities in Manitoba use broadband and how those communities can increase socio-economic benefits through broadband.
This research will use the project partner’s E-Index ICT assessment along with qualitative tools to identify community capitals/assets impacted by broadband use and to assess potential benefits. This research will take place in 8 selected communities in rural Manitoba. The interns will lead or assist in the E-Index and case study research, data analysis and share authorship in the project reporting and dissemination. The project partner, Function Four Ltd., will have opportunities to participate in journal submissions as well as co-present at national/international conferences.

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Faculty Supervisor:

William Ashton

Student:

Michael Blatherwick

Partner:

Discipline:

Architecture and design

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

Brandon University

Program:

Accelerate

Vital signs monitoring at home using the pulse oximeter utilizing analog sensors on a mobile device

The research project will develop key algorithms that enable pulse oximetry, on a smartphone, to be used effectively as a device for monitoring the function of heart and respiratory system at home. LGTmedical has developed a pulse oximeter that utilizes inexpensive clinical sensors driven by software running on a smartphone, sending the driving signals through the audio port. This technology already operates with clinical accuracy for uses in spot-check monitoring of blood oxygen and heart rate. In order to work properly for monitoring the heart and breathing function, significant changes in signal processing and analysis must be developed to measure respiratory rate and arterial constriction along with blood oxygen and heart rate. The interns have specific skills and experience that will allow them to develop unique solutions that work effectively within the LGTmedical smartphone framework.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Guy Dumont

Student:

Parastoo Kheirkhah Dehkordi

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate

Understanding the Relationship between Angel Investing Activity and Early-Stage Investing Ecosystem in Canada

Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial companies are integral contributors toward the growth and competitiveness of the Canadian economy. So often these early-stage firms are lacking in financial support, which is arguably their main hindrance for success. Angel Investors are defined as high-net-worth individuals; often experienced and well-educated professionals, who invest their own funds in the businesses of unrelated individuals. These Angels play a fundamental role in sustaining entrepreneurial companies, but are often untraceable. The National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) serves as a bridge between Angels and entrepreneurs to support the development of the Canadian entrepreneurial community. Its efforts include constructing an annual report on Angel Investment in Canada. As a partner organization, NACO benefits since the report supports its mission to professionalize Angel Investment in Canada as well as educate the Canadian society regarding the country’s entrepreneurial development, while the intern will benefit from experiencing Canada’s early-stage financing landscape, and working with the data collected.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Sarah Lubik

Student:

Timothy Tjahjakartana

Partner:

National Angel Capital Organization

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program:

Accelerate

Development and application of a pollution biomonitoring tool for coastal British Columbia: A caged mussel health index

Healthy and productive coastal regions are highly important to Canada, both socio-economically and for the ecosystem services they provide. In 2015, the Vancouver Aquarium launched a new coast-wide initiative in British Columbia (PollutionTracker) to assess coastal health by generating high quality contaminant data for mussels and nearshore sediments. In the proposed study, Dr. Gabriela Aguirre-Martinez will design and deploy a caged mussel study to complement PollutionTracker and provide strong insight into the accumulation of different pollutants and the effects of these on mussel health Results of this initiative will add depth to PollutionTracker, and will inform the implementation of best practices by stakeholders operating in coastal BC. A net reduction in the release of harmful pollutants into coastal environments will contribute to seafood safety for commercial, recreational and aboriginal fishers, and contribute directly to the Vancouver Aquarium’s operations as the pre-eminent non-partisan ocean conservation organization in Canada.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Leah Bendell

Student:

Gabriela Martinez

Partner:

Vancouver Aquarium

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program:

Accelerate

Establishing Physiological Norms for Brain Activity using Portable Electroencephalography

There is much about the brain we still do not understand. But, one fundamental way to understand how the brain works is to know normal range of activity. For example, how does your physician know that you have normal blood pressure? Similarly, why did the medical community choose “120 over 80”? The way we do that is to collect information from as many individuals as possible – thousands upon thousands! When you collect information from many people, scientists are able to paint a very clear picture of how blood pressure (or any variable of interest) varies across many people. Amazingly (and unfortunately) we cannot say the same about brain activity. By using the MUSE device, that you can buy from any electronics retailer, we can begin that process of collecting information about brain activity. Therefore, we will define physiological norms and how you, as an individual, compare to the population average.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Olave Krigolson

Student:

Francisco Colino

Partner:

Discipline:

Physics / Astronomy

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of Victoria

Program:

Accelerate

Graphene-Oxide Strengthened Separator to Suppress Zinc Dendrites

In this research project, the separator of rechargeable hybrid aqueous batteries (REHABs) is mechanically strengthened with graphene oxide derivatives. ReHABs comprise of a lithium intercalation cathode, zinc anode and an aqueous electrolyte. One of the problems with current ReHABs is the zinc dendritic growth and propagation from the anode, which significantly reduces its operating lifetime. After cycles of charge/discharge, these dendrites grow and propagate through the separator and eventually reach the cathode, thus shortening the battery. In this project, it is expected that graphene modified separator will suppress the propagation of dendrite and hence prevent them from making contact with the cathode. This will significantly improve the lifetime of current ReHABs. Graphene oxide is chosen for this purpose due to its high mechanical strength and flexibility The partner organization will benefit from the findings of this project to scale-up the process for commercial applications of the ReHABs.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Pu Chen

Student:

Moin Ahmed

Partner:

University of Waterloo

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

University of Waterloo

Program:

Accelerate

The Future of Mandatory Charging for Intimate Partner Violence: Status quo or alternative direction? Phases II and III

According to the Ontario Domestic Violence Advisory Council (DVAC, 2009), legislative responses to violence against women were introduced across Canada in the 1980s. These policies included provisions for mandatory police-laid charges against perpetrators of domestic violence. The DVAC report noted numerous unintended negative consequences of these policies and recommended an impact study which was never conducted. This 2nd and 3rd phase of a 12 month research project will administer and analyze the results of data gained by surveying abused women, service providers and police regarding the impacts of mandatory charging on abused women and their families. This project provides a first step for police and partners (e.g. Violence Against Women Coordinating Committees across Ontario such as OCTEVAW, Crown Attorneys) in developing more effective responses to domestic violence and reducing associated costs.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Holly Johnson

Student:

Deborah Conners

Partner:

Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women

Discipline:

Criminology

Sector:

Management of companies and enterprises

University:

University of Ottawa

Program:

Accelerate

Impact of Lake Recovery on Agricultural Ecosystem Services

Emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels in the Eastern US, has long been identified to acidify Nova Scotia lakes. However, due to a reduction in the use of high-sulphur fossil fuels, lakes are beginning to recover which is resulting in chemical and biological changes. In Nova Scotia, lakes are often relied on to provide nutrient cycling of domestic wastewater, and agricultural wastewater and run-off. However, it is unknown what effect lake recovery will have on nutrient cycling. Therefore, the objective of this research was investigate lake recovery in lakes influenced by agricultural practices. This research will help the agricultural community develop best management practices to ensure healthy and sustainable aquatic ecosystems.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Graham Gagnon

Student:

Dave Redden

Partner:

Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Accelerate

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