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

Enhancing the Economic and Social Impacts of Community Foundations in Rural Manitoba

Manitoba’s 55 community foundations (CF) play a critical role in community development. These CFs are committed to building their community for generations to enjoy yet each are unique in their experiences and capacities. Many CFs capacities are stretched and they are pulled between advancing their organizational and operational capacities in order to plan for and achieve specific social and economic goals, while also being attentive to their communities’ priorities and responsive to issues such as governance, transparency, and accountability. This project’s goal is to bridge this gap and enhance the social and economic impact of CFs in Manitoba. This project employs a mixed methods approach for completing its two objectives. The first includes identifying data requirements for developing forecasts on the asset growth and economics impacts of CFs in Manitoba; the second uses a collaborative process to design models for enhancing the grant making capacity of Manitoba’s CFs.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Wayne Kelly;Cora Dupuis;Manish Pandey

Student:

Georgette Nyankson

Partner:

The Winnipeg Foundation

Discipline:

Other

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Program:

Accelerate

An appliance and methodology for making customizable food bars with optimal textural properties

In today’s world, there is an increasing need for convenience and customizability in food products, though these may be competing priorities. Food on the go, such as protein bars and cereal bars, are a popular choice for convenience, but despite the enormous variety of food bars for sale, there is still a need for increased customization. Making customized food bars at home is possible using a conventional oven and/or stove with store-bought ingredients, and numerous techniques and recipes can be easily found on the internet. However, generating food bars at home that consistently have optimal flavor and texture profiles may be out of reach for the average consumer. Therefore, we propose to development the technology to quickly and easily make these bars on demand (either at home or in a commercial setting). Such a device would enable consumers to enjoy a fresh, warm product that is easily customizable to meet dietary requirements and personal preferences.

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Faculty Supervisor:

John M Frostad

Student:

Chike Okwara

Partner:

BarTendr Ventures

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Program:

Accelerate

Reliability evaluation of strain-based design for pipelines using probabilistic demand/capacity models

Ground movement can impose excessive deformation violating pertinent pipeline limit states. Currently, the integrity assessment of pipelines subjected to soil movement is generally performed by analyzing the stresses and/or strains in pipelines using various engineering techniques, including finite element analysis (FEA). However, given the wide variability of the pipe and soil engineering properties, using deterministic approaches alone may be inadequate. The desired approach is a semi-probability-based approach using safety factors or a full-probability-based approach, specified in Annex C and Annex O of CSA Z662:2019, respectively. However, probabilistic demand or capacity models are required but missing in Annex C because of the lack of mature and established models for calculating the strain capacity and the demand due to the site-specific nature of ground movement. The objective of this project is to develop probabilistic strain demand and capacity models for reliability analysis of pipelines subjected to geotechnical loads by leveraging FEA and quantitative reliability methods. The results obtained using these desired approaches will be compared. The deliverables of this project will not only help industries, such as Northern Crescent, to improve the pipeline integrity assessment programs with better efficiency and safety but also be useful to update the design codes (CSA Z662).

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Faculty Supervisor:

Yong Li;Samer Adeeb

Student:

Sylvester Agbo

Partner:

Northern Crescent

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Elevate

Interaction between dietary fiber fermentation kinetics and consequences for protein and mineral metabolism in growing pigs

Feed formulation is based on ingredient digestibility data, and the assumption of additivity. However, digestibility data generally do not account for interactions among nutrients or ingredients. An enhanced understanding of protein and fiber digestion rates and extent of their fermentation between feedstuffs would help to optimize feed formulation. Furthermore, macro-minerals, including phosphorus, copper and zinc, are essential nutrients necessary for optimal health and performance. They are, however, also an environmental concern. The proposed study aims: (1) To describe fermentation kinetics of fiber and impacts on nutrient bioavailability and bio-efficacy; (2) To assess the interaction of different rates of dietary fiber and protein digestion kinetics on minerals; (3) To determine nutritional solutions to maximize animal performance and minimize environmental pollution. The milestones of the proposed research project are: (1) Writing a literature review on the impact of rate of fiber and protein digestion on mineral availability and utilization; (2) Developing in vitro fermentation model; (3) and (4) Determining in vivo fiber, protein and mineral kinetics using ileal-cannulated pigs and pigs with portal-vein catheterization; (5) Performing a performance trial. The partner organization gains knowledge to enhance nutrient bioavailability and to increase the utilization efficiency of protein and minerals, thereby limiting their excretion.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Ruurd Zijlstra

Student:

Charlotte Maria Elisabeth Heyer

Partner:

Trouw Nutrition Canada

Discipline:

Food science

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Elevate

Catalytic Heavy Oil Upgrading Using Natural Gas

The proposed project aims at developing new catalytic processes and corresponding catalysts for heavy oil upgrading with the assistance of natural gas. Compared with traditional hydrotreating processes, these new processes provide alternative ways for heavy oil and natural gas utilization, which are economically and environmentally favorable in terms of higher profit margin, lower operating cost, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission. A variety of catalysts with particular functions will be developed and a series of reaction evaluations in different forms of reactors will be carried out. Besides, mechanistic study will also be performed, which throws light upon the evolution of various fractions in petroleum during the upgrading process, accelerating the catalyst development and optimization process. After a promising lab-scale and small pilot scale operation is established, a stepwise scaling up practice toward industrial production will be launched based on the cooperation of the proposed supervisor and partner organization. The industrialization of this novel process will benefit both the petroleum and natural gas industries in Canada, where abundant heavy oil and bitumen extracted from oil sands are widely reserved. The corresponding investigation also provides guidance for the daily operation and long-term planning of the partner company regarding oil upgrading process.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Hua Song

Student:

Hao Xu

Partner:

Kara Energy Services

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Elevate

Water-based “Ink” Formulations for Metal 3D Printing

Rapidia has developed a water-based approach to metal 3D printing that is faster, simpler, and more cost effective than the current systems on the market. This novel approach enables printed parts to be sintered directly, eliminating the time- and chemically- intensive intermediate de-binding step required for other processes. In order to implement this technique, the formulation of the initial paste used for printing is an essential component to optimize. We will be studying how the chemical composition of the paste formulation impacts its performance in the printing and sintering steps, with the ultimate goal of developing advanced formulations to optimize the quality of the final metal parts. This research project could significantly advance Rapidia’s technology, accelerate their growth in the industry, and stimulate the Canadian economy.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Mark MacLachlan

Student:

David Ester

Partner:

Rapidia Tech Inc

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Program:

Elevate

Synthesis and characterization of a new generation of bone targeting anabolic prodrugs

Prostaglandin E2 stimulates bone formation in vivo and exerts its effects through the EP4 receptor. Unfortunately prostaglandin E2 and agonists for the EP4 receptor also cause unacceptable systemic side effects which have limited their clinical use as anabolic agents. We developed novel bone-targeting prodrugs that can deliver EP4 agonists selectively to bone and liberate active drug slowly in situ to effect bone formation while avoiding the side effects. These prodrugs rely on enzyme activity in the bone to liberate the drug and it is not clear if active drug liberation will be replicated in humans. The subject of this project will be to synthesize a new class of prodrugs designed to liberate the active EP4 drug spontaneously and thus do not require enzymes for hydrolysis. Preliminary studies identified several candidates and we will now scale up the synthesis (including radiolabelled prodrugs) and test these compounds to demonstrate that they bind to bones in vitro and in vivo, liberate the active drug in vivo with a predictable and consistent half-life and are effciacious. Several analogs will be tested and the optimal release rate of 200 hr (suitable for once-weekly dosing) will be the goal.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Robert Britton;Robert Young

Student:

Srivinas Kantham

Partner:

Mesentech Inc

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Program:

Elevate

Understanding how river bank side slopes and sediment size control failure thresholds in steep streams

Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd. (NHC) is often involved in the restoration and design of steep streams. To date when assessing these river channels, NHC has relied upon experimental results conducted with fixed vertical river banks and a series of assumptions have been used to figure out how to make river channels with sloped banks. These assumptions introduce risk into the design process and likely result in the rock used to make the channel banks being over-sized. We plan to address this issue through a combination of physical experiments and field data collection. In this project we will (a) run experiments in the UBC laboratory facilities under different channel geometries (such as channel width and bank angle) and particle size conditions, (b) inform and validate experiments with field data collected in British Columbia and (c) update the design tools used by NHC to design steep channels. As part of this research project the water velocity, water depth, river bank angles, and range in sediment size will be evaluated. The project will increase our knowledge on the factors that influence stability of mountain streams and produce a quantitative design tool readily available for fluvial geomorphologists.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Marwan Hassan

Student:

Matteo Saletti

Partner:

Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd.

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Program:

Elevate

Next Generation Canadian Satellite-based Positioning Technology

Present navigation applications rely mostly on the integration of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). However, GNSS signals are prone to interruption due to various disturbances, including signal interference and jamming. On the other hand, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations from several providers are becoming rapidly accessible. LEO-based communication systems offer much stronger signals with higher satellite availability than GNSS. Thus, it could provide an opportunity for integration with INS for reliable positioning during GNSS signal outages. Telesat Canada, my prospective partner in this project, plans to have its LEO satellite constellation operational in 2022. This project explores integrating signals from the LEO satellite constellation with the on-board inertial sensors to provide a robust navigation system in denied GNSS environments. All facilities, equipment, and simulation tools required for this research are available at both Telesat and my university’s research lab. In addition to enriching my practical experience, this project work will help Telesat to investigate the feasibility of using their LEO satellite constellation for positioning services, which is a large market sector that Telesat could enter if LEO-based positioning can be demonstrated to offer superior performance.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Aboelmagd Noureldin

Student:

Malek Karaim

Partner:

Telesat Canada

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

Queen's University

Program:

Elevate

A new tool for managing introduced Phragmites australis in Ontario: assessing invasion impacts and implementing biological control

Introduced Phragmites australis (common reed) is one of the most invasive plants in North America. Existing management is costly, can negatively affect other species, and is often only effective for small infestations. Classical biological control (i.e., introducing herbivores from the weed’s native range) is a promising tool for P. australis management that can contribute to a broader program of integrated pest management (IPM). Our goal is to partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to implement biological control of introduced P. australis in southern Ontario. Our first objective will be to document the impacts of introduced P. australis to inform effective management and monitoring, locating and describing the different lineages of the species found in southern Ontario (native, introduced, hybrid) and their ecological interactions. Our second objective will be to develop and experimentally test the protocols needed to implement biological control of introduced P. australis in southern Ontario at a pilot scale, including methods for rearing, storing, releasing, and monitoring biocontrol agents at experimental nurse sites. As leaders in wetland conservation, DUC will be able to participate in the first biological control program for introduced P. australis and gain a promising new tool for managing this challenging, widespread, and costly invader.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Sandy Smith

Student:

Michael McTavish

Partner:

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Discipline:

Forestry

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Elevate

Investor Behaviours, Canada’s investment suitability regulations, and Robo-advising

In Canada and around the world, investors hire financial advisors and dealers to manage, monitor, and guide their investment choices purchased from a financial dealer. Dealers and advisors are obligated by regulations–introduced in 2009 by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)–to ensure that their investment products and recommendations are “suitable”. As part of the regulations, advisors and dealers conduct due diligence on clients known as the Know Your Client (KYC) protocol; they must take “reasonable steps” to establish their identity, creditworthiness, investment needs, financial objectives, whether the client is an insider, and risk tolerance. The proposed research herein will quantify the importance of the KYC information collected by Aligned Capital Partners (ACP) Inc. through their financial advisors. ACP is a financial investment dealer that licenses and supports independent financial advisors, who are interested in understanding the client-advisor relationship using a statistical and behavioural science approach. We will provide statistical analysis that will characterize client behaviours, provide unique insight into the advisor-client relationship, develop tools for dealers and advisors that provide automated feedback about their investors’ behaviours, and inform and improve KYC regulations in Canada.

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Faculty Supervisor:

R. Mark Reesor;Matt Davison

Student:

John Thompson

Partner:

Aligned Capital Partners Inc

Discipline:

Other

Sector:

Finance, insurance and business

University:

Program:

Elevate

Evaluating nutritive value of low-lignin alfalfa at multiple physiological stages

In Canada, alfalfa is a widely cultivated legume forage and the principal source of protein in the diets of ruminant animals. High quality alfalfa (i.e. nutrient composition and fiber digestibility) is vital for profitable dairy production because it can reduce requirements of high-cost concentrated feeds. High fiber digestibility is associated with higher cow’s intake and milk production. Low-lignin alfalfa has recently been developed through technological progress. These new cultivars have lower lignin concentrations and/or higher fiber digestibility compared to standard cultivars and may be harvested at a later stage of development resulting in higher forage yields. There is, however, limited data about low-lignin alfalfa pertaining to our local agro-climatic conditions. Most importantly, the optimal maturity stage at which alfalfa should be harvested for highest yield and nutritive value is still not clear. The objective of this study is to evaluate low-lignin alfalfa at multiple points from vegetative to late flowering stage in order to determine which optimal stage of alfalfa maturity corresponds to highest yield, quality (i.e. nutritive values and fiber digestibility) and estimated milk yield for greater profitability to producers.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Arif Mustafa

Student:

Andréanne La Salle

Partner:

Bélisle Solution Nutrition Inc

Discipline:

Animal science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

McGill University

Program:

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