Explore the remarkable projects completed by previous cohorts, offering valuable insights into the diverse range of topics and areas of expertise our students have delved into. These projects serve as a testament to the innovative and imaginative work produced within our program.
AweSEM
2017 cohort |
In recent years there has been a boom in the pursuit of frugal science projects, which bring state-of-the-art technology to those who would typically not have access. However, many technologies are still waiting for innovative breakthroughs that will make them accessible to everyone. One of the most fascinating and useful areas of technology is high resolution imaging, which is typically done with an electron microscope. However, electron microscopy is reserved only to those who can afford the high cost - mainly top notch educational institutions and highly successful corporations. This leaves the less fortunate vulnerable to the ill effects of not being able to properly analyze or quantify their problems. An all too real example of this lies in health clinics around the world where complex medical diagnostic equipment, which includes electron microscopes, are not available due to the associated costs, leaving many to suffer the consequences. My innovative project consists of bringing electron microscopy to the masses by designing, building, and commercializing an inexpensive and portable scanning electron microscope.
BIOMOD
2017 cohort |
Each year, around 222,500 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in America. Most of these people’s lung cancer is diagnosed when it is already in its later stages. As a result, the survival rates of people with lung cancer is extremely low. Over the past 10 months, we have been developing an assay for the early detection of lung cancer from blood samples. This assay uses inexpensive components and does not require any additional expensive equipment compared to what can be found in most diagnostic labs.
CORE
2017 cohort |
Lack of fluid identity confirmation and ownership of information. We want people to be able to constantly be able to prove their identity without needing the various IDs in circulation.We seek to create a system that operates on top of current peer-to-peer computing systems like Vitalik Buterin's Ethereum network. It would allow people, companies, and governments to own the information that they should own, and allow other parties to request information in a decentralized manner.
Cleo
2017 cohort |
One in three women experiences urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. This often happens after trauma, such as childbirth. Current best practice guidelines show that pelvic floor exercises (Ke- gels) are effective in fixing this. We will design a device (molded vagi- nal-shaped probe from medical grade silicone) that will be inserted into the vagina to guide women to do Kegels correctly. A mobile app will provide biofeedback. The invention will use near-infrared spec- troscopic technology for non-invasive transvaginal monitoring of urological tissues. The device and the app will be offered directly to women and will be used for pelvic floor exercises at home.
GroundsUp
2017 cohort |
According to the City of Vancouver, 2.6 million disposable coffee cups are wasted every week within the municipality, a statistic that is representative of North American urban culture of single-use item consumption. To sustain this habit, the production of single-use coffee cups results in the excessive exploitation of natural resources and also contributes to a large portion of urban waste and landfill mass. Grounds-Up Solutions is currently devel- oping a compostable single-use hot beverage cup alternative that is made from used coffee grounds and natural binding agents. This solution would help preserve our planet’s natural resources and reduce the quantity of non-compostable waste, all in an eco- nomical manner.
Mayaqua
2017 cohort |
Safe water is a basic human right yet over 100 communities in Canada don't have this fullfilled. Communities are looking for a con- tinuous, reliable, low maintenance, and cost effective solution to provide potable water. Mayaqua is a modular drinking water treat- ment system that meets these criteria. Our current prototype is designed to fulfill the needs around 100 people. With future iterations being planned to scale up to 500 people. In addition, there will be customized solutions for communi- ties with special issues such as high concentrations of arsenic