��ݮ��Ƶ News - Economic Futures

Announcing the 2025 Tech Horizons Executive Forum

Angelica Sanchez — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:04:34 +0000

WatSPEED’s award-winning flagship event returns to explore how bold leadership and transformative technologies are redefining businesses

In a world marked by relentless technological change, economic volatility and global complexity, optimism is no longer just a mindset — it’s a strategic advantage. Today’s leaders must not only respond to disruption but harness it to fuel reinvention and growth.

On November 10, the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Tech Horizons Executive Forum, presented by WatSPEED and hosted by CIBC, will return to CIBC Square in Toronto. This exclusive, one-day event will convene Fortune 500 leaders, innovators and policy influencers for candid, high-impact conversations on the future of leadership, technology and business strategy.

“Technology is no longer just transforming industries — it’s creating entirely new markets, leadership models and opportunities,” says Sanjeev Gill, associate vice-president, Innovation at ��ݮ��Ƶ. “The Tech Horizons Executive Forum delivers a new leadership playbook that embraces change, activates innovation and helps leaders turn complexity into competitive advantage.”

Tailored for senior leaders and executives, the Forum offers a powerful blend of inspiring keynotes, provocative panels and interactive sessions designed to unlock new thinking on how to lead with agility and harness technology for organizational success. Through a unique blend of cutting-edge business and academic insights, attendees will gain actionable strategies on how to navigate uncertainty, adopt emerging technologies and lead through disruption with confidence.

This year’s theme, Leadership Unleashed: Harnessing Technology to Outpace Uncertainty, challenges executives to rethink their role in shaping the future. Beyond reacting to change, today’s leaders must architect it by adopting new technologies, building adaptive organizations and accelerating growth with vision and agility.

Attendees will hear from Frank Baylis, executive chairman of the board at Baylis Medical Technologies; Linda Hasenfratz, executive chair of Linamar Corporation; Christian Exshaw, group head at CIBC Capital Markets; Rex Lee, CITO, Canadian Tire; Matt Lyteson, CIO, Technology Programs at IBM; Farhan Thawar, vice-president and head of engineering at Shopify, and many others. World-renowned experts from ��ݮ��Ƶ will also share the groundbreaking technological innovations and research reshaping industries and accelerating reinvention. Together, they will showcase how innovation can be harnessed to navigate change, scale impact and shape the future.

Key topics for 2025 include:

Technology as a growth catalyst: How to use emerging tech not just to manage disruption, but to enter new markets and future-proof your organization.
Lessons in reinvention: What resilient industries can teach us about agility, customer-centricity and scaling through uncertainty.
Canada’s innovation imperative: How bold leadership can position Canadian enterprises to compete globally — by investing in talent, tech adoption and strategic partnerships.

Now in its third year and recognized with multiple awards, the Tech Horizons Executive Forum continues to grow in scope and impact. More than 300 senior leaders are expected to attend, creating opportunities to share insights, spark collaboration and shape the future of Canadian innovation.

Tickets for the Forum are now on sale. To learn more or register, visit the Tech Horizons Executive Forum website.

Technological Futures

Made by ��ݮ��Ƶ: Prototyping the future of innovation

Angelica Sanchez — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:26:13 +0000

Voltera prints electronics making prototyping faster and more affordable — accelerating research to market-ready solutions

In 2013, the global maker movement was gaining momentum as desktop 3D printers began appearing in offices, homes and classrooms, revolutionizing rapid prototyping with plastic materials. But when it came to printing circuit boards, the process remained slow, complex and largely outsourced.

Four University of ��ݮ��Ƶ alumni, Jesus Zozaya (BASc ’13), Katarina Ilić (BASc '13), James Pickard (BASc '13) and Alroy Almeida (BASc '13) saw an opportunity to change that.

Voltera founders from left to right: James Pickard (BASc '13), Katarina Ilić (BASc '13) and Jesus Zozaya (BASc ’13).

Instead of printing plastics, they envisioned a machine that could prototype printed circuit boards (PCBs) — the backbone of modern electronics — using silver-based conductive materials. Their goal was to bring the speed and accessibility of 3D printing to electronic hardware development. That idea laid the foundation for Voltera’s V-One and NOVA printers.

“At Voltera, our mission is to catalyze innovation by removing barriers to entry,” Zozaya says. “It’s our customers who are conducting ground-breaking innovation — patenting, publishing and prototyping. Through our tools, we get a glimpse into their world and it’s incredibly energizing.”

Voltera has shipped more than 5,000 units globally, with its PCB printers driving innovation at top universities, Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Their versatility has enabled breakthroughs from wearable technology and aerospace to life-saving medical devices. Voltera also offers printing services, giving users a low-risk way to test ideas and making prototyping more accessible — all while contributing to local economic growth.

Prototyping tomorrow's innovations today

Traditional PCBs are manufactured using subtractive methods, where unwanted copper is etched away from a copper-coated board. While effective, this process is resource-intensive and environmentally unsustainable due to high water usage, hazardous material handling and material waste.

Voltera takes a different approach with additive manufacturing, applying conductive materials only where needed.

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“Additive manufacturing is much cleaner, environmentally friendly and opens up new possibilities for design,” Zozaya says. “At Voltera, additive technology allows us to embed electronics in unconventional locations. It doesn't have to be a rigid board — it can be flexible, stretchable and conform to your body.”

Voltera’s first product, the V-One, is a compact desktop printer that drills through holes, prints conductive traces using silver conductive ink, dispenses solder paste and reflows components — all in one system.

The V-One quickly gained traction among educators, researchers and engineers for its ability to accelerate hands-on experimentation and prototype their ideas. Voltera’s commitment to user feedback has been central to its evolution.

“We noticed researchers were using the V-One in ways it wasn’t originally designed for,” Zozaya explains. “They were modifying or hacking the machine by incorporating their own materials. That’s what ultimately led to the development of NOVA.”

Designed for advanced research, NOVA supports printing on flexible, stretchable and biocompatible materials. It features a high-resolution alignment and inspection system, a configurable mounting grid with a removable vacuum table, a smart dispenser with closed-loop pressure feedback and a built-in heater and a smart probe for accurate height mapping — enhancing precision and usability.

It can print with a large range of materials, including silver, copper, gold or carbon inks. Voltera’s tools continue to drive innovation by helping users prototype faster and more affordably without relying on outsourced production.

Pickard showcasing a prototype material with silver conductive ink printed by Voltera's NOVA printer.

Built in ��ݮ��Ƶ, backed by community

Mechatronics engineering students, Zozaya, Pickard and Almeida never imagined their fourth-year Capstone Design project would evolve into a successful additive manufacturing company. After graduation, the team joined ��ݮ��Ƶ's centre of entrepreneurship, Velocity, spending two years developing the V-One before launching it on Kickstarter.

“I really feel like we were in the right place at the right time,” Zozaya says. “Velocity made all the difference. If we had started a company outside of that entrepreneurial ecosystem, I don’t think we would have made it.”

Their connection to Velocity remains strong — Almeida now serves as a director at Velocity, supporting founders within the same community that launched Voltera.

Today, Voltera designs, manufactures and ships its products directly from ��ݮ��Ƶ, supporting Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector. The company sources most parts from local suppliers in Kitchener-��ݮ��Ƶ, Guelph and Mississauga, minimizing exposure to tariffs and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, domestic production.

The company continues to invest in local talent through a steady stream of hires through ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Co-operative Program, and has recently hired a former co-op student full-time, demonstrating a dedication to nurturing long-term talent and strengthening community ties.

Canadian-made, globally respected

Voltera launched its flagship product, the V-One, on Kickstarter in 2015, attracting 938 backers and raising more than $500,000 — far surpassing its original goal. The V-One was a game changer, enabling users to prototype PCBs in-house within hours and generating excitement for its intuitive, accessible design.

“A lot of equipment focuses solely on technical specs — how fast it runs and what it can do — but often overlooks the user experience,” Zozaya says. “We take a different approach. We want our products to not only perform well but also feel intuitive and enjoyable to use.”

That same year, Voltera became the first Canadian company to win the prestigious international James Dyson Award, earning $60,000 in funding after competing against 710 entries from 20 countries. They also won first place at TechCrunch’s Hardware Battlefield at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, receiving $50,000 for their innovative industrial design.

Zozaya and the Voltera team having a meeting.

In recent years, Voltera has earned recognition from Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Companies, The Global and Mail’s Canada’s Top Growing Companies, and Canadian Business’ Fastest Growing Companies. Their second product, NOVA, was named Innovation of the Year at the 2023 European Production Design Awards.

“What really excites us is the customers we get to work with,” Zozaya says. “We are a small Canadian company with less than 100 people, but we consistently punch above our weight. We’re working with top customers from all over the world and that is very rewarding.”

Looking ahead, Zozaya envisions Voltera expanding beyond the development of prototyping tools by bringing new low-volume production solutions to market.

As Voltera continues to grow, its roots in ��ݮ��Ƶ’s innovation district remain central, proving that with the right tools, environment and vision, even a student project can spark global impact.

The "Made by ��ݮ��Ƶ:" series showcases innovative startups founded by University of ��ݮ��Ƶ alumni and researchers that are driving Canada's economy forward. These companies, nurtured within the region's vibrant tech ecosystem, are making significant local and global impacts. Through this series, we highlight how ��ݮ��Ƶ and these home-grown businesses are fostering prosperity by attracting, developing and retaining the talent essential for fueling Canada's economic growth.

Technological Futures

Improving the bottom-line (and the impact on the environment) one robot at a time

Sam Charles — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:15:00 +0000

Velocity company is building the playbook for deploying autonomous robots across Canada

An orange, four-wheeled robot navigates a busy sidewalk in Markham, bringing a restaurant-ordered meal to a customer, as part of a pilot program led by Real Life Robotics in partnership with Skip. Real Life Robotics is the first and only in Canada approved for a municipal sidewalk delivery operation, but its aspirations are much larger.

Real Life Robotics is a Velocity company and continues to leverage its connections to the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ as it establishes itself within the Canadian robotics market.

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��ݮ��Ƶ has the largest and most active group of robotics and automation researchers in Canada. More than 45 faculty members conduct research across more than a dozen advanced robotics topics from factory automation to cognitive robotics.

Describing itself as a provider of last-mile delivery and automation through its AI-driven platform, Real Life Robotics hopes to bring robotics to the masses. Whether supporting small businesses or larger organizations, the aim is to create a seamless integration of robots. Their solutions address labour market shortages, lower costs for businesses and are a more environmentally sustainable delivery option with lower carbon emissions than traditional vehicles.

“We make autonomy accessible for non-technical organizations,” says Cameron Waite (BA ’04), CEO of Real Life Robotics. “We focus on integrating robotics into industries such as restaurants, retail, hospital, pharmacy as well as warehouses, and even zoos.”

Waite says the company has benefited from its close ties to the University beyond Velocity including recruiting engineers and programmers and hiring a steady stream of co-op students.

“��ݮ��Ƶ is a robotics’ hub from the University to local industry,” says Sharif Virani, head of growth at Real Life Robotics. “It really empowers a company like ours to be in the middle of such an innovative landscape.”

Working alongside clients, Real Life Robotics helps identify what might be the most ideal robotic solution for an operation then navigates the complexities of bringing together the hardware and software within one unified source.

“We build our orchestration layers to help client take that complex journey and make it really straightforward, simple and scalable,” Virani says. “We partner with organizations like Skip, who are being highly innovative as the first Canadian entity, large Canadian enterprise organization, who's bringing this technology to the real-world streets to help their clients grow and benefit from lower cost delivery.”

The pilot in Markham also includes global robotics platform Robot.com (formerly Kiwibot), Rogers and the Remington Group, which supports smart city integration.

According to Virano, the next step is taking their data and results to other municipalities and clients across the country who are interesting in this sort of technology.

“We are essentially building the playbook for the deployment of these technologies across the country,” Waite says. “We’re proud to bring a ��ݮ��Ƶ solution to Canadian businesses and support them in being more competitive and sustainable.”

Technological Futures

Making solutions to reduce climate risk easier to implement

Sam Charles — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 11:15:00 +0000

��ݮ��Ƶ’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaption provides actionable solutions for Canadians and policymakers despite a news cycle dominated by climate disaster risk

Record-breaking temperatures, severe flooding and deadly wildfires are making headlines across Canada and around the world this summer. Beyond the headlines is a shifting climate that is forcing property owners, businesses and communities to reevaluate how we live and work.

Every year, the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation is featured more than 200 times in the media providing analysis and recommendations related to mitigating flood, wildfire and extreme heat.

The Centre is now into its second decade of providing original data-driven research to inform policymakers and the public about steps they can take to reduce risk at the level of the home and the level of the community. The Centre’s research, and the importance of it, continues to gain traction.

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Dr. Blair Fletmate, a professor in the Faculty of Environment and head of the Centre, credits the Centre’s success to their approach that hinges on taking a positive outlook and operationalizing their findings in a way that everyone can understand. Feltmate says that every time a municipality or individual implements one of their recommendations and reduces their risk of damage due to extreme weather, the Centre is fulfilling its purpose.

“In a time when many people are feeling frightened about the future, the Intact Centre is providing more than a glimmer of hope,” Feltmate says. “We have been fortunate to develop a strong and extensive network of business, political and community leaders across the country that share a desire to support adaptation and resiliency through challenging times.”

Annually, the Centre’s researchers collaborate with all levels of government, the insurance industry, and other stakeholders from across their network to publish numerous reports on flood risk mitigation, wildfire, heat and retaining natural infrastructure. While the reports are typically between 30 to 60 pages filled with data and analysis, the researchers have emphasized the need for executive summaries in plain language and the use of infographics.

“We quickly recognized when we started that if our work was to be used to make a genuine difference, we needed to meet our various target groups where they are,” says Anabela Bonada, managing director of climate science at the Intact Centre. “This approach has led to increased access to federal ministers, deputy ministers, mayors, councils and corporate leaders.”

As Feltmate points out, “Knowing the solution is one thing. Operationalizing the solution is a whole other game altogether.”

That’s why the plain language summaries and in particular the infographic lists have been vital to taking ideas and turning them into action.

Their recent From Risk To Readiness: Enhancing Alberta’s Wildfire Preparedness Through The FireSmart™ Scorecard is an example of this approach in action. The report and the scorecard are intended to help municipalities identify strengths, gaps and take action to reduce wildfire risk.

Other examples include:

Canada’s first Municipal Flood Risk Check-Up: a self-assessment tool designed to help Canadian municipalities evaluate their exposure to flood hazards — such as heavy rainfall, river, and coastal flooding — and identify actions to reduce flood risk.
Climate Risk Matrices (CRM): an innovative framework to integrate climate change and extreme weather considerations into institutional investment decisions.Feltmate says they are proud of their published work, but it is their contributions to on the ground action that means the most

Feltmate says they are proud of their published work, but it is their contributions to on the ground action that means the most. "We've got scores and scores of communities across the country distributing our infographics now in some combination of flood, wildfire and extreme heat to homeowners through multiple channels. Nearly every day, media outlets are reaching out for interviews so we know our work is reaching Canadians.”

“In a time when a lot of research is being cut back or eliminated, we’re seeing an increase in our funding. Our proposed solutions and guidelines are reminding decision-makers and our communities that we aren’t victims of circumstances, and there are things we can do to improve our condition. That might mean safeguarding your home from flooding or your neighbourhood from wildfires by taking informed actions.”

There is still plenty of work to be done by individual homeowners, communities and governments to remove risk and become more resilient, but Feltmate and his colleagues at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation are confident that there is a brighter and safer future ahead.

“The best way to solve a problem is not to have a problem in the first place,” Feltmate says. “But we’re here now and we've got two choices. We either fight like crazy or lay down. There's a hell of a lot that can be done to reduce our climate risk in Canada."

Technological Futures

��ݮ��Ƶ researchers awarded $10.9 million for additive manufacturing network

Angie Docking — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:15:00 +0000

From process optimization to multi-scale modeling and machine learning, ��ݮ��Ƶ researchers receive widespread support to develop technologies of the future

What sets ��ݮ��Ƶ apart are our multi-disciplinary approaches to research with deep connections with industry. Thanks to major funding, a group of researchers is set to make a meaningful impact, advancing sustainable innovation and training the next generation of leaders in the additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, sector.

The Holistic Innovation in Additive Manufacturing (HI-AM 2.0) project will focus on training highly qualified professionals (HQPs) and developing technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of advanced manufacturing. The work builds on the previous HI-AM Network that worked to address the challenges that prevented the industrial adoption of metal AM and equip Canada for the ongoing disruptions in manufacturing as a result of digital technologies and geopolitical contexts.

The newest project is supported by two grants totaling $10.9 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Mitacs, as well as funding from industry partners from sectors such as aerospace, automotive and energy.

“The announcement of HI-AM 2.0 is a testament to the success of the original project and will continue to accelerate the industrial adoption of metal additive manufacturing in Canada,” says Charmaine Dean, vice-president, Research and International. “Importantly, the project will also train the next generation of HQPs who will ensure that the sector continues to grow and thrive, thus strengthening our economy. HI-AM 2.0 is just the latest example of how ��ݮ��Ƶ successfully partners with industry and with other academic institutions to maximize resources and impact.”

The original HI-AM Network ran from 2017 to 2024 and brought together 19 leading AM experts from several Canadian universities. The network set out to train 78 HQPs at different stages in their academic careers, ultimately exceeding that goal by training more than 140 individuals, who lent their expertise in various industry sectors to drive growth across the country.

Among them are two PhD students who founded Retinex, a start-up that advances quality assurance for laser AM and welding applications.

Today, many industries benefit from the HI-AM group’s innovations, including automotive, aerospace, energy, engineering, AM material suppliers, and original equipment manufacturers.

"As the original network was nearing its conclusion, we received widespread support and encouragement from stakeholders to continue the initiative in some form, which underscored the success of the original program and highlighted the ongoing demand for large-scale collaborative research on disruptive technologies in Canada," says Dr. Ehsan Toyserkani, engineering professor, Canada Research Chair in AM, and director of HI-AM 2.0.

With the strong demand for this network, a total of 17 collaborative projects have been approved under HI-AM 2.0, each designed to tackle challenges hindering the industrial adoption of metal AM. The research covers a broad range of topics, including process optimization for advanced alloys, multi-scale modelling, digital twin modelling, machine learning applications in quality assurance for AM and efforts to scale production through multi-laser and large-envelope processes.

“The role played by our private sector, not-for-profit and government partners in the success of this large-scale initiative cannot be overstated," says Dr. Mihaela Vlasea, associate director of HI-AM 2.0 and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. "Collectively, our partners bring access to high-caliber Canadian talent, as well as diverse levels of experience with additive manufacturing. Through low-risk, high-impact research projects, we can guide businesses in adopting more sustainable technologies from a design, material, performance, and cost perspective.”

HI-AM 2.0 will continue to bring together leading research, academic and industry partners from across the country to develop materials and processes to advance AM. The program will support Canadian businesses and help position the country as a pioneer in the application and development of innovative AM technologies.

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ acknowledges the support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance and the NSERC Alliance-MitacsAccelerate Fund.

For more information on NSERC and Mitacs, visit their websites below:

https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp

https://www.mitacs.ca

Made by ��ݮ��Ƶ: Portable stroke detection using AI and electromagnetic imaging

Angelica Sanchez — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:15:00 +0000

��ݮ��Ƶ startup AiimSense pioneers a portable brain scanner for brain injuries and stroke detection, enabling early diagnosis and faster treatment

In a stroke emergency, every second counts — early detection and rapid intervention can save lives even before a patient reaches the hospital.

“Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are the current standard, but they are expensive, stationary and require special infrastructure,” says Dr. Atefeh Zarabadi (PhD '15), CEO and co-founder of AiimSense. “[These technologies] limit timely access to care, especially in medical emergencies like stroke or traumatic brain injuries.”

To address this critical gap, Zarabadi and her team have developed a scalable, portable imaging system that uses electromagnetic imaging (EMI) and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes faster and more affordably than traditional methods.

The AiimSense solutions include BrainScreen, a lightweight, a helmet-like device that fits in a backpack and can be deployed in the field — ideal for mobile stroke units or remote clinics. Its companion software, Neural Map Pro, combines AI-powered 3D analytics with Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) integration to provide real-time image visualization of brain conductivity changes, such as bleeding or clots.

“Imagine having [this technology] available in many clinics where it is needed — that is very transformative,” Zarabadi says. “It can enhance brain health in general, which is not possible today.”

By enabling earlier diagnosis, AiimSense supports faster treatment decisions — such as administering clot-busting drugs within the critical time window — and ensures patients are directed to the right care centers. AiimSense’s mission is to democratize access to advanced brain imaging and improve outcomes across both urban and underserved communities.

Powering the “brain economy” with imaging technology

Zarabadi’s vision extends beyond health care. At the G7 Canada Brain Economy Summit in Calgary, she joined global leaders in developing the “Brain Economy Declaration” — a policy initiative that recognizes brain health and cognitive capacity as essential to national prosperity.

AiimSense’s portable brain scanner exemplifies this vision. By reducing reliance on costly, stationary imaging systems and enabling earlier intervention, it has the potential to lower health-care costs, improve patient outcomes and enhance workforce productivity — all key pillars of what global leaders are calling the “brain economy.”

“Achieving global brain health equity starts with making diagnostics accessible everywhere,” Zarabadi says. She sees AiimSense contributing in two ways: through its scientific and technological innovation, and by introducing a new imaging modality that makes brain diagnostics more accessible and impactful.

“Early diagnosis and accessible brain imaging are a game changer. The sooner we can diagnose, the more preventative measures we can take into account. By lowering the disability rates and saving lives, this technology can contribute to the global economy.”

AiimSense BrainScreen, a lightweight, helmet-like portable imaging system that uses electromagnetic imaging (EMI) and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes faster. Photo credit: Suleyman Begenjov/Velocity and AiimSense.

A multidisciplinary team rooted in ��ݮ��Ƶ

Founded in 2019, AiimSense has successfully built its BrainScreen and Neural Map Pro through a multidisciplinary team with deep roots in Ontario’s research network, including McMaster University, University of Toronto and Western University.

More than 10 senior team members are ��ݮ��Ƶ graduates with decades of industry experience, including their co-founder, Mohammad Chavoshi (MEng ’16), a trained senior electrical and computer engineer. AiimSense has also benefited from working with co-op students, research partnerships and support from the ��ݮ��Ƶ innovation ecosystem, including the Velocity incubator.

“Coming from academia into entrepreneurship means coming out of your comfort zone,” Zarabadi says. “There are certain skills that we need to develop and focus on that are more business related than science. There are good programs like Velocity that help you learn the business side — finding the product-market fit and turning research into real-world impact.”

At the 2024 International Conference on Aging, Innovation and Rehabilitation (ICAIR), hosted by The KITE Research Institute at University Health Network (UHN), AiimSense was awarded first place in the Innovative Startup category of the ICAIR Power Play Pitch Competition, receiving a prize of $25,000.

AiimSense also received the Most Innovative Solution Award during the Brain Health Challenge Pitch competition at the Inventures 2025 conference in Alberta, earning $20,000 in funding and the opportunity to showcase their breakthrough brain imaging technology at the Life Science Intelligence USA 2025 Emerging Medtech Summit, where they gained further recognition among global medtech innovators and investors.

Advancing towards brain health for all

Despite the promise, Zarabadi notes that deep tech startups face unique challenges.

“While there are many resources available, meaningful early-stage support that matches the scale and timeline of transformative innovation is still lacking,” Zarabadi adds. “If we want these companies to thrive and stay focused on what they do best, we need to bridge that gap with more significant and sustained investment.”

She remains confident in AiimSense’s potential to reshape brain health diagnostics. Zarabadi envisions the platform evolving into an accessible, routine brain health monitoring tool, which is especially important for aging populations and pediatric care.

Velocity health companies are funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Photo credit for banner image: Suleyman Begenjov/Velocity and AiimSense.

Technological Futures

More than $32 million awarded to advance University of ��ݮ��Ƶ research

Angelica Sanchez — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

The Government of Canada announces funding to support research in health, AI, climate and social equity and drive national innovation

For 17 consecutive years, the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ has been recognized as Canada's top comprehensive research university — driven by a bold, multi-disciplinary approach and strong industry partnerships that turn ideas into impact.

��ݮ��Ƶ researchers are receiving more than $32 million to support research as part of a $1.3 billion Government of Canada announcement for research across Canada.

The funding announced for ��ݮ��Ƶ researchers includes support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF).

This year, more than 100 ��ݮ��Ƶ researchers from all six faculties were awarded funding through the NSERC Discovery research program, including:

Anita Layton | Faculty of Mathematics — Understanding the effects of sex and age in electrolyte homeostasis: Modelling and analysis ($685,000 over five years)
Brian Dixon | Faculty of Science — Antigen Presentation in Teleost Fishes ($480,000 over five years)
Karim Sallaudin Karim | Faculty of Engineering – Radiation detectors and systems for spectral and phase contrast X-ray imaging ($450,000 over five years)
Evan Risko | Faculty of Arts — Basic Processes in the Monitoring and Control of Cognition ($325,000 over five years)
Brian Laird | Faculty of Health – Speciation, bioaccessibility, and new approach methods for metals in wild-harvested fish in northern environments ($325,000 over five years)
Richard Petrone | Faculty of Environment — Vegetation change and water use in alpine ecosystems ($300,000 over five years)

The recent Government of Canada announcement was made by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health supporting more than 9,700 researchers and research projects across Canada.

Numerous researchers have also received funding under the following grants and programs:

SSHRC Insight grant
SSHRC Insight Development grant
SSHRC Partnership Development grant

Several ��ݮ��Ƶ researchers received awards through the NFRF 2024 Exploration Competition, a Government of Canada program that supports high-risk, interdisciplinary projects with the potential to drive transformational innovation in areas with strong engineering and societal applications.

The recipients have demonstrated exceptional research leadership across engineering, natural sciences, health sciences and social sciences. With this federal government funding, ��ݮ��Ƶ researchers are advancing bold ideas that will transform future societies, health, economies, technologies and the environment. Learn more about their research projects below.

SSHRC Insight grant

Wendi Adair | Faculty of Arts

Understanding diversity cues and buffering social identity threat to improve representation, collaboration, and climate in Canada's diverse workplace

$258,291

��ݮ��Ƶ News - Economic Futures

Announcing the 2025 Tech Horizons Executive Forum

Made by ��ݮ��Ƶ: Prototyping the future of innovation

Prototyping tomorrow's innovations today

Built in ��ݮ��Ƶ, backed by community

Canadian-made, globally respected

Improving the bottom-line (and the impact on the environment) one robot at a time

Making solutions to reduce climate risk easier to implement

��ݮ��Ƶ researchers awarded $10.9 million for additive manufacturing network

Made by ��ݮ��Ƶ: Portable stroke detection using AI and electromagnetic imaging

Powering the “brain economy” with imaging technology

A multidisciplinary team rooted in ��ݮ��Ƶ

Advancing towards brain health for all

More than $32 million awarded to advance University of ��ݮ��Ƶ research

SSHRC Insight grant

SSHRC Insight Development grant

SSHRC Partnership Development grant

NFRF 2024 Exploration

Driving economy-wide AI adoption in Canada

New technologies may hold the key to climate resiliency

Tasting the legacy of five ��ݮ��Ƶ foodie founders

Elora Brewing Company

Four All Ice Cream

LenJo Bakes

Sweet Dreams Teashop

Tut's Egyptian Street Food