Past

Innovations

Discover a showcase of past projects that have emerged from the Connect2Innovate program. These innovations highlight the creativity, problem-solving, and impact-driven efforts of our youth participants. From community-focused solutions to groundbreaking prototypes, each project represents a step toward shaping a better future. Browse through the gallery to see how aspiring innovators have turned their ideas into reality and made a lasting difference.

2025 – Innovations

Innoskate – decreasing the energy required for refrigeration in skating rinks

Innoskate – decreasing the energy required for refrigeration in skating rinks

,

NanoGuide – bird flu RNA sensor

NanoGuide – bird flu RNA sensor

,

Project 90 – Adaptive Kneeling Frame

Project 90 – Adaptive Kneeling Frame

,

Carbon Replay – proposed network of small modular bioreactors

Carbon Replay – proposed network of small modular bioreactors

,

Algae Tech – photosynthetic microbes that convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and are easily grown

Algae Tech – photosynthetic microbes that convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and are easily grown

,

AptaMod – nanoscale biosensor that detects biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases

AptaMod – nanoscale biosensor that detects biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases

,

ARBO – A long-lasting topical solution that activates the skin’s natural bacteria to repel mosquitoes

ARBO – A long-lasting topical solution that activates the skin’s natural bacteria to repel mosquitoes

,

Bee Wise Hive Monitoring – tracking temperature, humidity, and CO2 of beehives

Bee Wise Hive Monitoring – tracking temperature, humidity, and CO2 of beehives

,

Biobot -Based Metal Detection – BlueSense

Biobot -Based Metal Detection – BlueSense

,

Biofuels – the use of naphthenic acid degrading algae to convert environmental toxins

Biofuels – the use of naphthenic acid degrading algae to convert environmental toxins

,

ReneWool – utilizing enzymatic degradation to upcycle mixed fabric waste into spider silk

ReneWool – utilizing enzymatic degradation to upcycle mixed fabric waste into spider silk

,

Hyaluronext – revolutionizing hyaluronic acid synthesis using synthetic biology

Hyaluronext – revolutionizing hyaluronic acid synthesis using synthetic biology

,

LacThera – bacteria to help maintain balance of healthy bacteria in vaginal area

LacThera – bacteria to help maintain balance of healthy bacteria in vaginal area

,

MicroRem – decontaminating toxic chemicals in soil and groundwater at the Chalk River Nuclear Site

MicroRem – decontaminating toxic chemicals in soil and groundwater at the Chalk River Nuclear Site

,

MycOtzi – ranslatability of mushrooms and fungi as tools for bioremediation, construction materials, and more!

MycOtzi – ranslatability of mushrooms and fungi as tools for bioremediation, construction materials, and more!

,

Nutrix – AI-powered meal planning app

Nutrix – AI-powered meal planning app

,

RhizoRetention – improve canola’s drought tolerance

RhizoRetention – improve canola’s drought tolerance

,

2024 – Innovations

BeeWise – a technology enhanced beekeeping program for high school credit

BeeWise – a technology enhanced beekeeping program for high school credit

, , ,

BioCapture – aims to transform carbon emissions into bioplastics

BioCapture – aims to transform carbon emissions into bioplastics

,

L.Evothyroxine – aims to address difficulties associated with treatment of hypothyroidism

L.Evothyroxine – aims to address difficulties associated with treatment of hypothyroidism

,

Smile Buddy – an app to promote dental hygiene

Smile Buddy – an app to promote dental hygiene

,

Bo-Find – detection device for bovine respiratory disease

Bo-Find – detection device for bovine respiratory disease

,

TRASH-E – Trash Remediation in Aquatic Settings and other Hydro Environments

TRASH-E – Trash Remediation in Aquatic Settings and other Hydro Environments

,

NanoHeme – Universal Blood Substitute

NanoHeme – Universal Blood Substitute

,

Metalloslayer – Modular, Protein-Based Water Filtration Platform

Metalloslayer – Modular, Protein-Based Water Filtration Platform

,

Bac2Root Health – Sustainable And Biological Defense Against Clubroot

Bac2Root Health – Sustainable And Biological Defense Against Clubroot

,

Greenlith – Cost Effective Lithium Recycling

Greenlith – Cost Effective Lithium Recycling

,

DNADetect – Nanoscale Biosensor To Pinpoint Neurovascular Damage

DNADetect – Nanoscale Biosensor To Pinpoint Neurovascular Damage

,

Amylotect – Faster Alzheimer’s Detection

Amylotect – Faster Alzheimer’s Detection

,

2023 – Innovations

ANAlyze – A rapid test to detect ANAs early

ANAlyze – A rapid test to detect ANAs early

,

Beedie Bright – Using technology to monitor local waterways

Beedie Bright – Using technology to monitor local waterways

, , ,

In the Box – Converting compost to biochar or fuel

In the Box – Converting compost to biochar or fuel

, , , ,

Club^2 – using biology for early detection of clubroot

Club^2 – using biology for early detection of clubroot

,

Project CRIT – water test kits for Cyanobacteri

Project CRIT – water test kits for Cyanobacteri

,

CholesterLock – A novel modified protein capable of lowering LDL cholesterol

CholesterLock – A novel modified protein capable of lowering LDL cholesterol

,

Chito-Zing – develop a topical wound dressing based on chitosan

Chito-Zing – develop a topical wound dressing based on chitosan

,

Tech Trade Trio – an app to help reduce tech waste

Tech Trade Trio – an app to help reduce tech waste

,

GreenEarth – an app to help reduce food waste

GreenEarth – an app to help reduce food waste

,

Gluessel – Novel treatment of diabetes with intestinal proteins

Gluessel – Novel treatment of diabetes with intestinal proteins

,

EcoBottle – develop reverse vending machine model to encourage recycling

EcoBottle – develop reverse vending machine model to encourage recycling

, ,

Open RehAIb – machine learning vision software extrapolates insights on brain health

Open RehAIb – machine learning vision software extrapolates insights on brain health

, ,

Migraine Mate – an app to capture & analyze data

Migraine Mate – an app to capture & analyze data

,

FabriFuel – a SynBio solution to degrade polyester fabric waste

FabriFuel – a SynBio solution to degrade polyester fabric waste

,

2022 – Innovations

CCHS SynBio – Cyanotoxin Recognition and Identification Test

CCHS SynBio – Cyanotoxin Recognition and Identification Test

,

E-Former – Informed consumerism app

E-Former – Informed consumerism app

,

Food Flip – Fresh produce exchange app

Food Flip – Fresh produce exchange app

,

EcOxpress – Climate education & sustainable transportation app

EcOxpress – Climate education & sustainable transportation app

,

Dia-Beatable – Developing a diabetes treatment that uses glucose-induced self-amplifying mRNA

Dia-Beatable – Developing a diabetes treatment that uses glucose-induced self-amplifying mRNA

,

FabriFuel – Developing a microbial fuel cell to improve polyester recycling

FabriFuel – Developing a microbial fuel cell to improve polyester recycling

,

MMSN Solar Panels – transparent or translucent solar panels to help better the Earth

MMSN Solar Panels – transparent or translucent solar panels to help better the Earth

,

SNHS – an algae bioreactor to improve the environment’s air quality

SNHS – an algae bioreactor to improve the environment’s air quality

,

Cya-No-More – A synthetic biology solution to the problem of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in Southern Alberta and around the world

Cya-No-More – A synthetic biology solution to the problem of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in Southern Alberta and around the world

,

Beetector – DNA molecules that bind to specific targets, to act as an electrochemical biosensor to detect American Foulbrood (AFB)

Beetector – DNA molecules that bind to specific targets, to act as an electrochemical biosensor to detect American Foulbrood (AFB)

,

Trojan Horse – an alternative method of diagnosing biofilm-related prosthetic joint infections

Trojan Horse – an alternative method of diagnosing biofilm-related prosthetic joint infections

,

CelluCoat – Using recycled fruit waste to develop a bacterial cellulose-based edible, preservative coating for fruits and vegetables

CelluCoat – Using recycled fruit waste to develop a bacterial cellulose-based edible, preservative coating for fruits and vegetables

,

2021 – Innovations

Ex-Alta 2 cube satellite – predicting, tracking, and assessing the after effects of wildfires

Ex-Alta 2 cube satellite – predicting, tracking, and assessing the after effects of wildfires

ULethbridge iGEM – a solution to the issue of blue-green algae in Southern Alberta and around the world

ULethbridge iGEM – a solution to the issue of blue-green algae in Southern Alberta and around the world

IntelliPark – our app saves drivers time, money, and reduce CO2 emissions leading drivers to open parking spaces

IntelliPark – our app saves drivers time, money, and reduce CO2 emissions leading drivers to open parking spaces

Solaraya – helping underprivileged communities around the world who don’t have access to clean water

Solaraya – helping underprivileged communities around the world who don’t have access to clean water

Renert School iGEM – striving to create a glucose biosensor for urinary testing in diabetic cats

Renert School iGEM – striving to create a glucose biosensor for urinary testing in diabetic cats

Oviita iGEM UCalgary – a sustainable and community-based approach to alleviating Vitamin A deficiency

Oviita iGEM UCalgary – a sustainable and community-based approach to alleviating Vitamin A deficiency

Net zerO Heroes – a sustainable event planning app

Net zerO Heroes – a sustainable event planning app

Lethbridge High-School iGEM – using synthetic biology and genetic engineer to help solve local and global problems

Lethbridge High-School iGEM – using synthetic biology and genetic engineer to help solve local and global problems

Double A Geniuses – charging electric cars while it is moving

Double A Geniuses – charging electric cars while it is moving

The Adventioneers – using AI generative design to optimize material usage and strength in metal fasteners

The Adventioneers – using AI generative design to optimize material usage and strength in metal fasteners

Cool Cubers – Designing a naturally powered machine for turning leftover food into healthy items (tech focus: green tech & robotics)

Cool Cubers – Designing a naturally powered machine for turning leftover food into healthy items (tech focus: green tech & robotics)

Bill Nye – a simple yet effective way to help give water to everybody

Bill Nye – a simple yet effective way to help give water to everybody

2020 – Innovations

MobiSkeleton – a robotic exoskeleton to help children with mobility issues

MobiSkeleton – a robotic exoskeleton to help children with mobility issues

Wolf Dog – Building a robotic dog to protect gardens and farm land from prey, such as birds & animals

Wolf Dog – Building a robotic dog to protect gardens and farm land from prey, such as birds & animals

Litter picker robot – a robot that picks up litter in large areas after big events

Litter picker robot – a robot that picks up litter in large areas after big events

Smart Robotic Arm – a prosthetic arm controlled by the user’s brain

Smart Robotic Arm – a prosthetic arm controlled by the user’s brain

Save the Corals – Sensor for a water pollutant, Synbio

Save the Corals – Sensor for a water pollutant, Synbio

tPectinACE – Small-scale household composting, SynBio – iGEM

tPectinACE – Small-scale household composting, SynBio – iGEM

The pHisherbot Project – Robot for water quality monitoring

The pHisherbot Project – Robot for water quality monitoring

2019 – Innovations

Plastic Picker – bio-tagging individual plastic types to simplify and improve sorting

Plastic Picker – bio-tagging individual plastic types to simplify and improve sorting

pLac Promoter – breaking down fatty buildup in sewage pipes using synthetic biology

pLac Promoter – breaking down fatty buildup in sewage pipes using synthetic biology

CADAR – a method for rapid detection and treatment of bacterial infections

CADAR – a method for rapid detection and treatment of bacterial infections

Fire Stopper – a robotics platform to assist with forest fire management

Fire Stopper – a robotics platform to assist with forest fire management

Black Bear – Robot decoy for training protection dogs

Black Bear – Robot decoy for training protection dogs

Project Algulin – developing a recombinant algae that produces an oral insulin

Project Algulin – developing a recombinant algae that produces an oral insulin

Mean Green Machine – A solution using SynBio to tackle the green seed problem in canola seeds

Mean Green Machine – A solution using SynBio to tackle the green seed problem in canola seeds

APIS – Treatment against parasitic disease in honey bees

APIS – Treatment against parasitic disease in honey bees

2018 – Innovations

VINCEnT – new method for the delivery and integration of cargos into biological systems

VINCEnT – new method for the delivery and integration of cargos into biological systems

Snip Equip Flip – How to fix medical deficiencies at the gene level with help from CRISPR

Snip Equip Flip – How to fix medical deficiencies at the gene level with help from CRISPR

Cu Later – removing heavy metal contaminants such as copper from tailings ponds using synthetic biology

Cu Later – removing heavy metal contaminants such as copper from tailings ponds using synthetic biology

Sugar Saver – Creating a natural sugar substitute for sugar-free diets

Sugar Saver – Creating a natural sugar substitute for sugar-free diets

2017 – Innovations

Cleaning an Interplanetary Toxin – converting perchlorate into a breathable alternative

Cleaning an Interplanetary Toxin – converting perchlorate into a breathable alternative

Astro Plastic – upcycling solid human waste into a usable product

Astro Plastic – upcycling solid human waste into a usable product

The RISE System: Recombinant protein Interaction Screening and Enrichment System

The RISE System: Recombinant protein Interaction Screening and Enrichment System

Next Vivo – cell-free synthetic biology

Next Vivo – cell-free synthetic biology

Ovulation Detector – a detection system that would monitor the levels of three or more hormones that spike during ovulation

Ovulation Detector – a detection system that would monitor the levels of three or more hormones that spike during ovulation

SynthetINK – biological pigments to use as ink or other colored products at a lower cost

SynthetINK – biological pigments to use as ink or other colored products at a lower cost

2016 – Innovations

BreaKERs – developing bacterial Keratinases for use in wastewater treatment and poultry industries

BreaKERs – developing bacterial Keratinases for use in wastewater treatment and poultry industries

The Subtilis Defence – protecting astronauts from high energy ionizing radiation

The Subtilis Defence – protecting astronauts from high energy ionizing radiation

NanoResponder – a bacterial two hybrid selection system to generate custom single-domain antibodies

NanoResponder – a bacterial two hybrid selection system to generate custom single-domain antibodies

Coagu.coli – using recombinant snake venom to treat traumatic hemorrhage

Coagu.coli – using recombinant snake venom to treat traumatic hemorrhage

3D DNA origami structures – DNA assisted assembly of modular nanowires

3D DNA origami structures – DNA assisted assembly of modular nanowires

Sustainable living on Mars – Making bacteria that would be used by colonizers of Mars to detoxify and remediate the Martian soil

Sustainable living on Mars – Making bacteria that would be used by colonizers of Mars to detoxify and remediate the Martian soil

2015 – Innovations

The BreaKERs – developing bacterial keratinase expression to degrade human hair and chicken feathers

The BreaKERs – developing bacterial keratinase expression to degrade human hair and chicken feathers

Imagine – using protein motifs to generate colours after silver staining

Imagine – using protein motifs to generate colours after silver staining

Biofilms and BEEyond – tackling biofilms and colony collapse disorder

Biofilms and BEEyond – tackling biofilms and colony collapse disorder

ECOS – detecting crude oil contamination one bead at a time

ECOS – detecting crude oil contamination one bead at a time

2014 – Innovations

Heat-induced Olfactory Biosensor -using bacteria to more effectively sense the environment

Heat-induced Olfactory Biosensor -using bacteria to more effectively sense the environment

Anti-Resistor – a synthetic biology approach to preventing increasing antibiotic resistance

Anti-Resistor – a synthetic biology approach to preventing increasing antibiotic resistance

Choking Cancer – a synthetic biological machine that seeks out cancer cells and inhibits angiogenesis

Choking Cancer – a synthetic biological machine that seeks out cancer cells and inhibits angiogenesis

B.s. Detector – a multiplexed diagnostic device

B.s. Detector – a multiplexed diagnostic device

2013 – Innovations

Hormone Detector – developing a method of detecting hormones

Hormone Detector – developing a method of detecting hormones

FREDsense – building better biosensors

FREDsense – building better biosensors