Innovation Showcase

Real-world Impact

Explore real solutions built by aspiring innovators through Connect2Innovate. These projects reflect applied learning in action – teams designing, building, testing and iterating on ideas that tackle real-world problems.

2025 TFC Prototype Showcase Project 90 Pitch

2025 Projects

NanoGuide – bird flu RNA sensor

NanoGuide – bird flu RNA sensor

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Project 90 – Adaptive Kneeling Frame

Project 90 – Adaptive Kneeling Frame

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

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

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

AptaMod – nanoscale biosensor that detects biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases

AptaMod – nanoscale biosensor that detects biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

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

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Biobot -Based Metal Detection – BlueSense

Biobot -Based Metal Detection – BlueSense

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

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

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

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

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

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

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Hyaluronext – revolutionizing hyaluronic acid synthesis using synthetic biology

Hyaluronext – revolutionizing hyaluronic acid synthesis using synthetic biology

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

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

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

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

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

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

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

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

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Nutrix – AI-powered meal planning app

Nutrix – AI-powered meal planning app

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Innoskate – decreasing the energy required for refrigeration in skating rinks

Innoskate – decreasing the energy required for refrigeration in skating rinks

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - High School

Carbon Replay – proposed network of small modular bioreactors

Carbon Replay – proposed network of small modular bioreactors

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - High School

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

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

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - High School

RhizoRetention – improve canola’s drought tolerance

RhizoRetention – improve canola’s drought tolerance

2025 TFC Teams, 2025 TFC Teams - High School

2024 Projects

Amylotect – Faster Alzheimer’s Detection

Amylotect – Faster Alzheimer’s Detection

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - Collegiate

DNADetect – Nanoscale Biosensor To Pinpoint Neurovascular Damage

DNADetect – Nanoscale Biosensor To Pinpoint Neurovascular Damage

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Greenlith – Cost Effective Lithium Recycling

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Bac2Root Health – Sustainable And Biological Defense Against Clubroot

Bac2Root Health – Sustainable And Biological Defense Against Clubroot

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Metalloslayer – Modular, Protein-Based Water Filtration Platform

Metalloslayer – Modular, Protein-Based Water Filtration Platform

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - Collegiate

NanoHeme – Universal Blood Substitute

NanoHeme – Universal Blood Substitute

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - Collegiate

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

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - Collegiate

Bo-Find – detection device for bovine respiratory disease

Bo-Find – detection device for bovine respiratory disease

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - High School

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

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

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - High School

BioCapture – aims to transform carbon emissions into bioplastics

BioCapture – aims to transform carbon emissions into bioplastics

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - High School

BeeWise – a technology enhanced beekeeping program for high school credit

2024 TFC Teams, 2024 TFC Teams - High School

2023 Projects

FabriFuel – a SynBio solution to degrade polyester fabric waste

FabriFuel – a SynBio solution to degrade polyester fabric waste

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

Migraine Mate – an app to capture & analyze data

Migraine Mate – an app to capture & analyze data

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Beginner Level

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

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

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

EcoBottle – develop reverse vending machine model to encourage recycling

EcoBottle – develop reverse vending machine model to encourage recycling

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Beginner Level

Gluessel – Novel treatment of diabetes with intestinal proteins

Gluessel – Novel treatment of diabetes with intestinal proteins

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

GreenEarth – an app to help reduce food waste

GreenEarth – an app to help reduce food waste

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Beginner Level

Tech Trade Trio – an app to help reduce tech waste

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Beginner Level

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

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

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

CholesterLock – A novel modified protein capable of lowering LDL cholesterol

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

Project CRIT – water test kits for Cyanobacteria

Project CRIT – water test kits for Cyanobacteria

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

Club^2 – using biology for early detection of clubroot

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

In the Box – Converting compost to biochar or fuel

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Beginner Level

Beedie Bright – Using technology to monitor local waterways

Beedie Bright – Using technology to monitor local waterways

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

ANAlyze – A rapid test to detect ANAs early

ANAlyze – A rapid test to detect ANAs early

2023 TFC Teams, 2023 TFC Teams - Advanced Level

For a full summary of the 2023 Team Prototype Pitch Showcase event, click here.

2022 Projects

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

2022 TFC Project Teams

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

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

2022 TFC Project Teams

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)

2022 TFC Project Teams

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

2022 TFC Project Teams

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

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

2022 TFC Project Teams

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

2022 TFC Project Teams

FabriFuel – Developing a microbial fuel cell to improve polyester recycling

FabriFuel – Developing a microbial fuel cell to improve polyester recycling

2022 TFC Project Teams

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

2022 TFC Project Teams

EcOxpress – Climate education & sustainable transportation app

EcOxpress – Climate education & sustainable transportation app

2022 TFC Project Teams

Food Flip – Fresh produce exchange app

Food Flip – Fresh produce exchange app

2022 TFC Project Teams

E-Former – Informed consumerism app

E-Former – Informed consumerism app

2022 TFC Project Teams

CCHS SynBio – Cyanotoxin Recognition and Identification Test

CCHS SynBio – Cyanotoxin Recognition and Identification Test

2022 TFC Project Teams

2021 Projects

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

Net zerO Heroes – a sustainable event planning app

Net zerO Heroes – a sustainable event planning app

2021 TFC Project Teams

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

Double A Geniuses – charging electric cars while it is moving

Double A Geniuses – charging electric cars while it is moving

2021 TFC Project Teams

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

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)

2021 TFC Project Teams

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

2021 TFC Project Teams

2020 Projects

MobiSkeleton – a robotic exoskeleton to help children with mobility issues

MobiSkeleton – a robotic exoskeleton to help children with mobility issues

2020 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2020 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2020 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2020 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

Save the Corals – Sensor for a water pollutant, Synbio

Save the Corals – Sensor for a water pollutant, Synbio

2020 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

tPectinACE – Small-scale household composting, SynBio – iGEM

tPectinACE – Small-scale household composting, SynBio – iGEM

2020 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

The pHisherbot Project – Robot for water quality monitoring

The pHisherbot Project – Robot for water quality monitoring

2020 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

2019 Projects

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

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

2019 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2019 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2019 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2019 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

Black Bear – Robot decoy for training protection dogs

Black Bear – Robot decoy for training protection dogs

2019 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2019 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2019 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

APIS – Treatment against parasitic disease in honey bees

APIS – Treatment against parasitic disease in honey bees

2019 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

2013 – 2018 Projects

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

2018 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2018 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2018 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2018 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

Cleaning an Interplanetary Toxin – converting perchlorate into a breathable alternative

Cleaning an Interplanetary Toxin – converting perchlorate into a breathable alternative

2017 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

Astro Plastic – upcycling solid human waste into a usable product

Astro Plastic – upcycling solid human waste into a usable product

2017 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

The RISE System: Recombinant protein Interaction Screening and Enrichment System

The RISE System: Recombinant protein Interaction Screening and Enrichment System

2017 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

Next Vivo – cell-free synthetic biology

Next Vivo – cell-free synthetic biology

2017 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2017 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2017 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2016 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

The Subtilis Defence – protecting astronauts from high energy ionizing radiation

The Subtilis Defence – protecting astronauts from high energy ionizing radiation

2016 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2016 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2016 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2016 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2016 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2015 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

Imagine – using protein motifs to generate colours after silver staining

Imagine – using protein motifs to generate colours after silver staining

2015 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

Biofilms and BEEyond – tackling biofilms and colony collapse disorder

Biofilms and BEEyond – tackling biofilms and colony collapse disorder

2015 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

ECOS – detecting crude oil contamination one bead at a time

ECOS – detecting crude oil contamination one bead at a time

2015 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2014 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

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

2014 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

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

2014 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

B.s. Detector – a multiplexed diagnostic device

B.s. Detector – a multiplexed diagnostic device

2014 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

Hormone Detector – developing a method of detecting hormones

Hormone Detector – developing a method of detecting hormones

2013 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)

FREDsense – building better biosensors

FREDsense – building better biosensors

2013 TFC Teams (formerly geekStarter)