Innovation + Impact
TMU aligns innovative research with the needs of industry, institutions and communities, from incubating entrepreneurial projects and startups to publishing groundbreaking findings.
108
New invention disclosures
Idea to Innovation
Michael Kolios (Physics) received an I2I grant to support the development of a handheld scanner capable of assessing the quality of blood stored in blood bags using photoacoustic technology. This easy-to-use device would help to reduce blood waste, which is critical to saving lives.
Amirnaser Yazdani (Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering) received an I2I grant to take the next step in developing a novel power converter for solar photovoltaic generation and storage. This device is designed to optimize power conversion efficiency and aid the integration of generation and storage through a single stage rather than multiple stages.
Digital Twins
TMU is a leader in interdisciplinary digital twin research, building virtual models of real-world systems. Our researchers are leading the development and implementation of digital twin technologies to generate new insights and address challenges including climate change and sustainability, transportation and mobility, energy performance, and cybersecurity.
In April 2025, TMU entered into an agreement with Infrastructure Ontario as a Digital Twin Data Governance and Standards Architect. Jenn McArthur (Architectural Science) and Pamela Robinson (Urban and Regional Planning) will provide ongoing strategic guidance on the development of Ontario’s future Digital Twin ecosystem.
Photo: IBM
Quantum Computing
As the federal government implements its National Quantum Strategy, TMU is building research capacity in areas where quantum innovation intersects with the university’s strengths. These include Future Cities, Health Sciences, Aerospace, Migration and Integration, and the Future of Work.
This year, TMU researchers secured new sources of funding to grow quantum-related SRC activity. Sharareh Taghipour (Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering) received an NSERC Alliance Quantum grant to investigate the applications of quantum computing for on-demand public transit, drone delivery planning and the maintenance of transportation fleets.
Toronto Metropolitan University Zone Learning
220
Full-time jobs created
73
New products and services brought to market
1,085
Zone events
249
Clients in the digital technology and gaming sector
$15,435,710
Total funds raised
as reported by incubator members
$36,698,207
Total revenue generated
as reported by incubator members
Zone Highlights
Yusuf Abderrahman, a graduate of the Biomedical Engineering program and member of the Innovation Boost Zone, founded Stock Shock, an investment literacy board game and web-based application designed to make financial education fun and accessible for students aged 12+.
Marium Ashraf, a Software Engineering student, participated in the Experience Ventures program hosted by Zone Learning and completed a placement as an Operations and AI Engineer Intern with Lyrata, a cleantech startup that’s part of the Brampton Venture Zone.
Adil Hossain, a master’s graduate of the Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship program and member of the Innovation Boost Zone, founded Nabik Automations, a marine technology company developing AI-powered robotic systems for underwater inspection and cleaning.
Through conferences and symposiums, TMU researchers engage broad audiences to share the impact of their work on their fields and the lives of others.
Jennifer Martin (Child and Youth Care) received a Connection grant supporting her research into combating child sex trafficking and online child sexual exploitation, including a second symposium building on last year’s event. This research develops trauma-informed, survivor-centred strategies to prevent, respond and protect.
Sarah Heatlie and Tabhata Lazzara, both undergraduate students in the Department of Nursing, created, developed and hosted an international student conference for the Registered Nurses of Ontario. The Academic Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) Conference shared knowledge regarding leadership and best practices, patient-centred care models, and cultural safety in a global context.
Zhixi Cecilia Zhuang (Urban and Regional Planning) hosted the 16th Annual Conference of the Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies (CARFMS) at TMU, with Connection grant support. Attendees gathered for the four-day conference, sharing knowledge and building community around the theme of “Canadian, Regional, and International Responses to Forced Migration.”
Photo: Alyssa K. Faoro
1,753
Academic publications*
53,376
Citations of TMU researchers by other scholars
*Note: Academic publications include journal articles, conference papers and book reviews. Totals fluctuate as information is made available.
Source: Web of Science, Thompson Reuters as of January 15, 2026.