IM/DD and Coherent Optical Fiber Transmission Systems: Challenges and Opportunities
by David Plant, McGill University, Canada.
Cells, paper and electrodes: building smart paper chips for bioanalysis
by Raphaël Trouillon, Polytechnique Montréal, Canada.
How to fund your innovation projects with Prompt
by Antoine Auger, directeur principal – Développement des affaires, Prompt, Canada.
Blockchain for Internet of Things: Opportunities and Challenges
by Zeljko Zilic, Université McGill, Canada.
Title: IM/DD and Coherent Optical Fiber Transmission Systems: Challenges and Opportunities
Speaker: David Plant, McGill University, Canada.
— Abstract — The insatiable growth of datacenter traffic mandates increasing the capacity of cost-effective transceiver technologies to meet the foreseen demand. Competing configurations include IM/DD and coherent transceiver architectures. In this presentation we will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with these two options including such topics as: wavelength, reach modulation format, modulator technology, and power consumption.
— Bio — David V. Plant has been a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, since 1993 where he currently holds a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Optical Fiber Communications Systems. He received his Ph.D. from Brown University, and he was at UCLA as a Post-Doc before joining McGill University. He was a Killam Research Fellow and Received the IEEE Photonics Society Engineering Achievement Award. He is a fellow of Optica, EIC, CAE, IEEE, and the RSC.
Title: Cells, paper and electrodes: building smart paper chips for bioanalysis
Speaker: Raphaël Trouillon, Polytechnique Montréal, Canada.
— Abstract — The chemistry of living systems is notoriously complex, but yet critical to our understanding to the mechanisms of biology and pathology. New, user-friendly and quantitative chemical methods for bioanalysis are therefore needed. In this context, paper appears as a promising material. This substrate is already used in biosystems, and recent advances in printed electronics, conducting polymers, etc. pave the way towards more sophisticated, smart paper biochips. In this talk, I will present our recent work on paper electrochemical sensors for biomolecules (e.g. neurotransmitters). Different designs will be presented, with a focus on improving the quality of the electrochemical measurements. Furthermore, cells were cultured on these paper chips, and their chemistry (here the secretion of dopamine) was studied, as well as the impact of different drugs. Overall, these results support the use of paper for biochips combining cell culture, sample handling and analysis in an affordable, user-friendly package, while providing access to hard to obtain quantitative data.
— Bio — Raphaël Trouillon is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique (France) and holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Imperial College London. After research positions at the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), EPFL (Switzerland) and CEA (France), he joined Polytechnique Montréal in January 2021, as an assistant professor. He is an Editor of the publication Measurement (Elsevier) and has published 44 articles in peer-reviewed journals (H-index 24). His research interests focus on the biological applications of electroanalysis and the development of analytical biochips.
Title: How to fund your innovation projects with Prompt
Speaker: Antoine Auger, directeur principal – Développement des affaires, Prompt, Canada.
— Abstract — Based in Montreal, PROMPT is an industrial research cluster (RSRI – Regroupement sectoriel en recherche industrielle) specializing in the new technologies and information technologies sector. Through the implementation of support and funding programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, e-health, digital technologies, and many others, PROMPT, as a trustee of the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, promotes collaborative research between entrepreneurial and research worlds. During this presentation, Antoine Auger, Senior Director of Business Development at Prompt, will present the available funding programs and how Prompt can connect researchers with potential industry partners to propel innovation projects.
— Bio — Antoine Auger is a seasoned marketing and business development professional with extensive sales and international experience. His skills in high-level project management and market research have been developed through his experience in sales and international business. Antoine is recognized for his ability to bridge the technical aspects of a project with business opportunities and provide strategic marketing and sales services that contribute to the growth of the company. As the Senior Director of Business Development at Prompt, he works closely with the leadership team to develop effective strategies that ensure the success of the organization.
Title: Blockchain for Internet of Things: Opportunities and Challenges
Speaker: Zeljko Zilic, Université McGill, Canada.
— Abstract — In this talk, we review the issues in using blockchain for Internet of Things (IoT) and their applications. After reviewing the topics in trust and security, we outline our proposals for providing secure access between IoT devices and the blockchain, as well as the mechanisms for providing scalable, 2-level provisioned blockchain installations.
