Participation in Capstone Design Projects synthesizes theory learned in class, lab work, and real-world experience from co-op programs. Students are able to create design projects in areas that interest them. Capstone Design projects often lead to the creation of a marketable product and entrepreneurial opportunities for the graduating students.
Students own the ideas and devices they create for the design competition and there are several pitch competitions that follow the Capstone Design Event which act as a platform for students to compete for funding to commercialize their devices.
Beyond the classroom, Capstone Design Projects have the potential to make a real difference in the world. Some projects were developed in collaboration with industry partners or community organizations. This allows students to address real-life challenges and potentially contribute to positive change in the world.
About Capstone Design
We take the theory learned in the classroom and practical things we've done on coop [work terms], and put it together to develop an idea that's our own. - Alison Lee, 4th year nanotechnology engineering student.
Highlights from 2022 Capstone Design Projects
The winner of the Best Overall Project Bhattacharrya Award was Team 18 for their project, Pads to Purpose: Recycling and Repurposing of Used Menstrual Pads. Read the full story.
When asked about the rewarding aspects of working on their Capstone Design Project, members of Team 18 commented,
"Integrating key chemical engineering concepts with practical lab work proved to be a complex yet rewarding endeavour. Menstrual pads are and will continue to be a large source of plastic waste with untapped potential for innovation. Being able to design a novel and sustainable process that tackles this challenge, while addressing UN Sustainability Development Goals 12, Responsible consumption and production and 13,Climate action was a profound close to our undergraduate engineering degrees, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for this project!”
Team 2 won for their project titled Enhanced Disassembly of Lithium-Ion Batteries. Their project focused on tackling major problems in the lithium-ion battery recycling industry by promoting a circular economy.
“With varying interests including process development, manufacturing, batteries/electrochemistry, and programming, our solution was an accumulation of each of our passions, allowing us to enjoy and take pride in the result of our project. This was an important project to do since it involves stakeholders in a variety of industries, while also being a very prominent issue in a sustainable future.”
Team 21 won for their project on optimized hydroponics for sustainable agriculture. Their goal was to increase overall agricultural sustainability by simultaneously growing soybean and tomato plants in a hydroponic environment.
Team members reflected on their project,
“This project pushed the limits by providing a mechanistic model for two plants grown simultaneously in a hydroponic system - to the best of our knowledge there are no published articles for this approach. We are proud of this novel design. Overall, this experience pulled together so many aspects of our undergraduate career and confirmed that we are ready for the next steps, whether that be further education or joining the workforce.”
Capstone 2024 Photogallery
Team 25 were also winners for their project with industry partner Kinectrics.
Team 14 also won for their project. Their industry partner was Comcor Environmental Limited.
Team 13 with their supervisor Professor Eric Croiset.
A model of sustainable hydrogen refueling stations.
Team 11's project was Sustainable Hydrogen Refueling Stations for Ontario.
Professor Pendar Mahmoudi and Team 12.
Members of Team 16
Team 10 aimed to reduce emissions in sandalwood oil production.
Group 17 and their supervisor Professor Sarah Meunier.
