ASTech’s 2019 Winners – ASTech Awards

Dr. James White received the Outstanding Achievement in Health Innovation award for his work in developing digital health tools that collect and standardize patient-specific cardiovascular data, enabling personalized predictions of heart disease outcomes. Through his company, Cohesic Inc., Dr. White’s cloud-based technology is now used across Canada and globally, helping healthcare providers access detailed diagnostic information to optimize patient care and treatment strategies.

Dr. Fadel Ghannouchi received the ASTech Special Award for his revolutionary digital pre-distortion (DPD) technology, which is now used in over 90% of 3G and 4G base stations worldwide. His work at the University of Calgary’s iRadio Lab has improved the efficiency and data capacity of wireless networks, enabling modern applications like remote healthcare and e-government services. Dr. Ghannouchi is a Professor at the Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Software Engineering.

VizworX Inc. received the Outstanding Achievement In Applied Technology award for its Panoptica technology. This technology allows users to interact with 3D models in 1:1 scale before construction begins, reducing design errors and rework costs. Today, VizworX transforms complex data into interactive visualizations using advanced technologies like AR, VR, AI, and geospatial mapping to enhance decision-making, efficiency, and communication.

Dr. Biao Huang received the Outstanding Achievement in Science & Engineering award for his groundbreaking work in inferential sensing and predictive modeling to enhance process control in oil sands operations. As a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta, Dr. Huang’s technology uses easily measured variables to predict difficult-to-measure variables, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. His innovations are being implemented by major companies, demonstrating significant economic and environmental benefits in the energy sector.

SensorUp received the Outstanding Science and Technology Start-Up award for its cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform that aggregates disparate IoT systems into a unified system of systems. This innovative technology empowers industrial companies, such as the US Department of Homeland Security and NASA JPL, to improve real-time visibility, optimize asset performance, and receive early warnings before risks arise.

Dr. Joo-Hwa (Andrew) Tay received the Outstanding Achievement in Technology award for pioneering research in developing sustainable biotechnological processes for wastewater treatment. His work advanced Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology, a highly efficient and versatile method for treating municipal and industrial wastewater across various sectors. Sadly, Dr. Tay passed away in June 2019, and his grandson, Joel Neo, accepted the award on behalf of his family, honouring Dr. Tay’s impactful contributions to environmental science and wastewater management.

Lyryx Learning received the Outstanding Achievement in Information and Communications Technology award for revolutionizing educational software through personalized online feedback and open content. Lyryx combines instructor expertise with algorithm-based assessments to provide formative guidance that traditional multiple-choice tests lack, enhancing student learning experiences. Lyryx partnered closely with Athabasca University, providing tailored solutions for their distance education needs. Now known as Vretta-Lyryx, after the companies merged in 2023.

Dr. Nader Mahinpey received the Outstanding Achievement in Energy and Environmental Innovation award for his research in carbon capture technologies. As a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, he focuses on developing economically viable methods for capturing and converting CO2 emissions into valuable chemicals and products. His work addresses climate change, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports Alberta’s leadership in sustainable oil recovery and greenhouse gas control technologies.

Martin Kratz was recognized for 30 years of outstanding leadership to the ASTech Awards. He was a Founding member of the Foundation and served on the Board from 1989 to 2019. Martin Kratz, K.C. author, professor and retired technology and intellectual property lawyer. Martin has been internationally recognized as a leading lawyer in fields such as intellectual property law, technology law, privacy, data protection and cyber security.