In early October, graduate students from Ontario Tech University came together for a three-day idea-creation event to tackle one of Canada’s most pressing challenges: innovation in clean energy. The Exploring Fusion Energy for Canada’s Future Ideathon was sponsored by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and co-hosted by Ontario Tech’s Brilliant Catalyst technological learning hub, the university’s School of Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies, as well as Ontario Tech’s Student Enrichment program.

Held in the university’s Energy Research Centre, participants engaged in cutting-edge nuclear innovation, with a focus on the transformative potential of fusion energy. Fusion energy generates electricity using heat from nuclear fusion reactors. Students were encouraged to think big and develop real-world solutions that could reshape Canada’s energy landscape.

“It was an incredible experience to see these bright minds collectively generate innovative ideas for Canada’s energy future,” said Leen Jaber, Program Officer, Brilliant Catalyst, adding, “the Ideathon also serves as a valuable professional development platform, connecting students with industry leaders and experts in the energy sector.”

Building the future, one idea at a time

The Ideathon challenged students to develop projects as they worked closely with experts and mentors to design real-world solutions for advancing fusion energy. Scientists and researchers from Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Stellerax Inc. supported the students as they worked on their ideas.

After an opening presentation on the energy challenges facing Canada and possible fusion energy solutions, participants dove into a Day 1 workshop led by CNL scientists on fusion energy concepts. Day 2 featured brainstorming workshops, enabling students to fine-tune their ideas with support from virtual mentors.

The last day featured final presentations to a panel of judges and an awards ceremony. Three standout teams were awarded for their innovative solutions:

• First place: NovaSim Technologies and their simulated twin of a fusion reactor. This project demonstrated the potential for the advanced modelling and predictive maintenance of complex energy systems.
  • Team members:
    • Sergio Majluf Suarez, Faculty of Science
    • Kevin Farlie, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS)
    • Suhail Nassar, Faculty of Business and Information Technology (FBIT)
    • Ore Ajayi, FEAS

• Second place: Leveraging Canada’s Unique Advantage in Fusion Fuel Production Through Energy Industry Symbiosis. This solution highlighted Canada’s potential to become a leader in fusion fuel production by integrating resources across the energy sector.
  • Team members:
    • Natalie Liu, FBIT
    • Mercy Nandutu, FEAS
    • Sarah Watt, FEAS
    • Quinn Eng, FEAS

• Third place: Fusion Energy-Based Multigeneration System. This idea presented an ambitious plan for a sustainable energy system that generates multiple outputs powered by fusion energy.
  • Team members:
    • Mehmet Gursoy, FEAS
    • Sibel Uygun Batgi, FEAS
    • Tanjima Hossain, FEAS

All students received a $100 honorarium for participating in the Ideathon and additional cash prizes went to the top three teams. In addition, the top teams received invitations to a five-day immersive experience at CNL’s Chalk River, Ontario facilities, where they will continue refining their ideas and exploring further innovation opportunities.

• Learn more: Visit the Ontario Tech Brilliant Catalyst website for more information on how to get involved in future Ideathons.

Quotes

“As a PhD candidate in Materials Science, I found the Ideathon to be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about nuclear fusion energy, and I had the pleasure and privilege to work with brilliant minds to try to solve a problem. Being able to collaborate with industry experts, students from different programs, and judges who share a passion for sustainable energy solutions was truly inspiring. If an immigrant like me can come all the way from Peru, with a love for science, and a duty to create a better world, then I truly believe anyone can and should be able to make a difference.”
- Sergio Majluf Suarez, PhD candidate in Materials Science, Ontario Tech University

“My curiosity made me sign up for this Ideathon. It was the best decision because I left with so much knowledge about fusion and all the exciting research areas I can explore in future.”
- Mercy Nandutu, MSc Nuclear Engineering Student, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University