Jay Gerbrandt
Jay Gerbrandt
Chief Science Officer, A.S • Exec Director, SROC
(23)
5
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rapidte.st, by Abundant.Science
Rapidte.st, by Abundant.Science
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Veterinary Rapid Test Market Entry: CFIA Regulatory Strategy for Canadian Expansion

Project Overview Canada's veterinary diagnostics market represents a  $268 million opportunity growing at 9% annually  - the fastest-growing segment in Canadian animal healthcare. Despite this growth, regulatory barriers have limited the availability of  veterinary rapid tests , creating significant market gaps for point-of-care diagnostics. We have identified a partnership opportunity with an established international manufacturer that produces over 25  veterinary rapid diagnostic tests  for both companion animals and livestock. These rapid tests are successfully marketed globally but have never been submitted for Canadian regulatory approval. This project will develop a comprehensive market entry strategy and regulatory roadmap to bring these proven  veterinary rapid tests  to the Canadian market through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) approval process. The Challenge The Canadian veterinary diagnostics landscape is fundamentally different from human medical devices. While Abundant Science has deep expertise in Health Canada's regulatory framework for rapid tests,  veterinary rapid tests are regulated by CFIA as "veterinary biologics"  under completely different legislation and requirements. Our manufacturing partner has expressed strong interest in the Canadian market but lacks familiarity with CFIA processes for rapid test approval. We need a comprehensive regulatory strategy that identifies: Which rapid test products have the highest market potential in Canada Specific CFIA approval requirements and timelines for each product category Investment requirements and revenue projections for market entry Optimal sequencing of product submissions to maximize success Learning Objectives Students will gain hands-on experience in: International regulatory affairs  and market entry strategy Primary research methods  including stakeholder interviews and market analysis Business case development  with financial modeling and risk assessment Strategic consulting  for biotechnology companies Cross-border partnership  structuring and execution Ideal Candidate Profile We're seeking students with: Academic Background:  Business, Life Sciences, Regulatory Affairs, or related fields (3rd/4th year preferred) Research Skills:  Strong analytical capabilities and experience with primary research methods Communication:  Excellent written and verbal communication skills Interest Areas:  Biotechnology, international business, regulatory affairs, or animal health Technical Aptitude:  Comfortable working with regulatory documentation and market data Mentorship & Support Jay Gerbrandt, Chief Science Officer  will provide comprehensive mentorship including: Project kickoff session with strategic context and industry insights (2 hours) Bi-weekly progress reviews and guidance sessions (4 × 1 hour) Access to industry contacts including regulatory consultants and veterinarians Final presentation feedback and career development discussion (2 hours) Resources Provided Access to premium market research databases and industry reports Introduction to 3-5 regulatory consultants for expert interviews Connection to Canadian Animal Health Institute for market data Templates for regulatory documentation and financial modeling Abundant Science's existing Health Canada regulatory expertise as reference Industry Impact & Career Development This project offers exceptional exposure to the rapidly growing animal health industry while developing critical skills in regulatory affairs and international business development. Students will work directly with company executives on a real market entry strategy that could result in bringing life-saving  veterinary rapid tests  to Canadian animals. The regulatory affairs and biotechnology sectors offer excellent career prospects, with growing demand for professionals who understand both rapid diagnostic innovation and regulatory compliance. This project provides practical experience that directly translates to opportunities in pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies.

Matches 1
Category Market research + 4
Open
Rapidte.st, by Abundant.Science
Rapidte.st, by Abundant.Science
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Containerized Rapid Diagnostic Test Manufacturing System Prototype

Development of an all-in-one, containerized rapid diagnostic test manufacturing system combining ISO 13485 clean room facilities with end-to-end production capabilities using modified inkjet technology. This globally deployable system enables decentralized, on-demand production of diagnostic tests, reducing supply chain vulnerabilities while maintaining consistent quality standards. The containerized format allows rapid deployment in diverse settings from urban centers to remote communities worldwide. Design an integrated manufacturing system within a standardized shipping container format Develop end-to-end production workflow from raw materials to packaged tests Create modular reagent deposition technology adaptable to multiple test types Establish scalable quality control protocols for global regulatory compliance Optimize for minimal footprint and maximum production efficiency

Matches 2
Category Engineering project management + 4
Open
Rapidte.st, by Abundant.Science
Rapidte.st, by Abundant.Science
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

SecureHealth: Building a Privacy-First Healthcare Data Platform

Project Overview Organization:  Abundant Science Project Focus:  Secure Platform Development & Healthcare Data Protection Timeline:  June 19 - August 14, 2025 (39 hours) Industry:  Healthcare Technology / Privacy-Preserving Systems Current Stage:  Concept to MVP Development The Opportunity SecureHealth exists today as a compelling concept and a revolutionary idea—but we need your help to transform it into a fully functional platform. We're building the world's first healthcare data system that guarantees absolute patient privacy while enabling unrestricted medical research through our novel "Triple-Ratchet" encryption protocol. What we have:  A clear vision, initial design concepts, and a static website showcasing the potential What we need:  A team to help us build the actual platform with security-first architecture from day one Project Mission: From Concept to Platform This isn't just a security analysis project—it's an opportunity to co-build a revolutionary healthcare technology platform from the ground up. You'll help transform SecureHealth from drawings and concepts into a working system that could reshape how medical data is shared globally. Current State & Challenge Where we are: Conceptual design for Triple-Ratchet encryption system Static marketing website (SecureHealth.tech) Technical specifications for privacy-preserving healthcare data flows Regulatory compliance research for PIPEDA, HIPAA, and GDPR Where we want to be: Functional minimum viable platform (MVP) with core encryption capabilities Working patient data control interface Secure API for healthcare provider integration Anonymous research data access portal Comprehensive security testing and validation The Challenge:  Building a platform that handles the world's most sensitive data requires security expertise embedded in every architectural decision from day one—not bolted on afterward. Technical Stack & Learning Opportunities Technologies You'll Work With: Cryptography:  Signal Protocol, Zero-Knowledge Proofs, Homomorphic Encryption Backend:  Secure API development, Database encryption, Key management Frontend:  Privacy-focused user interface design, Secure authentication flows Infrastructure:  Container security, Cloud security architecture, DevSecOps Compliance:  Privacy engineering, Regulatory technology implementation Skills You'll Develop: Privacy-preserving system architecture Healthcare data security standards (HIPAA/PIPEDA/GDPR) Cryptographic protocol implementation Secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) Real-world startup technology development Project Timeline: Building in Sprints Sprint 1 (Week 1-2): Foundation Core encryption engine development Basic user authentication system Database schema and security design Development environment setup Sprint 2 (Week 3-4): Patient Platform Patient dashboard development Data upload and encryption workflows Permission management interface Basic access controls implementation Sprint 3 (Week 5-6): Provider Integration Healthcare provider API development Secure data sharing mechanisms Compliance reporting tools Integration testing and validation Sprint 4 (Week 7-8): Research Portal & Polish Anonymous research data access system Security testing and penetration testing Performance optimization Documentation and handoff preparation Why This Matters for Your Portfolio This isn't just another class project—you'll be building technology that could transform healthcare privacy globally. Your work will: Create real intellectual property  that could become part of a commercial platform Solve an urgent real-world problem  affecting millions of patients Demonstrate cutting-edge security skills  to future employers Provide concrete examples  of privacy-preserving system development Show enterprise-level compliance expertise  in healthcare technology Our Commitment to Your Success Single Point of Contact:  Jay Gerbrandt, Co-Founder/Chief Science Officer Weekly Development Reviews:  2-hour weekly sprint planning and review sessions Rapid Feedback:  All code reviews and decisions within 4 hours during business days Resource Provision:  Full access to GitHub development environment, testing tools, and regulatory guidance Professional References:  LinkedIn recommendations and professional references for outstanding contributors From Idea to Impact SecureHealth has the potential to solve one of healthcare's biggest challenges: the privacy-innovation paradox. With your help, we can transform this concept into a working platform that protects patient privacy while accelerating medical breakthroughs. You won't just be analyzing security—you'll be building the future of healthcare data. Ready to Build? Upon project selection, you'll receive: Complete Github-Discord development environment access Technical specification documents and architecture plans Direct collaboration tools and communication channels Healthcare industry mentorship and regulatory guidance  Let's build something that matters together!

Matches 0
Category Cloud technologies + 2
Open
SquirrelRidge.org 🐿️
SquirrelRidge.org 🐿️
Barrie, Ontario, Canada

OMOD Indigenous - Your Language, Your Code, Your Legacy

Join the mission to digitally preserve Indigenous languages through OMOD (Orthographic Mapping Ondemand Datasystem) - a cutting-edge platform that maps how written characters become spoken sounds. OMOD already supports Vietnamese, Tamil, and Arabic, but we're expanding to include Indigenous languages with priority given to students working on their own mother tongues or community languages. You'll follow OMOD's proven methodology to create comprehensive orthographic-phonetic mappings that capture the unique sounds and writing systems of Indigenous languages while respecting community protocols and Indigenous data sovereignty. This isn't just data entry - you're contributing to language revitalization by creating tools that help communities, educators, and learners understand exactly how traditional writing systems encode pronunciation. Working with syllabics, contemporary orthographies, and everything in between, you'll document context-sensitive pronunciations and create detailed datasets that integrate seamlessly with OMOD's established framework. Your work becomes part of a growing open-source linguistic resource that supports language continuity, education, and research while ensuring community ownership of linguistic heritage.

Matches 1
Category Communications + 4
Open