Connected Minds, a $318.4-million research program led by York University in partnership with Queen's University, has awarded its first round of Team Grants to researchers advancing technology to build a healthier, more just society.
Five interdisciplinary teams have each been awarded up to $1.5 million, funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, to shape the future of Canadian society with diverse projects that pursue ethical digital engagement, personalized neurological care, Indigenous language revitalization and more.
"These inaugural projects span a remarkable range of inquiry. They reflect the power of bringing diverse disciplines and communities together to co-create technologies that are not only innovative, but also equitable and responsible to the real world," says Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation at York U.
Asif notes the funded projects represent the spirit of Connected Minds and the future of Canadian research by being interdisciplinary, collaborative and rooted in social impact.
"These aren't just research projects; they are bold, interdisciplinary experiments in how we build technology with people, not just for them," says Pina D'Agostino, scientific director of Connected Minds and associate vice-president research at York. "The teams are tackling foundational questions about justice, inclusion and innovation and are doing so with the collaborative spirit that defines our program. We're immensely proud to support their work and see them lead the way forward in a socially responsible way."
The project and the Team Grants represent a special moment, adds D'Agostino. "This is a thrilling milestone for Connected Minds," she says.
Here's a closer look at the five inaugural Team Grant projects.
When People Talk, Listen Completely
Shital Desai, an assistant professor in interaction design at the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) and a Tier II York Research Chair, co-leads this project with Claire Davies from Queen's University.
This project addresses low employment rates among Canadians with speech impairments by co-developing technologies, policies and educational supports that reduce stigma and promote inclusive workplaces. Guided by the Accessible Canada Act, it brings together individuals with lived experience, employers, researchers and community partners to ensure practical, user-driven solutions.
An initial workshop with diverse stakeholders surfaced key priorities such as inclusive workplace design, ethical AI and community engagement. These now guide interdisciplinary research teams focused on workplace accommodations, AI communication tools, education and clinical supports.
With continued input from industry, non-profits and equity advisors, the project is producing accessible resources - including workplace guidelines and educational materials - to improve employment outcomes and foster greater acceptance.
Creative Collectivities: Rehearsing Equitable Futures through Participatory Technologies
Principal investigator Laura Levin, an associate professor of theatre and performance studies in AMPD, and Michael Wheeler of Queen's University guide a team exploring how participatory technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and immersive theatre reshape collective behaviour and social connection.
By integrating theatre with neuroscience and technology, this project creates a unique setting to study group dynamics and imagine more inclusive, democratic ways of coming together.
The collaboration unites five equity-focused theatre companies, neuroscientists, engineers, computer scientists and community groups representing Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized and disabled communities. Their joint work ensures that marginalized voices influence both research and creative processes, fostering technologies and performances that challenge social inequalities.
With strong partnerships across academic, industry and global research centres, the project also focuses on mentoring students and early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds. Together, they advance innovative practices for equitable participation in digital and social spaces.
Development and Validation of a Technologically Advanced, Clinically Effective, Socio-Ethically Responsible Wearable EEG System for Personalized Epilepsy Management
Led by Hossein Kassiri, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at the Lassonde School of Engineering, and co-led by Gavin Winston of Queen's University, this project is developing a smart, wearable EEG (electroencephalogram) device to enable real-time epilepsy management at home. Designed to overcome limitations of current tools, the system prioritizes clinical accuracy, comfort and social responsibility.
Bringing together experts in engineering, medicine, ethics and social science, the team is creating a user-friendly system with pain-free electrodes, AI-powered chips and custom-fitted caps. Co-creation workshops with people with epilepsy, caregivers and partners like Epilepsy Toronto ensure the device reflects real user needs.
The project also addresses key ethical and legal questions around brain data and long-term monitoring, ensuring innovation aligns with patient rights and equity. Supported by the Ontario Brain Institute, the team is exploring commercialization while shaping conversations around the future of health tech.
The Biskaabiiyaang Indigenous Metaverse: Creating an ethical and responsible virtual environment driven by Indigenous communities and community needs
Led by Maya Chacaby, an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Social Studies at Glendon College, and Rebecca Caines, an assistant professor and program coordinator in creative technologies at York's Markham Campus, the project builds an Indigenous-governed Virtual Learning Environment rooted in Anishinaabe teachings and Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP) principles.
The Biskaabiiyaang Indigenous Metaverse reclaims digital space through Indigenous futurism, blending Anishinaabe knowledge with immersive technology to promote cultural resurgence, language revitalization and healing.
Participants engage in story-driven quests that preserve cultural narratives, co-created with partners like the Nokiiwin Tribal Council and UniVirtual. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology and community-based methods, the project explores how immersive cultural experiences shape memory, learning and connection.
By centring Indigenous governance and challenging colonial frameworks, Biskaabiiyaang offers a model for ethical, inclusive technologies that advance digital sovereignty and collective empowerment.
Co-creating Intelligent Neuro-Technologies for Healthy Aging (CINTHeA)
Led by James Elder, professor at Lassonde and York Research Chair in Human and Computer Vision, and Vincent DePaul of Queen's University, CINTHeA brings together experts in neuroscience, engineering, social science and elder care to co-create intelligent technologies that support healthy aging.
The project centres the lived experiences of older adults, working with them, their families and caregivers to design technologies that promote mobility, cognitive function and social connection. Through this collaborative approach, the team is developing lab-grade mobile assessments and socially assistive robots that offer personalized support while preserving independence and agency.
CINTHeA also integrates neuroscience research to identify biomarkers of aging and cognitive health, paired with AI systems for real-time monitoring and early intervention. Partners such as Baycrest, Oasis and CrossWing contribute to a robust ecosystem for translating research into meaningful, community-centred innovations.
By combining co-creation with advanced neurotechnology, CINTHeA aims to improve quality of life for older adults and reshape the future of aging with dignity, autonomy and inclusion.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter
