University of Waterloo: A catalyst for growth

The University of Waterloo is recognized for its rigorous research, entrepreneurial spirit and technological impact. It’s part of a thriving regional ecosystem that has recently been recognized as a leader in North America in the annual Scoring Tech Talent 2025 report released by CBRE.

In the most recent report, Waterloo Region rose 11 places to reach seventh overall in North America for top tech talent, positioning it above Boston, Atlanta and Denver. The Waterloo ecosystem also ranks as the number one small tech talent market, and second overall for tech talent concentration.

An entrepreneurial powerhouse

Waterloo plays an important role in fueling the Region’s growth as a globally recognized epicentre of technology. The University’s flagship incubator, Velocity, has helped launch more than 500 startups, providing mentorship, funding and networks to move ideas from lab to market. Collectively, these companies have surpassed $40 billion in enterprise value.

Its creator-owned intellectual property (IP) policy and the Waterloo Commercialization Office (WatCo) also support this ecosystem to streamline the path from discovery to commercialization through mentorship, patents and licensing support.

Waterloo-founded companies like Intellijoint Surgical Inc. credit Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as being pivotal to their success, allowing them to convert a prototype into a regulated medical device that can improve patient care.

The University has also partnered with the City of Kitchener to establish the Innovation Arena, a 90,000-square-foot facility offering advanced product-development labs, manufacturing equipment, offices and collaboration space. This initiative accelerates commercialization, fast-track delivery of health technologies and drive Canada’s next wave of economic growth.

A critical source for tech talent

The University is also home to the world’s largest research-intensive university co-op program with a network of more than 8,000 employers. Waterloo-founded companies such as Faire and Voltera have chosen to remain in Waterloo Region, leveraging its exceptional talent and resources.

For Faire, Waterloo co-op students are a critical source of high-growth talent, combining academic excellence with practical experience that allows them to contribute meaningfully and succeed early in their careers.

These companies highlight the University of Waterloo’s role as a launchpad for entrepreneurship while reinforcing the Region’s reputation as a thriving hub where startups don’t just begin – they scale and stay.

Together, the University and Waterloo Region are shaping a future where world-changing ideas take root and entrepreneurship flourishes.