In 1957, business and community leaders who sought to do something bold, different and impactful, founded the University of Waterloo.
Renowned for co-operative education, entrepreneurial spirit and high-impact research, the University is the economic engine of our regional innovation ecosystem. It plays a key role in Canada’s innovation corridor, which stretches from Waterloo to Toronto, driving economic growth in our community, and across the globe.
In the Waterloo region alone, 72 per cent of businesses at some point employ University of Waterloo co-op students or graduates.
“Waterloo region is gaining momentum across Canada and around the world as a leading entrepreneurial ecosystem. The University of Waterloo is the talent magnet at the centre of this ecosystem; helping to launch new companies and drive the success and growth of the more than 1,000 technology companies headquartered here. From its pioneering roots in delivering co-operative education, to its culture of campus entrepreneurship, the University of Waterloo is Canada’s most innovative university for a reason.”
IAIN KLUGMAN, CEO, Communitech
Facts and figures
- Contributes $1.5 billion to Waterloo region’s GDP (2011).
- Employs 4,000+ people in the Waterloo region.
- Creates 20,000+ jobs across Ontario.
- Generates $1.4 billion in labour income across Ontario.
Did you know?
By attracting global technology brands such as Agfa, Google, OpenText, SAP and the Waterloo Accelerator Centre, the University of Waterloo’s David Johnston Research and Technology Park showcases what is possible when government, university and business are united under a common vision for economic prosperity.
Satellite Campuses
The University of Waterloo has worked with regional and provincial partners to re-use old buildings and open satellite campuses across our region. By preserving heritage architecture and attracting investors, the University strengthens relations with the community and encourages economic prosperity through urban revitalization.
Stratford Campus
“I am proud to be working with the University of Waterloo in maximizing the tremendous potential community, social and economic benefits of the Stratford Campus to the City of Stratford.”
DAN MATHIESON
Mayor, City of Stratford
School of Architecture
“The University of Waterloo School of Architecture in Cambridge has been a real catalyst for rejuvenation and investment in the Galt Downtown core. The school has been a major community partner and we look forward to continuing the relationship as they grow over the coming years.”
GARY DYKE
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Cambridge
Health Sciences Campus and School of Pharmacy
“The University of Waterloo has been a critical partner in the project to build a creative economy in downtown Kitchener. Its downtown campus stimulated over $200 million in private sector investment and has set the stage for the long-term redevelopment of the Innovation District.”
ROD REGIER
Executive Director, Economic Development, City of Kitchener
From the #UWCommunity Blog
Stratford campus is building connections to our community
The University of Waterloo appreciates the remarkable opportunity that the City of Stratford has provided in welcoming us into the community. This is a long-term relationship that will be a core component of Stratford's bright economic future.
Over the past five years, we have lead signature events and programs that we hope have strengthened relationships between the University, the City of Stratford and beyond.
