At Waterloo, we want you to become a problem solver and use technology to change the world.
The programs and opportunities that we offer on and off campus are ways that we help you get there.
Ideas start here | Velocity | Enterprise co-op
Ideas start here
Do you have a brilliant new idea that you're looking to develop? We offer the resources and support that you need to turn it into a reality.
Become a part of a community that values technology and innovation and get access to:
- Professional support - We connect you with industry professionals to help you understand the world of business, marketing, policy, law and more.
- Mentorship and guidance - Learn from current students and graduates who have gone through the creative process of developing a start up.
- Space and equipment - We provide you with the real-estate and tools to grow your products, services, companies, and/or ideas.
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Ownership - Waterloo's unique intellectual property (IP) policy allows you to own everything that you create.
Velocity
Velocity offers programs for all students, researchers and faculty at the University of Waterloo, regardless of experience level. Velocity can help you at all stages of your founder journey. Gain access to connections, practical and authentic business expertise, a deeply supportive network, space to build a team and develop products, and events to inspire and motivate you.
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Cornerstone is the culmination of the student entrepreneurial process. Test your business ideas by finding and speaking directly with customers. Validate your business plan and gain firsthand knowledge of your target market while joining a network of founders to share knowledge and resources.
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Up Startis for Waterloo students and recent graduates who want to transform their work into real-world commercial ventures. Whether you are working on a graduate degree or capstone project, we want to accelerate your success and help you make an impact on the world.
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Velocity Pitch Competition offers the opportunity for University of Waterloo student-led teams with innovative solutions and high-potential business ideas to showcase their hard work and compete for grant funding. Participants receive valuable feedback, pitching experience, and idea validation from a network of experienced entrepreneurs and Velocity coaches.
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Velocity Incubator is Canada’s most successful incubator and since 2008 has launched more than 400 companies, cumulatively creating $26 billion USD in enterprise value. Velocity works with founders to build extraordinary companies that scale and last by transforming the way businesses are built by rallying resources, building community and breaking down barriers for founders to bring to market solutions that address cross-disciplinary challenges.
The Enterprise Co-op program
Want to work as your own boss? Take advantage of our Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program. Managed by the Conrad Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Center, Waterloo allows co-op students to use their work term to create and oversee their own business.
- Access workshops, seminars, and presentations from successful entrepreneurs.
- Receive support from full-time, professional staff.
- Grow your ideas using space in the Communitech Hub, located in Downtown Kitchener next to companies like Google and D2L.
Visit the program page for information on deadlines, important dates, additional details, and how to apply.
