Friday, May 29, 2026

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• University of Waterloo alumni and research influence highlighted in BetaKit’s Most Ambitious 2026 list
• New Schlegel Research Chair in mobility and aging
• What helps a space feel like it’s truly for you? 

University of Waterloo alumni and research influence highlighted in BetaKit’s Most Ambitious 2026 list

This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

The University of Waterloo’s impact on Canada’s innovation ecosystem spanning startups, research and emerging sovereign industries is once again reflected in BetaKit’s annual Most Ambitious list. Released during Toronto Tech Week, this year’s edition recognizes nearly 100 individuals and organizations working to shape the country’s technological future.

Waterloo connections to the list span alumni founders, faculty researchers, senior executives and companies tied to the University’s entrepreneurial and research ecosystem. Together, they highlight Waterloo’s continued strength in deep technology, engineering talent and cross-sector innovation.

Among the connections include Tailscale co-founders Avery Pennarun (BASc ’01) and David Carney (BASc ’01) whose work in secure networking reflects the University’s long-standing expertise in systems and infrastructure. In community-building, Jesse Rodgers (BA ’01), founder of Builders Club, is recognized for supporting founders and early-stage startups in the Kitchener-Waterloo region and Tommy Trinh (BAFM ’22), co-founder of New Systems, is noted for building a media company focused on bottom-up thinking.

Waterloo’s research excellence is also highlighted. Dr. Marc Aucoin (BASc ’00, MASc ’03), Professor of chemical engineering, is advancing biomanufacturing and biologics critical to Canada’s life sciences capacity. Dr. Gilles Brassard, a pioneering figure with ties to the Cheriton School of Computer Science and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), continues to shape the foundations of quantum cryptography.

Speaking of quantum innovation, a key Canadian technology advantage, Stephanie Simmons (BMath ’08), founder and Chief Quantum Officer of Photonic, is helping lead Canada’s quantum computing ambitions. At Xanadu, Nathan Killoran (PhD ’12,) serves as Senior Vice President of Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing Software. Xanadu operates in close collaboration with IQC, reinforcing Waterloo’s role as a global hub for quantum research and commercialization.

In the area of food security and agriculture, Waterloo alumni are contributing in multiple ways. At BinSentry, Nathan Hoel (BCS ’08), co-founder and CTO, applies automation and data to agriculture alongside Ben Willard (BSE ’10), Vice President of Software. At Elevate Farms, Kevin Epp (BASc ’96) serves as COO, advancing controlled-environment agriculture. Upside Robotics further illustrates Waterloo’s depth in agri-tech, with Sam Dugan (BASc ’22) as co-founder, supported by team members including Shadi Zaki (MEng ’20) and Chloe Dugan (BASc ’23). At Vive Crop Protection, Megan Wheeler (BA ’06) leads stakeholder relations and strategic initiatives, demonstrating the breadth of Waterloo graduates’ roles across innovation.

The BetaKit list also features Waterloo’s influence in defence, aerospace and sovereign technology. Waterloo connections include Mike Greenley (BSc ’90, MSc ’97), CEO of MDA Space; Paul Ziade (BASc ’08, MEng ’13), CEO of North Vector Dynamics; and Adam Gryfe (MBET ’11), COO of Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation. Additional Waterloo connections include Mike Bessuille (BASc ’94), CTO of H2 Analytics; Margaret Wu (BSc ’07; BES ’07), board member at Dominion Dynamics; Wendy Kei (BMath ’91), board member at General Fusion; Rob Lorbetskie (BA ’00), CFO and Brendan Sterne (BMath ’00), Chief Product Officer at Vention; Dominic Lau (BAFM ’19), investor in both Canada Rocket Company and North Vector Dynamics. Collectively, these alumni leaders highlight Waterloo’s role in advancing critical infrastructure and sovereign capabilities.

Many additional companies on the list maintain strong ties to Waterloo through co-op hiring and talent pipelines, further extending the institution’s influence across Canada’s innovation landscape.

Spanning sectors such as food security, defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and quantum computing, this year’s Most Ambitious cohort reflects a broad and rapidly evolving ecosystem. Within it, Waterloo stands out for its contributions to technically complex, research-intensive fields.

As Canada continues to layout its innovation priorities, the University of Waterloo remains deeply connected to the people, ideas and organizations shaping the country’s future. Through its alumni, researchers and partnerships, Waterloo continues to play a defining role in advancing some of the nation’s most ambitious work.

New Schlegel Research Chair in Mobility and Aging

This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

Dr. Andrew Laing, Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, has been appointed Schlegel Research Chair in Mobility and Aging for a five-year term starting July 1, 2026.

An expert in musculoskeletal biomechanics, Laing’s research explores age-related changes in balance and mobility, and effective injury prevention. A key focus of this research is fall-related tissue trauma, including hip fractures, concussion and traumatic brain injuries, as well as balance or mobility issues that could increase the risk of fall-related injuries. 

His goal is simple: to help older adults stay independent and move safely, without injuries, for as long as possible. 

“I feel honoured and excited to lead innovative and impactful research through this Schlegel Research Chair in Mobility and Aging position,” Laing said. "I look forward to working with older adults, care providers, family members, government decision makers and industry to engage in meaningful research that improves the health and independence of older adults and their caregivers.”

Laing has been involved with the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) as a research scientist for more than a decade. This new appointment supports the expansion of his research in balance, mobility and fall prevention.

Dr. Lili Liu, Faculty of Health Dean at the University of Waterloo, said, “This appointment recognizes Dr. Laing’s significant expertise in fall prevention, which is critical as Canada’s population ages. We look forward to the research that is possible with strengthened collaboration between the University of Waterloo and the RIA.”

Read more about Dr. Lang's research.

What helps a space feel like it’s truly for you?

Program design, timing, and accessibility all play a role in shaping how comfortable people feel showing up and participating in spaces intended for them.

Athletics and Recreation is developing an Inclusion Statement to guide how their programs and spaces continue to evolve, and they’re looking for student input.

Students are invited to join a focus group to review and help shape the statement. Sessions are approximately one hour, offered online or in person, and compensation will be provided.

No experience needed, just your perspective.

Register on the EDI-R website.