News

Biotech company HeadFirst is improving how concussions are screened in contact sports with a simple spit test.

The company was co-founded in 2022 by University of Waterloo alum Andrew Cordssen-David (BSc ’22, MBET ’23) and Dr. Shazia Tanvir, a professor in Waterloo’s chemical engineering department. The HeadFirst device analyzes biomarkers in saliva that indicate brain injury and delivers results in real-time.

University of Waterloo professor Larry Smith marks 45 years of teaching this year, celebrating a career defined by empowering students to think critically and pursue bold, entrepreneurial paths.

Smith, a professor in the Faculty of Engineering’s Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, specializes in forecasting and the economics of innovation. His wildly popular lectures are packed to the brim with generations of students and alumni from across campus.

A respected teacher and mentor is being remembered for his profound impact on generations of Waterloo students and founders.

Dr. Wayne Chang, associate professor at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business and coordinator of the Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program, passed away on October 30, 2025. Known for his optimism, creativity and compassion, Chang fostered a culture of collaboration and confidence that continues to shape the Faculty.

Dr. Larry Smith, a professor from Waterloo Engineering’s Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, is known by students and alumni alike for his legendary classes on economics, innovation and entrepreneurship.  

In an exchange with BetaKit, a Canadian tech publication, Smith shared his views on thoughtful ambition, Canada’s potential for greatness and student fashion.

University of Waterloo spin-off company CELLECT. is revolutionizing women’s health with a non-invasive disease screening method. This user-friendly alternative to Pap smears integrates nanotechnology with menstrual products to detect HPV and cervical cancer.

Founded in 2023 by CT Murphy (BASc '23, nanotechnology engineering & MASc in progress, chemical engineering), the company aims to empower women by making health care more inclusive and less intimidating.