Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Award
  • Engineering
Entrepreneurship Drive innovation in business creation and tech commercialization with research-powered solutions that shape ecosystems and deliver economic and social impact

A Waterloo Engineering research team is helping cancer survivors manage lymphedema with a smartphone-sized, portable compression sleeve that lets patients move freely during therapy.

Dr. Carolyn Ren, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Microfluidic Technologies, leads the Waterloo Microfluidics Laboratory (WML). Her team has engineered a soft-robotic compression sleeve to replace bulky, expensive clinical devices that hinder movement.

A research team of Waterloo Engineering graduate students is working on a range of health-tech applications from cancer diagnostics to wearable medical devices.  

Led by Dr. Carolyn Ren, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering, the Waterloo Microfluidics Lab (WML) develops and supports commercialized research that aims to improve the delivery of health care, including compression therapy for medical and athletic use.

Meet our researchers and discover their areas of expertise

Corporate and Social Entrepreneurship

Combination of business practices and social goals that aim to create positive change while maintaining profitability.


Entrepreneurial Cognition and Decision-Making

Understanding how entrepreneurs think, interpret information, and make choices when pursuing opportunities.


Entrepreneurial Organizations

Businesses that emphasize innovation, flexibility, and proactive pursuit of opportunities.


Entrepreneurial Strategy

Approach focusing on recognizing and leveraging opportunities for competitive advantage and growth.


Entrepreneurship Policy

Government actions and programs supporting entrepreneurship.

​​​​​​Family-Owned Organizations

Businesses owned and managed by family members.


Geopolitical Disruption, AI, and Entrepreneurship

Explores how geopolitical disruption and advancing AI technologies interact to reshape entrepreneurial strategies, opportunities, risks, and innovative business ecosystems.


Innovation and Strategic Renewal within Existing Organizations

Improving or reinventing strategies, products, or operations.


New Venture Creation

Establishing a new business from idea to market entry.


Organizational Management and Leadership

Guiding, motivating, and coordinating people to achieve business goals.

Learn more about Entrepreneurship research