Fusion Conference

Calling Sustainability & Technology Leaders

We're seeking Panelists, Case Judges, and Wandering Consultants for Fusion 2026.

Connect with top Waterloo students and drive meaningful conversations on innovation, sustainability, and technology.

fusion@uwaterloo.ca

Fusion is an annual conference that brings together the worlds of science, business, and technology under one bold theme.

At Fusion, we believe in more than just great ideas. We’re committed to:

  • Empowering students to sharpen their soft skills
  • Encouraging innovative, outside-the-box thinking
  • Building meaningful connections between students and industry leaders

Fusion 2026 is hosted by the Faculty of Science and the School of Accounting and Finance - an innovative partnership at the University of Waterloo

Cindy Bailey

Check out our 2026 Keynote: Cindey Bailey, MBA

This year’s keynote speaker, Cindey Bailey, will bring insights and strategies for practical environmental sustainability for small businesses, including core areas of focus, key challenges and solutions, customer communication and how to leverage your supply chain partners to meet your decarbonization goals.  

Cindy Bailey is the Vice President of Corporate Sustainability at Purolator. She leads the development of Purolator’s sustainability strategy, advancing policies and standards, managing risks and opportunities, and improving Purolator’s performance, disclosures, and reputation related to the environment, community investment, DEIB, and Health and Wellbeing. Currently, Cindy directs the development of Purolator’s emissions reduction goals and roadmap, which includes electrifying 60% of Purolator’s last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.  

Why Attend Fusion?

Meet industry leaders, gain real-world insights, and grow your network. Fusion connects you with panelists, consultants, and judges who can inspire your career and open doors to future opportunities.

Panelists

Jesse Kancir

Dr. Jesse Kancir, MD

Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, Nova Scotia

Fusion 2025 hosted an engaging panel discussion featuring industry leaders from science, business, and technology. Hear diverse perspectives, explore real-world challenges, and gain valuable insights.

Consultants

Martha Breithaupt

Martha Breithaupt, ICD.D

Partner, BDO

Throughout the day, Fusion’s roaming consultants will be available to guide teams, answer questions, and share expert insights. They’re here to help you sharpen your ideas and bring real-world perspectives into your solutions.

Judges

Simone Harrington

Simone Harrington, MBA

VP Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners

Our judges bring expertise to evaluate your ideas, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate innovative solutions. Their insights not only shape the competition but also give you valuable guidance for your future career.

2026 Conference Themes

Earth

Climate & Sustainability

Discover the solutions driving a more sustainable future.

carbon-footprint

Emerging Technology
Exploring technology's role in a greener world.

sustainable graph

Future of Sustainable Business
Where purpose, profit, and innovation meet.

Student Case Competition

Interdisciplinary teams tackle a real challenge, mentored by industry advisors. Teams synthesize insights across science, business, and technology to propose practical, scalable solutions.

  • Open to all Waterloo students (Science, Health, Arts, Engineering, Mathematics, and Environment)
  • Team formation support and briefing materials provided
  • Prizes awarded

Sample Day-at-a-glance

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM — Registration & Morning Coffee

  • 9:00 – 9:15 AM — Welcome & Opening Remarks

  • 9:15 – 10:00 AM — Keynote Address + Challenge Briefing

  • 10:00 – 11:30 PM — Team Work Session (Breakouts)

  • 11:30 – 12:30 PM — Working Lunch

  • 12:45 – 1:30 PM — Live Pitches

  • 1:45 – 2:15 PM  — Panel 

  • 2:30 – 3:35 PM — Final Presentations

  • 3:45 – 3:50 PM — Judges’ Deliberation

  • 4:00 – 4:30 PM — Awards & Open Networking

Come for the insight. Stay for the impact.

It’s not just about attending,  it’s about leaving with new skills, new connections, and a new way of thinking about the future of health tech.

Date

Saturday November 21, 2026

Time

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
 

Location

United College
190 Westmount Road North Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G5 | University of Waterloo's main campus

Reach out for Questions!

For any questions about Fusion Conference, please reach out to us at fusion@uwaterloo.ca. You may also contact Luke Balch (luke.balch@uwaterloo.ca) for additional support.

Enable JavaScript to view map.